MY SEPTIC TANK IS OVERFLOWING, WHAT IS WRONG?
A septic tank if working correctly should not at any anytime overflow. The level should remain constant at the base of the outlet pipe (see The Operation of a Septic Tank) and as shown below in the drawing of a simple septic tank unit.
If your tank is overflowing you need to check if you have been de-sludging on an annual basis. If you have, then it is likely that there is a problem with the system.
- If you are lucky there may be a blockage or build up of debris on the outlet T pipe, a simple de-sludge should solve the problem.
- If the soakaway is no longer effective, (see How Does a Soakaway Work) it may have come to the end of it's useful life and a new soakaway will need to be installed.
- The septic tank may be undersized for the current usage. If the tank was built in the 1930's then it was not designed for the dishwasher or the en-suite shower! A new septic tank or sewage treatment plant may need to be considered.
Please return to Septic Tank Help Page