The main function of a septic system is to process the wastewater from homes. Although septic systems are designed to last for a long period of time, they can suffer from a breakdown or failure especially when they’re not taken care of as well as they should be. In addition to a total system failure there are other common problems that may assail a septic system.

At SewerMan of Reseda, CA we can accurately diagnose and repair septic system problems as well as determine the best preventive maintenance schedule to keep your septic system in good working order.

For Septic System Maintenance in Reseda, CA Call (855) 774-2121

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Common Septic System Problems

Common problems of a septic system can be classified into two major groups; Mechanical malfunction and bacterial digestion issues inside the septic tank.

Mechanical Malfunction

Leaking, clogged, corroded or collapsed underground pipes – Wastewater from the house is carried to the septic tank via underground pipes. These pipes can suffer leaks or breaks that can be caused by corrosion or rust, age, cracks or perforation Clogged or blocked pipes can be caused by grease build up, foreign objects that get flushed down the toilet such as a child’s toy, sanitary napkin, disposable diapers or an accumulation of toilet papers, paper napkins and the like. The underground pipe from the septic tank to the leach field can also be clogged by tree root incursion and could collapse if over run by a vehicle. All these could cause slow draining of sinks, toilets or bathroom drains, backflow or flooding that is not only messy but can also be hazardous to the health.

Leach field failure – A leach field failure occurs when the leach field is not successful in leaching out the volume of wastewater released to it quick enough. This causes backflows or backups. There are many factors that contribute to septic system failure and there are as many types of backflows or backups resulting from a system failure. When a leach field fails and is not able to totally absorb the flow of effluent sent to it, the liquid effluent will flow back to the other parts of the system. It may backup into the septic tank and even leach out of the system onto the top soil that covers it causing a ponding or pooling of water over the area. The backup can travel all the way to the house and can cause flooding in the basement, the bathrooms, laundry room and even the kitchen. Leach field failure can also cause a foul sewage odor to permeate around the grounds and even the house.

Bacterial Digestion Issues

Insufficient anaerobic digestion within the septic tank can cause the septic tank to overflow, sewage pooling over the leach field and the generation of sewage odor in the yard and even inside the home. This can also cause backflows or backups.

If you are having septic system problems it is important to get them diagnosed and treated correctly and quickly. At SewerMan of Reseda, CA our trained technicians and plumbers will diagnose your system quickly and recommend a course of action to take care of the problem right away.