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If the liquid effluent cannot soak into the soil surrounding
the leach field, sewage may back up into the system and overflow
into the house or puddle on the surface of the ground. There are
several possible causes for this problem.
- Poor Soil Conditions;
Faulty Design or Installation of Septic Systems
A leaching system placed in unsuitable soil, a system that is
too small for the house it serves, or an improperly
constructed system may lead to early failure.
- Physical Damage
Trucks or heavy equipment passing over the system can
damage pipes and joints to the point of rendering the system
inoperable. You should be aware of the location of the system
and direct traffic to avoid such damage.
- Soil Clogging
If sludge or scum is allowed to escape into the
distribution box and from there into the leach field, the soil
will quickly become clogged. If this happens, the liquid will
no longer soak, or percolate, into the soil. This condition
can be caused by broken baffles in the septic tank that allow
sludge or scum to escape. Failure to have the tank pumped can
also lead to a situation where the sludge and scum overwhelm
the baffles.
- High Water Table
During wet, or abnormally wet, seasons groundwater may
rise into the leach field and force sewage upward to the
ground surface. This condition may mean the system has to be
re-installed at a higher level. It may also be possible to
intercept the high groundwater with a series of drains around
the system called "curtain drains".
- Roots and Clogging
The roots of trees and bushes planted too close to the
system can sometimes enter and block the pipes of the system.
Removal of the plants and clearing the pipes of the roots is
usually required.
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fax (425) 432-4461