Septic Systems: Maintenance and Failures

If your home is not connected to a city sewer, a septic system handles every drop of wastewater you send down the drain. When it works, you barely think about it. When it fails, the repair can be messy, disruptive and expensive. Regular maintenance is the best way to avoid that.

How a septic system works

A typical septic system has two main parts:

• The septic tank is a buried, watertight container. Wastewater flows in, solids settle to the bottom as sludge, and grease and oils float to the top as scum. Bacteria break down some of the solids.
• The drainfield (also called a leach field) is a network of pipes or chambers in the soil. Liquid wastewater flows out of the tank into the drainfield, where the soil filters and treats it.

Some systems also have pumps, alarms, filters or advanced treatment units, especially where soil or space is limited.

Pumping and inspection

Solids build up in the tank over time. If they are not pumped out, they can flow into the drainfield and clog it, which is one of the most expensive septic failures.

General guidance from the EPA is to have a typical household system inspected about every three years and pumped every three to five years. The right schedule depends on tank size, household size and water use. A septic professional can recommend a schedule for your home.

During service, ask the provider to:

1. Measure sludge and scum levels
2. Check baffles and the effluent filter
3. Look for cracks or leaks in the tank
4. Note any signs of drainfield trouble
5. Give you a written report

Daily habits that protect your system

• Spread out water use. Run laundry over several days instead of all at once.
• Fix leaks. A running toilet can send a lot of extra water into the system.
• Only flush toilet paper. Wipes, even ones labeled flushable, paper towels and feminine products can clog the system.
• Keep grease out of drains. Fats harden and add to the scum layer.
• Use the garbage disposal sparingly, since it adds solids to the tank.
• Avoid harsh chemicals that can kill helpful bacteria.
• Protect the drainfield. Do not park or drive on it, and keep trees with aggressive roots away.

Warning signs of a problem

Call a septic professional if you notice:

• Slow drains throughout the house, not just one fixture
• Gurgling sounds in pipes
• Sewage odors indoors or in the yard
• Wastewater backing up into tubs, showers or floor drains
• Soggy ground or standing water over the drainfield
• Unusually green, lush grass over the drainfield
• A septic alarm sounding, if your system has one

Do not ignore these signs. Early action can sometimes prevent a drainfield replacement.

Common failures

Septic problems usually fall into a few categories:

• Full tank from overdue pumping
• Clogged or saturated drainfield from solids, excess water or age
• Broken pipes between the house and tank or tank and drainfield
• Failed pumps or alarms in systems that use them
• Damaged baffles or cracked tanks
• Root intrusion into pipes

Pumping and minor repairs are generally much less costly than replacing a drainfield. Local rules often require permits and inspections for major septic work, so check with your local health department.

Do home warranties cover septic systems?

Many home warranty plans offer septic system coverage as an optional add-on. When included, it often covers things like the septic tank pipes and pump, and sometimes one pumping if a covered stoppage requires it. Drainfields, leach lines and tank replacement are commonly excluded, and coverage limits are often lower than for other systems. Homes with a well may also want to look at well pump coverage.

Read the add-on terms carefully, since septic coverage varies more than most categories.

How Warranty Wizards can help

Warranty Wizards helps you compare home warranty plans from third-party providers and explains what septic add-ons cover before you buy. You can request a free quote for your home.