Basement Septic Leak

Possible Causes

• A septic system beginning to leak into the basement is a dramatic indication of septic system failure. System failure can be caused by many things, including drain field failure, a full septic tank, plugged sewer lines to the tank, or a plugged inlet or outlet pipe. Everything from allowing tree roots to grow into your drain field pipes to failing simply to empty your septic tank on a regular basis can contribute to a sewage backup into the basement.

Prevention

• As with most septic system problems, prevention is the most important effective maintenance technique. Have your septic tank pumped as regularly as is recommended for your tank size, since a full septic tank probably is the leading cause of a septic system basement backup. Never plant trees or deep rooted plants above your drain field as these roots can fracture drain field pipes and cause drain field failure, Finally, have your entire septic system inspected regularly to ensure that sewer lines, inlet and outlet pipes, and other components are not close to failure.

Resolving a Basement Leak

• Never let people or animals into a basement with a septic tank leak. Have the sewage pumped out of the basement right away by a professional and immediately have a plumber inspect your septic system. If the system already failed once and sewage already has backed up into your basement, the key to avoiding any future flooding is to rectify the septic system component failure that caused the backup as soon as possible.

Other Considerations

• While not as important as the other preventive steps described, simpler measures also can go a long way in helping prevent septic backup into your basement. Limit water use during peak hours. Consider installing water-saving devices, such as low-flow toilets, to help avoid overloading the system. Do not use a garbage disposal with your septic system, and never dispose of coffee grounds, fats or oils down the drain. Never use chemical additives in your septic system, as these actually can contribute to septic system failure and do not help your septic system work better anyway.