Water in Septic Tank? Unclog Your Drainage Before It's Too Late

A septic tank is an underground treatment system commonly used in rural areas without access to public sewer systems. Septic tanks use a natural process to treat and dispose of household wastewater. When operating properly, wastewater flows from your home to the septic tank where heavy solids settle out. The clarified effluent then drains from the tank to the drainage field for further treatment and absorption into the soil.

If you notice your drains are slow or see standing water around the septic tank, your system may be backed up and filled with water. It is crucial to unclog the drainage before serious plumbing and septic issues occur.

Reasons Your Septic Tank May Fill with Water and Not Drain

Infiltration of Groundwater

During periods of heavy rainfall, the soil surrounding your septic drainage field becomes saturated. If the ground is porous or your tank lacks a water-tight seal, this excess groundwater can infiltrate into your septic tank. Constant water seepage from the soil can eventually cause the tank to reach capacity and overflow.

To prevent groundwater from infiltrating your septic system, make sure your tank is sealed and waterproof. Installing a rainwater diversion system can also help keep excess stormwater from pooling around the drainage field. Limiting outdoor water use after heavy rainfalls allows the soil to dry out faster.

Lack of Maintenance

When solid waste and sludge are allowed to accumulate in the septic tank, less space remains for wastewater drainage. Over time, the unpumped solid layers form thick sludge that clogs inlet and outlet pipes. Even partially blocked pipes prevent swift wastewater drainage from the house plumbing system.

To maintain optimal performance, septic tanks should be inspected annually and pumped every 3-5 years. Routine cleanings remove built-up solids before they can amass and cause clogged drains. A qualified septic contractor can assess tank sludge and scum levels and recommend a suitable pumping frequency.

Overuse of Water

Using more water than your septic system was designed to handle can easily overwhelm the system. Large volumes of wastewater entering the tank at once fill the space faster than effluent can drain out. This imbalance results in wastewater backup and potential sewage overflows.

Try to limit water usage during peak times when household demand is high or when heavy rains are expected. Repair any leaky faucets or toilets allowing excess water into the system. Upgrade to a larger septic tank if increased occupancy is exceeding capacity.

Tree Roots

Trees and shrubs placed too close to the septic tank or drainage field can cause major clogging issues. As moisture-seeking roots follow the path of least resistance, they may penetrate and obstruct inlet/outlet pipes. Inside the tank, thick root masses prevent wastewater from flowing out.

Avoid planting trees within about 10 feet of your septic system. For existing landscape trees, trimming the roots around the tank perimeter or installing a root barrier can help block root intrusion. Removing problem trees is the only permanent solution to prevent invasive root damage.

Signs Your Septic Tank is Not Draining Properly

The most obvious indicators of septic drainage problems include:

• Slow flushing toilets or sluggish sinks and drains
• Gurgling sounds coming from plumbing fixtures
• Foul sewage odors around the house or yard
• Wet areas or standing water around the septic tank or drainage field
• Plumbing system backups and overflows

Even slow drains signify your septic system is starting to clog and should be inspected immediately before a total blockage occurs.

Dangers of Drainage Issues

Letting a filled or flooded septic tank go unattended can create serious hazards:

• Raw sewage overflows expose your family to bacteria, viruses, and parasites
• Contaminated wastewater can pollute nearby groundwater or wells
• Flooded septic systems damage your home's structure and foundation
• Neglected septic failures require costly repairs including full system replacement

Promptly addressing any septic drainage problems minimizes health risks and prevents minor issues from becoming expensive emergency fixes.

Emergency Steps if Septic Tank is Overflowing

If you confirm wastewater is overflowing from the septic tank inspection pipes or ground surface, take immediate action to mitigate risks:

• Halt all water usage to avoid overloading the failed system further
• Call a septic provider to pump out the tank for temporary relief until repairs can be made
• Create a dam or sandbag berm to block sewage from spreading across your property
• Disinfect any contaminated areas thoroughly with bleach to kill disease-causing pathogens

Making even minor upgrades like installing risers can also provide faster notification of overflows than waiting until effluent surfaces.

How to Unclog a Slow Draining Septic System

Regular Pumping

Arguably the best way to unclog a sluggish septic system is by pumping the tank regularly before drain screens become totally blocked. Professionals use high-power vacuum pumps to remove settled sludge, greases, and scum.

Without this routine maintenance every 3-5 years, floating scum layers can crush draining effluent downward, greatly reducing liquid outflow. Schedule cleanings well in advance to prevent clogging issues.

Drain Cleaning

For small household drains tied to the septic system, use a septic-safe commercial drain cleaner monthly to break up minor blockages. Remove drain screens first and follow product instructions carefully to avoid tank contamination.

Inserting a motorized sewer auger down clogged sink, shower, or floor drains can also break up stuck-on greases and debris blocking wastewater flow into the inlet pipe.

Jetting/Power Washing

When drain blockages persist inside the inlet/outlet pipes beyond the tank, high-pressure water jetting can bore through the most stubborn obstructions. Professionals snake a special hose down the pipes and blast powerful water jets to scour the walls and dislodge stuck waste.

In some cases, drainfield lines become clogged with roots or sediment over time. Jet flushing can help reopen the soil interfaces surrounding the buried piping.

When to Call a Professional

While some minor drain clogs can be cleared with DIY methods, it's best to call a septic pro for the following scenarios:

• If standard plunger or drain snake attempts fail
• For suspected inlet/outlet pipe or drainfield line blockages
• If sewage is backing up into the house
• In the event of a septic tank overflow or failure
• To accurately assess system issues and ensure the tank is structurally sound

Only experienced contractors have the tools and expertise to fully unclog blocked septic infrastructure, diagnose underlying problems, and make repairs as needed.

Left ignored, a septic tank filled with water and unable to drain leads to messy and hazardous sewage spills. By understanding the root causes of drainage issues, you can take steps to unclog blockages before major damage occurs.

Performing regular septic tank pumping and maintenance provides the best prevention against clogged drains. But if your system shows signs of backups or flooding, take prompt action. Unclogging a slow draining septic system quickly eliminates health risks while minimizing repair costs.