When a septic tank is installed, it’s expected to function or operate n a certain way. Any deviation from the norm is a clear sign that requires an urgent response. The response in this case will seek to fix the problem or issue.
This article will be looking at one of such situations; septic tank water flooding yard.
Septic Tank Water Pooling In Yard
The wastewater is held by the septic tank should stay within the tank.
The only provision for such water leaving the tank will be to the drain field. The drain field completes the treatment process as it filters and absorbs effluent to enable it safely rejoin groundwater.
As a clear signal of trouble, septic tank water pooling in the yard needs to be investigated and addressed in the best possible way. So, how can this problem be resolved?
Everything you need to know about this situation will be provided right here. Read on to learn more!
About Septic Tank Overflow into Yard
By its design, a septic system is expected to hold and treat wastewater before filtering the same in the drain field.
A scenario where wastewater collects or pools around your yard is unacceptable and must be remedied as fast as possible.
Now, such pooling water is only the symptom of the problem. You’ll need to look beyond such pooling water to the cause of the problem. Now, pinpointing the problem isn’t so automatic.
In other words, there are many possible reasons why septic tank water will pool around your yard.
Here, we’ll be listing several possible causes why you’re experiencing pooling water. The further probe should reveal or unmask the real problem. Locating the problem is where it all begins.
Necessary action is taken to address such issues. Are you ready? Let’s go!
Does Pooling Water In Yard After A Rainfall Count?
After heavy rainfall, it is normal to find pooling water around your yard. However, this doesn’t take long to get absorbed. Plus, such water is more likely to have been a result of the rain.
However, when pooling water remains long after the rains have ended, it could be further proof of something else.
So, what is that thing exactly? There’s no way of knowing until further investigations are made. There are several possible causes of water pooling in the yard.
These include a full septic tank, flooded drain field, leaky pipes, and poor drainage. Let’s take a look at each of these possible causes.
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Full Septic Tank
When a septic tank gets full, the pressure results in leaks. This means the escape of excess effluent or wastewater to the drain field. This situation may result in pooling water across certain areas of your yard.
When this happens, the further probe will detect foul-smelling odors pointing to the possibility of a full tank. Having established the problem, it will be necessary to call for professional inspection and pumping of your septic tank.
An inspection is necessary to help monitor the sludge levels in your septic tank in addition to any possible faults that may exist. This procedure is key to determine whether a septic tank needs to be pumped or cleaned. So what’s the difference?
Cleaning a septic tank is only necessary when the sludge levels become too high, thus taking up a significant volume of your tank. It needs to be cleared to make way for incoming wastewater.
Septic tank pumping on the other hand involves the removal of liquid and floating solids.
Pumping isn’t as thorough as cleaning a septic tank. It’s best for septic tanks with low sludge levels. So, your full septic tank will need to be inspected for sludge levels before pumping or cleaning is carried out.
It’s best to use a reputable septic service for the best results.
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Flooded Drain Field
Flooded drain fields result from heavy rains or storms. With too much water comes saturation.
Here, your drain field isn’t able to absorb water. This is the classic case of a flooded drain field. What happens next is a situation where pooling water appears around your yard.
In the case of a flooded drain field due to heavy rainfall, there’s little you can do to resolve the problem.
Thankfully, heavy rains don’t happen too often and your drain field should resume normal functioning when the rain ceases.
It’s still important to inspect your drain field, especially after a heavy storm. Sometimes, heavy rains cause problems. Some of these problems remain long after the rains have ended.
It will serve your best interest to have your drain field inspected by a professional.
When there’s a serious issue that will affect its continued use, consider constructing a new drain field. This should be installed while the old one still functions no matter how weak it is.
Doing this allows for a seamless switch from the old to the new drain field.
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Leaky Pipes
When clogs become too severe, they result in leaky pipes. Such pipes break and let out their contents (wastewater). When this goes unnoticed or unsolved, it gradually forms puddles in your yard.
The problem with septic tank water pooling in the yard is the awful smell they let out. There’s also the risk of kids and pets playing in such puddles.
Doing so may result in diseases caused by harmful bacteria. You’ll need to call for urgent help to have it fixed.
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Poor Drainage
Poor drainage is one of the most common causes of pooling water in the yard.
However, this mostly has nothing to do with septic tank water escape. This has been included to help you probe further for possible causes.
Poor drainage mostly results in pooling water during the rainy season.
Solutions To Septic Overflow Into Yard
Septic tank water pooling in the yard shouldn’t be left to linger on after discovery. You should call for pumping of your tank as well as carrying out any septic system repairs after an inspection shows faults.
All the actions you take should revolve around the patronage of professional septic technicians.
The above points have highlighted the possible reasons why you’re seeing septic tank water pooling in the yard. This is an abnormal situation that requires emergency fixes.
We’ve provided some of the steps to take in resolving the issue.