What Are the Potential Causes of a Septic Backup?

Tree Roots

Trees can make your home beautiful. However, for these trees to continue growing and look healthy at all times, they need a constant water supply. 

The main source of water supply for your tree is the root system. These roots can detect water from far distances and can go to tremendous lengths to penetrate through all barriers. If the tree root detects even the tiniest gap in a drainage pipe, it will push a hair-thin root into that crack and start sucking up the water.

When the root enters the pipe, two things will happen. First, the tiny root will start multiplying to increase the amount of water absorption. At the same time, the root that entered the pipe first will continue strengthening. This root may develop tremendous strength, and it can burst your pipe eventually, causing severe complications.

Once you notice this issue, call a professional. Most professionals use strong water jetting equipment or mechanical auguring tools to treat minor root infestations. To prevent re-infestation, these professionals will treat the roots with a root killing chemical.



These experts will also help you install a new pipe while taking care of the joints. This step is necessary since even a tiny crack will cause a repeat of the same issue after some time.

Overfull Tank 

Your septic system uses anaerobic bacteria to break down solid matter into sludge. This anaerobic process helps lower the amount of solid matter in the septic tank, and the sludge settles at the bottom of the tank. As this sludge layer accumulates, the space for new waste reduces.

When a lot of sludge is in your septic tank, you are likely to experience a septic backup. At first, you may experience this issue on days when the amount of water consumption in your house is high. However, when the sludge goes beyond a certain level, you will experience backups even on days when you use less water.

To prevent this issue, pump your septic tank regularly. According to most experts, septic tank pumping should happen every three to five years. However, the frequency with which you pump your septic depends on many factors, including:

• Size of the tank
• Number of people in your house
• Amount of solid content in the wastewater stream

If you don't want to forget to pump your septic tank, keep a proper record of the last pumping activity and check it regularly. However, if you forgot to keep a record, contact your septic services company for a professional evaluation.

Chemical Exposure 

As previously stated, your septic tank depends on anaerobic bacteria to decompose waste products into sludge. 



Although these bacteria are tough enough to thrive in a dark, oxygen-depleted environment, they are vulnerable to a range of household chemicals in large amounts. Examples of such chemicals include disinfectants, bleach, and water softeners.

When the bacteria in the septic tank die, decomposition takes place slowly. If the solid waste accumulates to a certain level, backups are more likely to occur.

To maintain the health of your septic tank, avoid flushing large amounts of chemicals down your drainage system.

Dealing with septic tank issues like septic tank backup can be frustrating. However, you can prevent these issues through regular maintenance. For septic tank pumping, contact AAA Pumping Service Inc.