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Troubleshooting your Septic System in California – What You Need To Know

Date Posted: September 27, 2023 10:42 am

Understanding Septic Systems: The Basics

Septic system as an individual wastewater disposal system for a home or business. The system primarily consists of two main parts: the septic tank and the drain field.

  1. Septic Tank: This is an underground, watertight container (typically made of concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene) where wastewater from the home flows into. In the tank, the solid waste settles to the bottom, forming sludge, while the grease and lighter waste float to the top as scum. Bacteria within the tank help break down the solids.
  2. Drain Field: Also known as a leach field or soil absorption field, this is where the liquid waste exits the septic tank and is further treated as it naturally filters through the soil. This component ensures that the wastewater is safely dispersed without causing health or environmental issues.

Regular maintenance, including periodic pumping of the septic tank, ensures the system operates efficiently and extends its lifespan.

Common Signs of a Malfunctioning Septic System

Recognizing the warning signs early can save on costly repairs and prevent potential hazards. Here are some of the most common indicators:

  1. Odors: Foul smells, especially around the drain field or septic tank area, suggest the system isn’t processing waste properly.
  2. Standing Water: Puddles or wet areas around the septic tank or drain field can indicate a system backup or failure.
  3. Slow Drains: If sinks, tubs, or toilets drain slower than usual, it could mean a problem in the septic system.
  4. Unusual Plant Growth: Lush, green vegetation over the drain field might seem good, but it can indicate that there’s an excessive amount of liquid wastewater surfacing.
  5. Sewage Backup: The most evident sign is when sewage starts to back up into the house through drains and toilets.
  6. Gurgling Sounds: Hearing gurgling sounds in the plumbing system can be a warning sign of potential septic issues.

California’s Septic System Regulations: An Overview

Here is the list of regulations in California:

  1. Permit Requirement: Before installing, replacing, or repairing a septic system, you need to obtain a permit from the local health or environmental department.
  2. Site Evaluations: Soil and site evaluations are mandatory to determine the suitability of the location for a septic system. The results dictate the type of system that can be installed.
  3. Inspection and Maintenance: Regular inspections are mandatory, typically every 3-5 years, depending on the system and its usage. Certain systems with electrical or mechanical components might require annual inspections.
  4. Setback Requirements: Septic systems must be located a certain distance away from wells, water bodies, and property lines to prevent contamination.
  5. Technical Standards: The state has detailed requirements for the design, capacity, and construction of septic systems. This includes tank specifications, drain field dimensions, and more.
  6. Prohibited Areas: There are specific zones where septic systems are not allowed, especially near protected water bodies or in areas with high groundwater levels.

The Importance of Regular Septic Maintenance in California

In California, where environmental conservation is paramount and populations in certain areas rely heavily on groundwater, maintaining the health of septic systems isn’t just a matter of choice; it’s a responsibility. Here’s why regular septic maintenance is vital:

  1. Protecting Public Health: A failing septic system can contaminate groundwater, which can carry diseases and harmful bacteria. This poses a direct threat to households relying on wells for drinking water.
  2. Preventing Environmental Harm: Untreated wastewater seeping into the ground can harm local ecosystems. This can affect plants, aquatic life, and wildlife.
  3. Avoiding Costly Repairs: Regular check-ups can identify issues while they’re still minor. Addressing problems early can prevent more significant, expensive damages in the future.
  4. Extending System Life: Like any other asset, consistent care can extend the septic system’s lifespan. This means more years without having to invest in a replacement.
  5. Upholding Property Value: A well-maintained septic system can be an asset if you ever decide to sell your property. Conversely, a failing system can drastically reduce property value.
  6. Compliance with Local Regulations: In many California counties, periodic inspections and maintenance are legally mandated to ensure community health and safety.

