There are about 21 million septic systems in the US. So on any given day, someone could be washing up in the bathroom, or cleaning the veggies in the kitchen sink. Then, an odd gurgling sound in the pipes alerts them.
If you have a gurgling drains septic system too, you’re in good company. And I’m pretty sure you’d like to know what’s causing the noise and how to fix it. Let’s get to it then!
What Do Gurgling Drains Mean?
Wastewater naturally flows in one direction, from the house to the tank, and finally to the drain field. This should be a relatively quiet and smooth process. Which you probably know from the ‘normal’ operation of the septic system.
If the pipes start making sounds, then it’s an indication of something that’s not quite right. Often, it’s a small blockage in the pipes that goes away on its own. Maybe a little pumping with a plunger would facilitate that.
What if the gurgling sounds persist? Most probably it’s a larger problem, and you’d notice a few other oddities such as:
- Water draining extra slowly from the sinks or toilet.
- Standing water in the tubs and sinks
- Wastewater backing up in the drains
- Sewage water backing up in the drains
- Puddles of effluent water on the drain field
- A nasty smell in the drain field
- The same smell coming out of the house sinks
In all of these cases, it’s best to contact professional help to diagnose and fix the problem. Waiting too long could aggravate the plumbing issues, and make them more costly to remedy.
What Is Causing the Gurgling in the Drains?
There are three possible problematic locations that could cause a gurgling sound:
- The pipes
- The Septic tank
- The drain field
Blockage or defects in any of these components would obstruct the natural quiet flow of wastewater. That’s why these systems need annual maintenance to avoid such matters. In addition to pumping every 3-5 years.
So if you’ve skipped these visits, then you should call a specialized contractor, and schedule a meeting to assess the situation. This should get the problem fixed. And if the contractor suggests a maintenance contract for regular servicing, you might want to consider that proposal. It’s often more convenient and less costly than emergency calls.
It’s worth noting here that the poor design of the septic system can’t be fixed by routine servicing. Initial faults have a way of manifesting themselves as small recurring problems. Eventually, they blow up in a big way.
Aging septic systems often show signs of wear and tear as well. And their failure would most probably start with gurgling sounds. Usually, that’s followed by more irregularities.
To pinpoint the exact cause, it’s best to get a professional on board and proceed as recommended.
How to Fix the Gurgling Drains of the Septic System
Fixing the symptoms is always achieved by fixing the cause.
If there’s a blockage in the pipes, then a plunger, snake wire, or enzyme-based drain cleaners would do the trick.
A tank that’s not performing well, or where the sludge is leaking out into the drain field, would need instant pumping. Sometimes, the tank is cracked, tilted, or installed in the wrong place. This would clearly be more complicated to fix, but it should be addressed immediately.
Drain fields aren’t rocket science, and yet we see many avoidable mistakes. Excessive compaction or porosity top the list of these issues. And luckily, they aren’t too difficult to remedy.
However, if the sludge and sewage leak into the drain field, then it should be moved to an alternative location. At the same time, the contaminated field should be sanitized. This smelly water isn’t just obnoxious in the way that it looks and smells. It’s a serious health hazard.
Design or aging issues aside, there are several ways to extend the lifespan of the septic system. And as always, it’s the little things!
5 Tips to Increase the Longevity of the Septic System
A professionally-designed regularly-maintained septic system is made to serve you well. However, there are some household practices that extend its longevity significantly.
Here are some tried and true tips to get optimal performance and a hassle-free system.
1. Go Easy on the Chemicals
Septic systems have an ecological environment that makes them effective in processing waste. It consists mainly of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. And these are destroyed by chemicals like bleach, concentrated toilet cleaners, and sodium hydroxide drain cleaners.
In addition, use the plunger whenever possible, instead of chemicals. Alternatively, you can use enzyme-based cleaners.
2. Flush Biological Wastes Only in the Toilet
Flushing all sorts of wastes down the toilet is a habit in some households. But it has some serious consequences on the drain system. It’s best then to keep the toilet exclusively for its intended biological wastes.
3. Limit the Water Usage Around Your House
Wastewater systems have a balance of what goes in and what comes out. The septic tank needs time to process the wastes inside it. And the drain field, similarly, takes a little while to dispose of the affluent.
Thus, it’s essential to slow down the flow of wastes into the septic system. Use low-flow faucets, small volume flush for the toilet, and water-economic appliances whenever possible. In addition, keep any gutter exits away from the drain field.
4. Use Liquid Detergents Instead of Powdered Ones
Powdered detergents have a tendency to clump and cause little blockages here and there. Moreover, they often contain phosphate fillers and other harmful chemicals. On the other hand, liquid detergents mostly don’t cause such problems.
5. Leave the Drain Field Alone
Parking your car over the drain field or building a tool shed might seem harmless. But these activities tend to cause soil compaction, which decreases the percolation processes and the disposal of soil moisture.
Planting some trees might also look like a good idea, but in fact, it’s not. The root systems of big trees disturb the drain field, and could even break the pipes. Some grass or plants with shallow roots are good though.
In Conclusion
A gurgling drains septic system is a common theme we see in hundreds of households. Most often, it’s just a minor blockage that can be removed mechanically.
However, at other times, it points to a larger or more complicated issue. A specialist needs to check the pipes, the tank, and the drain field. This is essential to give an accurate assessment and proper remedy.
In the meantime, you can extend the longevity of your septic system, and keep it quiet, by practicing a few easy measures.