Preventing Septic System Backups in Connecticut

6/9/2021 (Permalink)

The graphic above shows how your septic system in Connecticut works.

When your home in Connecticut utilizes a septic system, it requires regular maintenance in order to prevent system failure or sewage backups into your home.

Here, we will outline how your septic system works and the maintenance required to prolong the life of your system and prevent sewage backups in Connecticut. 

How Do Septic Systems Work? 

Properly maintaining your septic system starts with understanding just how it works. Essentially, your septic system breaks down waste from your home using bacteria, purifying the waste water before it returns to the ground. 

1. All waste flows to the septic tank.
2. Watery waste, called “effluent,” fills most of the tank. Bacteria begin breaking down the organic material in the effluent.
3. Solids, or sludge leftover from bacterial digestion fall to the bottom of the tank.
4. A layer of scum floats to the top. Scum is primarily composed of fats, greases and oils.
5. A filter prevents most solids from entering the outlet pipe.
6. Effluent flows to the drain field, where bacteria thrives and treated water seeps into the ground.

Maintaining Your System to Prevent Sewage Backups or Failure

Properly maintaining your septic system can make the difference in the system lasting decades or just years. When you take the steps to have the system routinely maintained and avoid things that could damage or clog the system, it should do its job without an issue. 

Regularly Pump Your Septic Tank

Perhaps the most important part of septic care is regular septic tank pumping. Over time, the leftover solids or sludge in the tank become high enough to flow into the leach fields of your system, causing failure. 

This overflow of solids in the septic tank can also lead to sewage backups into your home, through toilets, showers, sinks, or floor drains. 

On average, you should have your tank pumped about every 1-2 years. 

Keep Trash Out Of the Drain

You should never put grease, napkins, feminine products, diapers, paint, plastic, or cat litter down a drain or toilet. These items cannot be fully broken down by bacteria and end up trapped in the septic tank, increasing the chance for a septic backup in Connecticut. 

Stay Away From Chemicals

You should not use clog-clearing chemicals or septic system additives down the drain of your home. These chemicals do not improve the breakdown process in the tank and can actually have a negative effect on the system.

Keep the Septic System Area Clear

You should avoid driving vehicles over any part of the septic system as well as keep the area clear of trees and bushes. The roots from plants can grow into the system, and cause it to breakdown or backup.

Educate Your Household

Make sure that everyone in your home is aware of what they can’t flush down drains, where they cannot drive in the yard, or any other important information regarding your septic system. 

What To Do If A Septic Backup Occurs in Connecticut

There are warning signs of sewage backups, such as unusual odors or pooling water to help catch an issue before sewage begins to enter your home. If a backup occurs, take the following steps. 

1. Keep family members and pets out of the affected area. Raw sewage or contaminated water can make you extremely ill.
2. Don’t use any water or flush toilets until you know what has caused the backup, as it can make it worse. 
3. Contact a plumber or septic company to pump out your tank or clear your clog.
4. Call SERVPRO of Meriden for 24/7 emergency sewage backup cleanup in Connecticut.