What to Do If Your Septic Tank Is Overflowing

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), about 20% of homes in the United States have septic systems. The role of a septic system is to treat and recycle wastewater from toilets, showers, sinks, and washing machines.

If you do not properly maintain your septic system, it can fail. An overflowing septic tank is one of the most common signs that your septic system is not working properly. If you notice septic tank overflow, here are a few things you can do to fix the problem.

Stop Using Water in the House

An overflow is usually caused by too much water entering the septic tank. If you continue to use water in the house, it will only make the problem worse.

So, the first thing you need to do is stop using all the water in your house. This includes turning off the water to your toilets, showers, sinks, and washing machines. You can turn off the entire house water supply by shutting off the main water valve.

Identify the Source of the Problem

Identifying the source of the problem is key to fixing it. The most common causes of septic tank overflows are:

• Excessive usage of water in the house. If you use too much water for prolonged periods of time, it can overload the septic tank.
• Heavy downpour of rainwater. If you’ve had a lot of rain, the leach field may saturate and be unable to filter all the water from the septic tank.
• Clogs in the system. When water has nowhere to go, it will start to back up. A backup can happen due to a clog in the septic tank, leach field, or pipes leading to the septic system.
• Inadequate bacteria to break down waste. Anaerobic bacteria are necessary for septic systems to break down waste. If your septic system doesn’t have enough bacteria, the system will start to back up.
• Overdue pumping. You need to pump your septic tanks every three to five years to remove the sludge and scum that build up over time. If it's been longer than five years, your septic tank is likely overdue for pumping.

Depending on the cause of the overflow, you may be able to fix the problem yourself. If the problem is a clog, you can try to clear it with a plunger or snake. If the problem is due to excessive water usage, you'll need to cut back on your usage and give the system time to recover.

However, if the problem is overdue pumping, you'll need to contact a septic tank professional. Pumping the septic tank is a job for someone with experience.

Maintain Your Septic System

Once you've fixed the immediate problem, take steps to prevent future septic tank overflows. The best way to do this is to maintain your septic system. Here are a few tips for maintaining your septic system:

• Pump your septic tank every three to five years.
• Don't flush anything other than human waste and toilet paper down the toilet.
• Don't pour grease, oil, or chemicals down the drain.
• Keep trees and shrubs away from the septic tank.
• Use water-efficient fixtures and appliances.
• Spread out your laundry loads throughout the week.
• Install a septic tank alarm to notify you of any problems.

By following these tips, you can help keep your septic system working properly and avoid septic tank overflows.

Hire the Pros

If your septic tank is overflowing, take action immediately. When you engage the services of professionals and take steps to maintain your septic system, you can avoid future overflows.

If you're in need of septic tank services in Lancaster, California, JT Sanitation is here to help. We offer a variety of septic tank services, including pumping, cleaning, and maintenance. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.