How Heavy Water Usage Affects Your Septic System
How Heavy Water Usage Affects Your Septic System
Not many people realize that the amount of water they use every day directly affects how their septic system performs. If you use excessive water, or there’s too much water hitting the system at once, it can overwhelm your septic system, which best performs when water flows into it steadily and gradually. Here’s a quick look at what counts as heavy water usage, why you should be avoiding it, and how to protect your septic system from overload.
What Counts as Heavy Water Usage?
In order to keep your system running smoothly, you need to avoid heavy water usage, and there are some daily household activities which consume large amounts. Multiple long showers back to back, frequent laundry loads in a short time frame, running the dishwasher and the washing machine simultaneously– or just having a high household occupancy (guests staying with you, or if you have a large family)– all count as heavy water usage. So we’re not just talking about wasting water, we’re talking about using a lot all at the same time.
How a Septic System Works (Quick Refresher)
The Basics:
Your septic system works by wastewater flowing into the tank. The solids will settle, the liquids will move to the drainfield.
Why Balance Matters:
It’s an effective system, but it does rely on timing: you need to allow time for the solids to break down and for liquids to filter into the soil rather than overwhelming it.
Where Heavy Use Disrupts:
Too much water too quickly can push solids into the drainfield, which in turn can flood or clog it.
Problems Caused by Heavy Water Usage
Overloaded Tank → Faster Filling & Pumping Needs
If your tank is subjected to an overload of water, it fills up more quickly, meaning that you need to arrange pumping more regularly than the recommended timeline of every 3-5 years.
Solids Entering the Drainfield
When solids get pushed through the tank before they have a chance to break down, this causes clogs and backups. Which in turn causes water to drain more slowly, foul odors, and a potential for the wastewater to back up into the home.
Soil Saturation in the Drainfield
A constantly saturated drainfield can’t absorb or cleanse the water properly. This can lead to untreated wastewater reaching the surface, groundwater contamination, foul odors and permanent drainfield damage.
Backups Into the Home
All of the above points can lead to the most extreme (and disastrous) scenario: wastewater backing up into your sinks, toilets, and showers. If this happens, you need to seek immediate professional attention for your septic system.
Increased Risk of System Failure
A septic system is designed to last, but only when treated with the right care. Long term heavy water usage will shorten the system’s lifespan, which will in turn necessitate either expensive restoration, or a complete replacement.
Warning Signs Your Septic System is Struggling
If you’re noticing gurgling pipes, a toilet flushing slowly, water pooling in your drainfield area, or sewage odors (indoors or outdoors), or you need to pump the tank earlier than expected, these are warning signs that your septic system is struggling, probably because of heavy water usage.
How to Manage Heavy Water Usage Without Hurting Your Septic System
Spread Out Water Use
Try to organize your water usage. For example, don’t do all of your laundry, dishes, and showers at once. It’s much easier on your septic system if you space out loads.
Upgrade to Water-Efficient Appliances
Investing in low-flow toilets and water-efficient washers and dishwashers can really save your septic system the stress. They won’t overload your septic system with heavy water usage all at once, allowing it to properly process the wastewater and solids.
Fix Leaks Promptly
Sometimes a small leak can seem innocuous, but the constant dripping signals a constant inflow of water into your septic system. Couple that with your regular water use, and you run the risk of overwhelming your system.
Schedule Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance is key to a successful septic system. If you’re concerned about any of your system’s functions, schedule an inspection before the issue grows. At FreeFlow Environmental, our team offers a FREE on-site inspection. We’re ready to take your call and set a date for your inspection today!
Why Maintenance Matters Even More With Heavy Use
If your household has a large family, or frequent guests coming to stay, then you’ll probably be more prone to heavy water usage, and you’ll need more frequent septic system maintenance. The team at FreeFlow Environmental can inspect your drainfield health, your tank levels, and your water load capacity. These kinds of preventative checkups can save you a lot of money compared to repairing or replacing your entire septic system.
Final Takeaway
Heavy water usage is one of the primary causes of septic system failure, so take some of these steps toward lessening your water usage and not overwhelming your septic system today! Spacing out your water use, upgrading to water-efficient appliances, and organizing routine maintenance are simple, effective ways to protect your investment.
Schedule Your Free Onsite Inspection
If you’d like a professional opinion on how your septic system is functioning, call FreeFlow Environmental today to schedule your FREE on-site inspection!
