Causes for Septic Tank Backups & Clogs: Prevention & Resolution

At the bottom of your septic tank, solid waste and greases accumulate into a layer of sludge when left untreated over time. If not addressed, this  or sludge builds up to a point that it blocks septic pipes, or it finds its way into the drain field, causing clogs and backups.

The introduction of non-biodegradable materials, like wipes, sanitary napkins, feminine products, or certain toilet papers will lead to blockages. Pouring greases, fats, or oils down the drain is also a common cause of clogs because they solidify over time.

There are also external factors that can cause problems, like tree roots growing into septic pipes, or internal factors, like using harsh chemicals that kill off bacteria that are critical to the system’s performance.

Stay aware of the waste you introduce into your septic system. Human waste and septic-safe toilet paper are the only things that should be flushed down the toilet. When non-biodegradable materials are flushed down the drain, they won’t be broken down by the bacteria in the system, so they’ll just continue piling up on the bottom of your septic tank until they are pumped out.

The problem with harsh chemicals and even soaps going down the drain is that most of them are anti-bacterial and they kill more than just the bacteria on surfaces you’re cleaning or on your hands. If you use antibacterial soap for example, when you rinse it down the drain it also kills the good bacteria inside your septic tank that’s responsible for breaking down organic waste. Limiting your use of harsh chemicals and making sure you’re not unnecessarily dumping these products down the drain protects the beneficial bacteria in the septic tank.

While this is a worthy goal, it is nearly impossible to keep all harmful chemicals and anti-bacterial agents out of your septic tank. If your septic system’s biology is weakened or dead, solids will build up and clog your system. That’s why it’s critical to use a septic maintenance product that can restore and enhance your system’s biology, ensuring your septic system is operating as designed.

Excessive water will flood a septic system, preventing proper waste treatment. Adopting water-saving habits, fixing leaks promptly, and opting for water-efficient appliances will keep the amount of water going into your tank manageable for the system, so treatment continues in a timely and effective manner.

Your drain field is a very important component of the septic system. Keep it protected from heavy vehicles driving over it and avoid planting deep-rooted trees nearby. Instead, allow only grass to grow over it as this provides natural filtration. If trees or aggressively rooted shrubs are planted near your septic system, the roots will seek out moisture, which your system has a lot of. If the roots grow into your system, they’ll collapse pipes or cause other damage to the tank and drain field, leading to clogs and backups. Use of an effective biological septic system maintenance product can help keep your drain field clear of debris and biomat that can develop over time and clog up the system.

Using effective and proven septic system treatment solutions regularly will reintroduce biological additives into your system that break down and digest waste efficiently so it doesn’t pile up and create problems. The right septic system treatment will reintroduce beneficial bacteria and enzymes engineered to break down solid waste and boost water absorption. A good biological septic treatment will effectively reduce solids and sludge, saving you from backups and clogs while ensuring a cleaner, more efficient system.