A full septic tank is a serious problem that requires urgent action. A clogged or backed-up septic tank is detrimental to the health of your home and surrounding soil. Untreated sewage that is not properly removed from the tank could pose serious health risks to you and your family, especially if you have young children or live in an area where there is little access to clean water. Additionally, back-ups can cause extensive property damage and pose a serious health hazard. If you notice that your septic tank is full of water and is not draining properly, it’s important to hire a licensed professional contractor as soon as possible. Here are some common causes of a full septic tank: - Human error – If you don’t follow the recommended septic system maintenance schedule, a clogged tank is likely to happen. However, if you are unsure of how to maintain the system properly, it is best to contact a contractor to assist you. - Animal infestation – Rats and other rodents often burrow in the tank and create blockages. This is especially problematic if you have young children at home since animals often feed on human waste. - Competing uses – If you have a garden or another type of heavy-duty use near the tank, the soil could potentially be displaced too quickly for the tank to process it. This can also happen if the soil around the tank is not sufficiently compacted or if the soil is especially wet on the surface. - Sediment build-up – Over time, soil particles can accumulate in your tank and block the flow of sewage. This is especially true if you have trees in the area that fall on the tank or if you discharge grey or black water into the tank. - Muddy mess – If your septic system is located in a low-lying area, the tank may be subject to flooding during heavy rains. This could cause the tank to back up and cause serious damage to your home. How to Fix a Full Septic Tank (And Stay Ahead of This Issue in the Future) Unfortunately, there are no quick fixes or tricks to get your septic tank drained quickly. However, there are several steps you can take to increase your chances of avoiding this problem in the future.- Keep the tank pumped out and clean – You should have a professional come out every two to three months to clean out the tank and remove any excess waste materials that could potentially cause a clog.- Manage the soil surrounding the tank – If you have a garden or other heavy-duty use nearby, you can use soil additives to increase the soil’s ability to absorb excess water. Doing so will help prevent soil from being displaced too quickly and causing a blockage.- Stay on top of your tank inspection – A regular septic tank inspection is crucial to maintaining your system in good shape. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, it’s important to contact a contractor as soon as possible.

First, check if the toilet is leaking.

A backed-up toilet is a common cause of a full septic tank. If the toilet isn’t functioning properly, the tank may fill up too quickly with sewage and the contents won’t have a chance to drain out. This can cause the tank to fill up with water and become completely full. You can also check the toilet for any signs of leakage. Sometimes, pipes will break and back-up into the toilet, causing it to overflow and back up into the tank. This can be a difficult process to repair, so it’s best to hire a contractor if this is the case.

Check the toilet for blockages.

If the toilet is leaking, it could also be clogged. In this scenario, the waste materials aren’t being discharged from the toilet and are instead being pumped into the septic tank. If you have a clogged toilet, you can try using a plunger or chemical toilet cleaner to try and unclog the toilet. However, this won’t help with a clogged septic tank. If the toilet is still malfunctioning, it might be time to call a plumber or contractor who can determine if there is an issue with the septic tank.

Check the toilet for leaks.

If the toilet is clogged, you may be able to clear the toilet with a plunger or chemical toilet cleaner. However, if the toilet is leaking, you’ll need to repair the toilet and the surrounding piping. This can be a difficult process that should only be attempted by a professional contractor.

Investigate the soil surrounding the tank.

If the soil surrounding your tank is very wet and contains a lot of sand, it could be causing the tank to back up. You can try adding soil conditioner and compost to the soil to help dry out the soil and reduce its water content. If you have a lot of weeds or shrubs growing near the tank, you can use a shovel to manually remove the vegetation and debris. You should also be careful not to dump excess materials (scrap metal, construction materials, etc) into the tank as these could potentially clog the system.

Check for competing uses near the tank.

If your yard or outdoor space is located very close to the tank, you may have a problem with competing uses. This is especially true if you have a swimming pool or a hot tub. If you have a swimming pool, you can try installing an aerobic treatment unit to help break down the waste materials before they get to the tank. This will help reduce the amount of water entering the tank and help prevent a clog.

Conclusion

A full septic tank is a serious problem that requires urgent action. Unfortunately, there are no quick fixes or tricks to get your septic tank drained quickly. However, there are several steps you can take to increase your chances of avoiding this problem in the future.- Keep the tank pumped out and clean - You should have a professional come out every two to three months to clean out the tank and remove any excess waste materials that could potentially cause a clog.- Manage the soil surrounding the tank - If you have a garden or other heavy-duty use nearby, you can use soil additives to increase the soil’s ability to absorb excess water. Doing so will help prevent soil from being displaced too quickly and causing a blockage.- Stay on top of your tank inspection - A regular septic tank inspection is crucial to maintaining your system in good shape. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, it’s important to contact a contractor as soon as possible.