Georgia homeowners can save thousands of dollars by understanding the warning signs and causes of a septic system backup. Close to 40 percent of Georgia homes rely on septic tanks, especially in rural areas where city sewer connections are not available. In Georgia, aspects like the climate and ground soil types can lead to these septic systems backing up, but recognizing these issues early on is important to prevent a home disaster. Below, read Ricky Heath’s informative guidebook on septic tank systems, causes of septic backup, and what to do in the event of one.
What Is a Septic System Backup?
A septic tank backing up occurs when wastewater does not flow properly through your sewer and drain field. This causes sewage to backup through the lowest drains in your home, like the basement, laundry or first-floor bathrooms. Septic system backups occur when there are changes in the system or surrounding area by natural occurrences, like an influx of rainwater or human misuse.
Sewage backup poses a serious health hazard that requires immediate attention. Raw sewage brings bacteria, like E. coli, parasites, and viruses, which can be life-threatening.
Common Causes of Septic Tank Backup Problems in Georgia
Georgia's climate and geology create several unique challenges for septic system owners. Understanding these regional factors can help you prevent problems before they start. Below are some common reasons for septic tank backup problems:
- Heavy rainfall: This is the first culprit behind septic backups in Georgia. The state receives an average of 50 inches of rain annually, forcing wastewater back through the system and potentially into your home.
- Georgia red clay soil: Clay soils have poor drainage characteristics that degrade over time. Many older homes in Georgia are built on clay soil with septic systems designed before current soil percolation requirements, making them more at risk of backup problems.
- Tank overflow from lack of maintenance: Georgia homeowners should have their septic tank professionally pumped every three to five years.
- Tree roots: Roots naturally seek water sources and break through septic tank lids and drain field pipes. Once roots are in the system, they can cause significant blockages and cause backups.
- Thoughtless flushing: Don’t treat your toilet like a garbage disposal. Materials like dental floss and non-flushable wipes won’t break down in septic tanks and can create blockages.
While not as common, household cleaners, antibacterial soaps, bleach, and other harsh chemicals can disrupt the biological processes that break down waste, leading to system failure.
Signs of a Septic Backup
By recognizing the early warning signs of a septic backup, you avoid a full backup situation. These symptoms often develop gradually, giving you time to address issues before they become emergencies.
The list of telltale signs is as follows:
- Slow-draining fixtures: If multiple sinks, tubs, or showers drain slowly at the same time, the problem may be your septic system rather than individual drain clogs. This is especially concerning when the slow draining affects fixtures on different floors and areas of your home.
- Gurgling sounds: These sounds from drains, toilets, or plumbing fixtures suggest that air is trapped in your septic system, meaning wastewater cannot flow freely through the system.
- Septic alarm goes off: Some systems have a septic alarm to indicate the tank is getting too full or if the water level is reaching a level that may damage other components of your system.
- Sewage odors: If you smell unpleasant sewer odors around your home or yard, this indicates that wastewater is not being processed properly. These odors are not just unpleasant, but could also mean potential health hazards.
- Water backup: If you notice water backup in floor drains, sinks, or the lowest bathrooms in your home, sewage backup may soon follow.
- Healthy grass around the drain field: This might seem like a good thing, but it actually means your sewage system is not functioning properly. When septic runoff reaches the ground surface, it acts as fertilizer, creating patches of extremely healthy grass.
- Wet spots around the septic tank and yard: This water suggests the system is failing or overflowing. This water can also contain harmful bacteria.
While some of these could be caused by a number of other septic and plumbing issues, you should also be familiar with the signs your septic tank needs pumping. Whether it's a simple clog or a full system, never try to fix a septic backup yourself. Without the proper training, tools, and expertise, homeowners and business owners can damage the piping and make the issue much worse. Contact a professional like Ricky Heath. We specialize in home and commercial septic tank plumbing.
What to Do If Your Septic Tank Is Backing Up
When you discover signs of septic backup, be sure you spring into action to minimize the damage and health risks. Follow this list of tips:
- Stop water usage: Immediately stop using water throughout your home. This means no flushing toilets, running washing machines, taking showers, or using sinks. Each gallon of water you put into the system will worsen the backup.
- Contact a licensed septic professional: Call Ricky Heath right away. Our plumbers in Georgia are licensed through the Department of Public Health, and we offer emergency septic services.
- Avoid contact with backed-up sewage: Quarantine the area until a professional plumber arrives. If sewage has entered your living areas, keep everyone out of the contaminated areas. If you need to enter the area, wear protective clothing like rubber boots, gloves, and eye protection.
- Take photos of the damage: This is mostly for insurance purposes. Some homeowner's insurance policies in Georgia cover septic backups, but coverage varies significantly between policies.
- Disinfect the area: After the problem is fixed by a professional, use appropriate disinfectants and consider hiring professional remediation services for extensive contamination.
Ricky Heath has septic services in all areas of Georgia, including Bonaire and Warner Robins.
Contact Ricky Heath for all Septic Services
Septic tank backup is one of the most serious maintenance issues Georgia homeowners can face. The state's heavy rainfall, clay soils, and mature vegetation create unique challenges that require proactive management and regular maintenance. While understanding the warning signs allows you to address problems, Ricky Heath is ready for all septic tank issues and emergencies. Call us today to protect your family's health and your home for years to come.