Identifying the Type of Septic System You Have

Knowing the type of septic system, you possess is essential for its proper care. Here’s a guide to help identify the most common types:

  1. Conventional System: Comprising a septic tank and a drainfield, it’s the most common type. Gravity distributes the wastewater from the tank to the drainfield trenches.
  2. Chamber System: Similar to a conventional system, but instead of gravel-filled drainfield trenches, it uses large chambers to allow wastewater to flow into the soil.
  3. Drip Distribution System: Uses a pump to distribute wastewater more uniformly through a series of tubes in the drainfield.
  4. Aerobic Treatment Unit: Works similarly to sewage treatment plants, using oxygen to increase the decomposition of the waste.
  5. Mound System: Designed for areas with shallow soil, it uses a mound of sandy fill material placed on top of the ground.
  6. Evapotranspiration System: Only suitable for arid areas, it lets the wastewater evaporate or be taken up by plants.
  7. Constructed Wetland System: Wastewater flows through a man-made wetland where plants and natural processes treat it.

Top Reasons Septic Systems Fail in California

While septic systems are robust when maintained, they can face issues, especially in California’s diverse landscapes and climates. Some primary reasons for failures include:

  1. Lack of Maintenance: Infrequent pumping or neglecting routine check-ups can lead to sludge build-up, clogging, and eventual system failure.
  2. Tree Roots: Trees planted near the drainfield can infiltrate and clog the distribution pipes.
  3. Overloading the System: Excessive water use, often from household appliances, can flood a system, preventing proper treatment.
  4. Harsh Chemicals: Dumping hazardous chemicals down drains can kill beneficial bacteria in the septic tank, hindering waste breakdown.
  5. Inadequate Design or Installation: A system not suited to the local soil type or improperly installed can lead to premature failure.
  6. Ground Movement: In earthquake-prone areas like California, ground shifts can damage septic system components.
  7. Old Age: Even with impeccable care, systems have a limited lifespan and will eventually need replacement.

Understanding these causes can help homeowners take preventative measures, ensuring their septic systems function efficiently for years to come.

Initial Steps for Troubleshooting Your Septic System

Initial Steps for Troubleshooting Your Septic System

Before calling in professionals, there are several steps homeowners can take to identify common issues with their septic system:

  1. Check Water Usage: Excessive water usage can cause overflow. Ensure no fixtures are leaking and consider spreading out activities like laundry over multiple days.
  2. Inspect Drains and Toilets: Slow or gurgling drains might hint at a blockage or system backup.
  3. Examine the Drain Field: Look for signs of saturation or pooling water, which can suggest an overfull tank or system failure.
  4. Avoid Flushing Problematic Items: Ensure only septic-safe items are being flushed, avoiding things like wipes, sanitary products, and heavy paper.
  5. Document Any Changes: Keep track of any recent landscaping, heavy rainfall, or unusual activities around the septic system area, as these can impact its function.
  6. Limit Water Input: Until the issue is identified and resolved, try to minimize the amount of water going into the system.

What to Do When Your Septic Alarm Goes Off

Modern septic systems often come with alarms to alert homeowners of potential issues. Here’s what to do if yours sounds:

  1. Don’t Panic: The alarm indicates a potential problem, not necessarily an emergency. However, it does mean attention is required.
  2. Check the Control Panel: Many systems have indicators showing what triggered the alarm, such as high-water levels or pump failures.
  3. Reduce Water Usage: Limiting the water going into the system can prevent exacerbating the issue.
  4. Inspect the Pump and Floats: Sometimes, the issue is a simple malfunction or entanglement of the floats triggering the alarm.
  5. Call a Professional: If you can’t easily identify or resolve the issue, contact a septic system technician to assess the situation.

The Role of Soil and Ground Conditions in Septic Health

Soil and ground conditions play a pivotal role in the efficacy of a septic system:

  1. Soil Percolation: The speed at which water moves through soil (percolation rate) determines its suitability for a drain field. Slow-percolating soil can cause wastewater pooling, while overly fast soil may not treat the wastewater adequately.
  2. Groundwater Levels: High groundwater levels can interfere with a septic system’s function and risk contamination.
  3. Soil Composition: Ideal septic system soil has a balance of coarse and fine particles, allowing for adequate filtration and treatment.
  4. Soil pH Levels: Extreme pH levels, either too acidic or alkaline, can hinder the bacterial processes essential for wastewater treatment.

