Let’s take a quick look at some septic tank problems that occur pretty frequently. While septic tanks aren’t the most popular in Winnipeg proper, you can find a lot of them on the outskirts of the city.
Clogged Tank
You need to have your septic tank drained by a professional on a regular basis. How often will depend on the size of the tank and how many people are using it. When you don’t, it can quickly become clogged, leading to slow drainage or worse yet, sewage backup.
Tree Root Blockages
A cousin to the clogged tank, when tree roots get into the pipes or the tank itself, you can expect a number of problems, from clogged lines to leaks. This can generally be avoided by placing the tank far from any nearby plants. We also have root prevention treatments that are safe for septic tanks, available in our online store.
Leaks
They say the grass is always greener on the other side, but when it’s greener near your septic tank, you probably have a leak. You obviously don’t want sewage leaking onto your property – regular maintenance is a good way to avoid this problem.
Overpacked Earth
When the earth above your septic tank or field is too tightly packed, you can get a host of problems as pipes can be damaged and flow can be impeded. This often occurs if you’re driving vehicles or other heavy machinery over your septic tank or field – these areas should be free of any heavy traffic.
Shifting Earth
There isn’t much you can do about this one. Over time, the earth naturally shifts due to groundwater and other factors. This shifting can wear down your tank and pipes. As usual, regular maintenance can help stave off the worst of it.
A Bad Dig
Just like Manitoba Hydro has signs that say “Don’t dig here”, the area around your septic tank should have anti-digging notices. Hit a pipe or the tank with a shovel and you might have quite a mess on your hands.
That Which Does Not Degrade
Septic tanks work on principles of biodegradability – you’ve essentially got bacteria cleaning sewage for you. When you flush down non-biodegradable substances, you’ll quickly have clogs on your hands.
Excessive Water
Your septic tank will be sized based on your family but if you use a lot of water (through laundry, dishwashers, etc.), your tank may become too full. This can lead to backups, so consider getting a larger septic tank or cutting down on your water usage.
Chemicals
Septic tanks function best when there’s a particular organic makeup to their contents. When you use the wrong chemicals, you can mess up that balance and cause problems. Opt for low phosphorus detergents when washing your clothes and avoid drain cleaners entirely.
Here at Clean Line, we’re proud to offer septic tank cleaning in Winnipeg and maintenance services. Want more tips on keeping your septic tank in good repair? Get in touch with us – we can help guide you through any septic tank-related issues. What’s more, we can repair or replace your tank when necessary.
