What causes a Septic Tank to Flood?
Septic system will consist of a Septic Tank, Drainfield and Various Piping.
Weather can be a cause of flooding. Heavy rainfall can affect the drainfield and soil near and around it. The drainfield’s main job is to provide a space for the effluent to filter through the soil. This process already lightly saturates the ground above and around the drainfield. During heavy rain, the soil meant for wastewater becomes heavily saturated with rainwater.
Signs Your Septic Tank May Be Near to Flooding?
- Settling. If you’ve had your septic tank for longer than a year and the ground around it is sinking, you may have a problem! Settling is a common occurrence immediately after the installation of a septic system. However, if it happens years after installation and there’s been heavy rain, you likely have a flooded septic tank.
- Soggy soil. If it has been a few days since the last rain and the ground is still saturated, you have a flooded septic tank. Soggy soil is a sign your drainfield is water-logged and can no longer filter effluent as it should.
- Standing water. If a small pond has formed above your septic tank and won’t dissipate, this is a sign of a flooded system.
- A foul odor. If the ground around your septic system stinks, this is a sign that your septic system is backed up. After a storm or flood, a bad smell indicates the septic system can no longer filter wastewater as it should.
- Sewage backing up in your drains. If sewage is backing up into your drains after use, your septic tank is probably flooded. A septic system that is working properly should have enough space in the tank for wastewater to enter. After a flood, the drainfield cannot function properly, meaning the tank can’t either.
You Will Need Someone To Pump Your Septic Pump!
Septic Pumping SA will come out and diagnose the problem with your septic pump. (eg if not heavy rain it might be clogs). If caused by heavy rainfall pumping the septic tank will get rid of additional water from a flood.
How Much Does a Septic Tank Cost?
The average cost is between $240 - $300 for a septic tank and between $400 - $500 for an aerobic tank. This price will also vary due to:-
- Your location
- Size of your water treatment plant or septic tank that requires cleaning
- Waste water treatment plants are usually more expensive. Expertise and experience is necessary as inexperienced operators can damage modern systems and cause very costly damage.
- Urgency and time frame Eg: Late Sunday afternoon or evening