Addressing Septic System Odors: Causes and Solutions

Unpleasant odors can be the bane of any septic system owner:

  1. Causes:
    1. Tank Balance Disruption: Overuse of household chemicals can kill beneficial bacteria, leading to incomplete waste breakdown and odor.
    1. Blocked Vents: Plumbing vents that are blocked can trap odors inside.
    1. Full Septic Tank: A tank that needs pumping can emit strong smells.
    1. Dry Drains: Unused drains can dry out, allowing gases to enter the home.
  2. Solutions:
    1. Regular Pumping: Routine pumping (typically every 3-5 years) prevents odor-causing overloads.
    1. Balanced Chemical Use: Limit the number of harsh chemicals, bleaches, and antibacterial products entering the system.
    1. Clear Vents: Ensure plumbing vents on the roof are clear from obstructions like bird nests or leaves.
    1. Water Unused Drains: Occasionally pour water down infrequently used drains to maintain the water barrier.

Recognizing the causes can lead to quick and effective solutions, ensuring a pleasant environment around your home and its septic system.

How Landscaping Can Impact Your Septic System’s Function

Landscaping decisions can significantly affect the health and functionality of your septic system:

  1. Tree and Plant Roots: Deep-rooted trees and shrubs can infiltrate the septic tank or drain field, causing blockages or damage. It’s crucial to choose plants with shallow root systems and maintain a safe distance between large trees and the system.
  2. Water Flow: The landscape should be designed so that runoff water from rain or irrigation systems flows away from the drain field. Excess water can oversaturate the field, affecting the wastewater treatment process.
  3. Soil Erosion: Erosion can expose parts of the septic system, making them vulnerable to damage. Using ground cover plants and mulch can help stabilize the soil.
  4. Physical Damage: Heavy equipment or structures placed over the septic system can crush or damage components. Always avoid driving or parking vehicles over any part of the system.
  5. Access for Maintenance: Ensure that your landscaping choices don’t block access to the septic tank and other components for regular inspections and maintenance.

The Risks of Overloading Your Septic System

Excessive water input or sudden surges of wastewater can jeopardize your septic system:

  1. Premature Failure: Constant overloading can reduce the system’s lifespan, leading to early failures and necessary replacements.
  2. Incomplete Treatment: Overloading can rush wastewater through the system, not giving it ample time to be properly treated before reaching the drain field.
  3. Soil Oversaturation: A flooded drain field can lead to pooling wastewater on the surface, exposing the environment and humans to untreated waste.
  4. System Backup: Excessive water can cause the system to back up, resulting in sewage entering the household or surfacing near the septic tank.
Septic System Additives: Do They Really Work?

Septic System Additives: Do They Really Work?

Septic system additives, which include biological agents like bacteria and enzymes, are claimed to boost the system’s performance.  

  1. The Theory: These additives supposedly break down waste more efficiently, reducing the need for regular pumping and enhancing system functionality.
  2. Research Findings: While some users report perceived benefits, comprehensive research and studies do not conclusively show that these additives provide long-term benefits or are necessary for system health.
  3. Potential Risks: Some chemical additives can harm the septic system by killing beneficial bacteria or contaminating groundwater.
  4. The Verdict: Relying on regular maintenance, proper use, and periodic inspections is more effective than banking on additives. If considering an additive, always consult with a septic system professional first.

A well-maintained septic system does not generally require additives to function effectively, and their usage should be approached with caution.

At Lanik Septic Inc, we specialize in expert troubleshooting and solutions tailored to California’s unique conditions. Visit Lanik Septic Inc or call us at (951) 676-7114 to schedule your service now. Your peace of mind is just a click or call away!

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