What Is the Most Common Cause of Septic System Failure in Willoughby, Ohio Homes?

Though many households in Ohio use municipal sewer systems for their plumbing, others rely on septic systems. Unfortunately, it's easy to overlook septic problems until they become too obvious to ignore, potentially leading to inconvenient, hazardous messes. So, what is the most common cause of septic system failure?

When septic tank problems arise, you'll need a skilled plumber in Willoughby, Ohio, to remedy them. We at Formica Plumbing & Sewer Co. have ample experience dealing with every septic system problem with Willoughby properties. Here, we explain common reasons for septic failure and how to recognize them before it's too late.

A Common Misconception About Septic System Failure in Willoughby

People often assume that a lack of maintenance is the main reason septic systems fail. While routine maintenance, which includes tank pumping, cleaning, and inspection, is necessary, It's not the main cause of septic problems for households in Willoughby.

Why Willoughby Septic Systems Fail

What is the most common cause of septic system failure? Biomaterials or the various bacteria that break down organic waste within the drain field are responsible for many septic problems. Biomat is what prevents harmful pathogens in the wastewater that exits the septic tank to the drain field from causing illness or polluting the environment. 

Every septic tank needs a specific level of biomat to keep it functional and safe. You introduce new bacteria to your septic system whenever you flush something down the drain. Unfortunately, having too much or too little bacteria can be disastrous. 

Here are other causes for septic system failure. 

Inconsistent Septic Tank Pumping Schedule

One of the best things you can do to preserve the integrity and functionality of your septic system is to ensure you pump the tank regularly. Completely filling the tank isn't advisable because it becomes too hard for the system to break down waste and pump the wastewater into the drain field. An overfilled tank will result in plumbing issues inside your home, such as slow drainage and a sewage backup. 

How often you need to pump your septic tank depends on several factors; it's not the same for every Willoughby household. The average timeline is every three to five years, but you might need to schedule the service more or less often if you have a larger or smaller household, which affects the frequency at which your plumbing is in use.

Failing Drain Field

The drain field is where the wastewater from a septic tank goes. As the water seeps into the surrounding soil, its particles filter out contaminants and pollutants. By the time the septic water reaches groundwater, it's properly cleaned.

Unfortunately, drain field failure can occur for multiple reasons, such as:

• Flooding
• Septic tank damage
• Physical damage due to tree roots and vehicles
• Using too much water on the property

Drain fields only work if the soil isn't experiencing oversaturation and can properly absorb wastewater from the septic tank. There must also be enough space in the earth to filter contaminants, which is why soil compaction from heavy vehicles or excessive foot traffic on the drain field isn't good. Soil oversaturation and compaction will prevent the drain field from doing its job correctly. Keep reading to learn more about what is the most common cause of septic system failure.

Improper Installation

Sometimes, problems with septic systems in Willoughby stem from their original installations. In previous years, it was common to install septic tanks and pipes in areas with poor soil conditions that prohibit effective draining. In other cases, tanks would be in a seemingly good area but eventually get too close to groundwater due to shifting landscapes. 

Poor placement of distribution boxes, the containers that capture wastewater for distribution into the drain field, and incorrect drain field pitching can also cause problems with the septic system's performance. A qualified plumbing contractor may uncover the need for a new installation after inspecting the septic system and the drain field. 

Broken Pumps

Depending on the type of septic system your home uses, it might use a pump to transport wastewater from the tank to the drain field instead of relying on gravity. As with other plumbing equipment, septic pumps can break down due to wear and tear.

The equipment can also develop clogs from debris that prevent it from transporting wastewater. When that happens, the entire system stops working, often resulting in harmful sewage materials backing up into toilets, sinks, and bathtubs. If the waste from your home can't reach the drain field, it will either flow back into your house or seep into the soil around the tank and cause environmental pollution. 

Improper Disposal of Willoughby Household Materials

The materials you flush down your drains have a major impact on your septic system's performance. Only septic-safe toilet paper and human waste are allowed in these systems because biomat can break them down. Avoid flushing these items to prevent septic clogs:

• Diapers
• Paper towels
• Flushable wipes
• Cotton products
• Feminine hygiene products

Warning Signs of Septic System Failure

Knowing the answer to "What is the most common cause of septic system failure?" isn't enough to protect your property in Willoughby from the frustrations and damage a failing septic system can cause. You also need to know how to recognize the symptoms of a septic system in trouble, which include the warning signs below:

• A sewer-like smell around drains, the septic tank, or drain field
• Slow drainage in sinks, tubs, and showers
• Spongy spots in your yard without a known source, like rain
• Sewage backup into your Willoughby home
• Unusually bright green grass around the septic system

Get the Help You Need for Septic System Failure From Willoughby's Expert Plumbers

Now that you know the answer to "What is the most common cause of septic system failure?" don't hesitate to contact our Formica Plumbing and Sewer Co. professionals. Our long-standing, trusted company has decades of experience providing reliable plumbing solutions and stress-free customer experiences. 

Our plumbers specialize in residential and commercial plumbing and septic services throughout Willoughby, Ohio. Call 440-557-4743 for an appointment or help with plumbing emergencies.