Septic systems can have a variety of issues that prevent them from working as they should. One of the most common signs of many of these issues is a gurgling sound coming from your drains and drain pipes whenever you use your plumbing. In this article, we’ll look at the potential reasons why your septic system is gurgling and also how each one can be both fixed and prevented.
Septic Tank Is Full
You normally need to have your septic tank pumped out at least every three to five years. However, sometimes the tank may need to be pumped more or less frequently depending on the size of the tank and how much regular use your septic system gets.
If a septic tank gets too full, there is less room for additional waste and water. Eventually, this will lead to the system completely backing up. When that happens, you’ll end up with sewage starting to flow back out of the shower and floor drains on the lowest level of the building any time you flush a toilet or otherwise use your plumbing.
Clogged Sewer Line
A clog in the sewer line that runs between the building and the septic tank will also prevent a septic system from working properly. A partial blockage in the line might simply slow the draining of wastewater, but a blocked pipe will eventually lead to sewer backups. How long this takes will depend on how far the clog is from the building and how much you use your septic system.
When dealing with a clogged sewer line, you have two options for clearing it: rooting and hydrojetting. Rooting involves using a blade or auger connected to a cable that is fed down through the line. The rooting machine spins the blade so that it easily breaks or cuts through the clog. Hydro jetting works similarly except it involves inserting a nozzle and hose through the sewer line and using a powerful jet of water to break up the clog or cut through tree roots.
Vent Pipe Issues
All plumbing systems have a vent pipe that sticks up through the roof of the building. The purpose of this pipe is to pull air into the system any time you flush a toilet or water goes down any drain. If the vent pipe is clogged or broken and air can’t get drawn in through it, a vacuum can form inside of the drain pipes or sewer line, trapping water and preventing it from draining. In some cases, the vacuum can also make everything drain more slowly and again result in a gurgling sound as water goes down the drain pipe.
The most common cause of a clogged vent pipe is animals nesting inside it, which is why you need to have a cover on the pipe. A clog in the vent pipe is an easy issue to overcome, but a broken vent pipe will require quite a bit more work to fix. In this case, some roofing materials may need to be removed from around the pipe. Once the new pipe is in place, it’s then important that the area around the pipe is completely sealed or else it will lead to the roof leaking.
Drain Field Failure
This is generally the worst issue a septic system can experience, and it again usually results from not having the septic tank pumped often enough. When the sludge layer in the tank gets much higher than it should, it can lead to sludge or solid materials getting drawn up through the outlet baffle and flowing out into the drain field. The pipes in the drain field have small perforations that let the effluent water seep out into the ground, and bacteria in the soil then finish treating the water by feeding on any remaining waste. When sludge or solid waste flows out of the tank, it can end up clogging the perforations so that the pipes can no longer drain. Sludge can also basically clog up the soil in the drain field, which will also prevent water from being able to seep through it.
The reason this is such a major issue is that the only way to fix it is usually to dig up the entire drain field and completely replace it. This process typically takes a few days and is always quite costly. If the drain field fails, you also won’t be able to use your plumbing until you have it replaced. The risk of drain field failure is yet another reason why regular pumping is essential and also why you need to be extremely careful about what goes down your toilets and drains.
If you’re experiencing any issues with your septic system in Hutchinson or the surrounding areas, Salina Septic Service Septic Service is here to help. We specialize in septic pumping as well as septic system installation, repairs, and maintenance. We’re also the top choice in the area if you need to rent portable restrooms or a roll-off dumpster. To schedule a septic system pumping or any other service, contact us today.
