Had one of those days where everything seemed to go wrong, and then you noticed water running in your septic tank?
We’ve all been there, and it’s definitely not fun. But don’t worry, you’re not alone.
Many homeowners face this problem; however, with the right approach, it can be fixed without too much hassle, such as checking for leaks unclogging the blocked pipes, and so on.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the common causes and troubleshooting water running in septic tank. So you can get back to enjoying your home without any stress.
Read on to find out!
Key Takeaways
✅Septic tanks are gravity-based systems that are noiseless so if your septic tank is making noises, it’s likely broken.
✅Septic tanks need to be pumped out every 3 years to maintain the uninterrupted functioning of the system.
How Does a Septic System Work?
Septic tanks are built to separate solids from liquids and pass treated sewage water into trenches. Here is a simple explanation of how a septic system works:
- The main tank has two separate compartments separated by a partition. Wastewater falls into the first compartment of the tank through the inlet pipe and spills into the second compartment when it reaches the top.
- Only liquids move from the first compartment to the second, leaving behind the solid material in the first compartment. The treated sewage water is called effluent.
- The effluent passes through the outlet pipe into the trench bed and settles into the biomass.
- The toxic gases pass up through the vents and into the air, which creates a foul odor. So when installing a septic system, be sure to choose an open space you don’t wish to stink up.
- The treated water in the trench bed settles and reaches up into the soil or grassroots through diffusion.
- Lastly, the fats and nutrients in the treated wastewater can act as natural fertilizers for plants and grass.
The Reasons for Running Water Sounds in Septic Tanks
As mentioned before, septic tanks run constantly, but they don’t make any kind of noise. So, if you’re hearing a humming noise or a constant stream of water, there’s something wrong with your tank setup or its elements.
Below is a list of some of the common reasons for hearing running water in septic tanks:
Groundwater Leak
A groundwater leak can occur if too much water flows into the tank and applies pressure to the tank walls.
This pressure can cause cracks in the foundation walls or the basement floor. As a result, water leaks out of these cracks and you hear a trickling water sound.
Root Infiltration
Root infiltration can be a common problem in tank systems. This happens when tree roots or vines grow in underground pipe systems.
The roots can act as obstacles in the flow of water and you hear the sound of running water from inside the tank. To clear out infiltrating roots, inspect the pipe lining with a camera to determine the location of the roots.
Also, cut the roots using hydro-jet equipment or other mechanical tools and clean up any debris left by the root infestation.
Clogged or Blocked Drains
Septic tanks separate solids from liquids and store the solid wastes until they are digested. This process usually takes around 2 to 3 days. But in some cases, the solids might build up and create blockage.
These blocked drains will result in overflowing water and trickling sounds. The septic tank drain field is also called the leach field and it needs to be cleaned out to clear a clogged drain.
Septic Pump Is Damaged
Septic system damage is another common issue but this one’s a bit tricky to deal with. A broken septic pump can also cause water to back up into your yard and spread foul odors.
Troubleshooting Water Running in Septic Tank
Dealing with a septic tank issue can feel like a real head-scratcher, right? Especially when you hear water running and have no idea why.
Let’s walk through some common fixes to get your system running smoothly again:
Inspecting and Fixing Groundwater Leaks
Firstly, inspect the system for damage and measure the depth of the groundwater using a soil probe or an auger. The next step is to seal any leaks on the walls using sealant. This should fix the groundwater leakage.
Unclogging Blocked Pipes
The easiest way to clean a clogged pipe is by using a pressurized jetter. So, if you have a blueprint of your drainage system, use it to determine the location of the drain pipes.
Afterward, dig a hole around the drain pipe to expose it insert the jetter around 2 to 3 feet into the pipe, and start it. The pressurized jetter will clean out the clogged pipes and clear the waterway.
Replacing the Damaged Septic Pump
Usually, a septic tank may have two separate pumps: the sewage pump and the grinder pump. Sewage pumps are sturdy and can be used for 7 to 10 years.
Hence, if your pump is damaged, it needs to be replaced after the system has been flushed out.
How Do You Keep Water Out of Septic Tanks?
If you constantly hear water running inside your septic system, your tank might have a crack or broken pipes. Any kind of drainage block may also cause water running issues. So how to reduce water in septic tanks?
Well, the easiest way might be to install faucet aerators. These are high-efficiency shower heads that can control the flow of water into septic tanks.
Also, try to reduce the use of water when the septic tank is malfunctioning or overflowing. You should wait at least 24 hours for the tank to work normally before trying to fix anything. Usually, waiting some time might clear out any blocks in the drain pipes to fix the running water issue.
Related Post: How to Clean the Drainage Pipe?
Tips to Protect Your Septic Tank
Septic tanks need to be pumped out every 3 years to ensure smooth functioning and quality. In this regard, you should know the proper care of your septic system. Here are some handy tips to keep your septic tank in top shape for a long time:
- Fix and maintain a schedule for the septic tank for professional cleaning.
- Avoid overloading the tank by wasting water.
- Dispose of waste properly and avoid throwing or flushing any material that can’t be digested into the tank.
- Clean and maintain the leach field regularly.
- Avoid using chemical cleaners for clogged drains.
Final Thoughts
Knowing how to troubleshoot water running in septic tanks can help manage sewage systems in your home and avoid any unwanted mishaps such as sludge buildup or backflow of water.
However, if you’ve checked all these points and still can’t figure out the issue, it’s time to call in a septic system professional. They have the tools and expertise to diagnose and fix more complex problems.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the signs of a septic tank failure?
Some common signs of septic tank failure are the backflow of water, loud grinding or humming noises, bad odor around the tank, an overflowing biomat or leach field, and excessive usage of the water supply.
What Should a Normal Septic Tank Sound Like?
Septic tanks are gravity-based systems and generally don’t make any noise. If the tank uses an air-powered pump, it might produce a slight humming noise. But if you hear constant trickling sounds or grinding noises, it means your pump might be broken or damaged.
Is running water bad for septic systems?
Yes, too much running water can cause septic tank failure. Such as, it might cause cracks in the wall or floor of the tank.
How much water can my septic system handle?
Generally, septic tanks can store around 950 gallons of water per day. The water keeps flowing constantly and gets treated and sent out through the outlet pipes. Any failure in the inlet and outlet pipes can cause septic tank failure.
