For the nearly one in five American households that rely on septic systems, the phrase "clogged septic tank" is enough to send a chill down the spine. Unlike municipal sewer users who can call the city to jet a main line, septic system owners are solely responsible for the complex ecosystem buried in their backyards.
Inside the tank, solids settle to the bottom, forming a layer of sludge . Greases and oils float to the top, creating a layer of scum .
Take a walk over your drainfield. If the grass above it is vibrantly green and soggy compared to the rest of your lawn, the soil is saturated because the effluent cannot drain properly. Primary Causes of Septic Tank Clogs
For minor drainfield clogging caused by bacterial die-off, a professional might introduce specialized biological treatments to jumpstart the breakdown of organic mats. 6. Preventive Maintenance to Avoid Future Clogs