fbpx
“Septic & Drainfield Depot is now Stronghold Plumbing & Septic.” Visit our Plumbing website Here.
A septic professional pumping tank in Lakeland

Why Is My Septic Tank Full Again?

Homes or businesses that use a septic system to process wastewater have a septic tank that serves as temporary storage while the waste is processed. 

Regular maintenance includes septic pumping that helps keep the solid waste from accumulating. However, sometimes the septic tank becomes full quickly again after pumping. 

What Is a Septic Tank?

To understand why your septic tank may be full after being pumped recently, you first need to know how your septic system works. 

Wastewater from your home or business leaves the building through a main sewer pipe and into a septic tank. A septic tank is a self-contained system that stores sewage and waste water from homes and businesses. The tank is typically buried underground and made of concrete, fiberglass or plastic. Inside the septic tank, bacteria break down the waste to help prevent pollution of ground and surface water.

Once wastewater enters the tank, it separates into three layers. The heavier solids sink to the bottom forming a layer of sludge. Fats, oils, and grease that are lighter than water rise to the top, creating a scum layer. The middle layer, known as effluent, gets processed by the bacteria before exiting the tank into the septic drain field, where any remaining toxins get removed.

Why Is Septic Pumping Necessary?

Septic pumping is necessary because it removes the sludge and scum that build up in the tank over time. This buildup can clog the tank and cause it to stop working properly. If the septic tank is not pumped regularly, it can lead to serious environmental problems.

Why Is My Septic Tank Full Again?

There are several reasons why you may have full septic tank problems soon after it has been pumped. 

You Have a High Water Table

If you live in an area with a high water table, that can cause your septic tank to fill up faster than normal. The water table is the level at which the ground is saturated with water. In areas with a high water table, that level is closer to the surface of the ground, which means there’s more water around – and that can seep into your septic tank, causing it to fill up faster.

If you think this might be the problem, there are a few things you can do to fix it. First, you can have your tank pumped more often. This will help to remove any excess water that has seeped in and is taking up space in your tank. You can also have a professional install a filter in your tank to help catch any water that is seeping in and prevent it from taking up space.

You Have a Leak in Your Septic System

If your septic system is leaking, that can also cause your septic tank to fill up faster than normal. A leak can happen for a number of reasons; maybe there is a crack in your tank, or one of the pipes leading to or from your tank is damaged. Whatever the reason, if there is a leak, that means water is getting out of your septic tank and into the ground around it, which can lead to problems.

If you think you might have a leak, the best thing to do is call a professional. They can use special equipment to locate the source of the leak and then make the necessary septic tank repairs.

You Have Too Much Water Going Into Your Tank

If you are putting too much water into your septic tank, that can also cause it to fill up faster than normal. This might happen if you have a lot of people living in your home or if you are using more water than usual for some reason. Whatever the case, if you are putting more water into your tank than it can handle, that is going to lead to problems.

If you think this is the problem, one of the easiest things to try is using less water, which might mean making some changes in your daily routine. For example, if you typically take long showers, you might want to switch to shorter ones. Or, if you have a dishwasher, you might want to start washing your dishes by hand.

Full septic tank problems in Lakeland

You Have Something Stuck in Your Tank

If there is something stuck in your septic tank – like a tree root or piece of debris – that can cause it to fill up faster than normal. That is because when something is blocking the flow of water through your tank, it cannot process the sewage properly, which leads to the tank filling up faster.

It is best to call a professional if you think this might be the problem. They can use special equipment to remove whatever is blocking the flow of water through your tank and then make any necessary repairs.

You Have a Clog in Your Drainfield

If your septic system has a clog in the drainfield, that can also cause your septic tank to fill up faster than normal. The drainfield is the part of your septic system where treated sewage water is discharged into the ground. If there is a clog in that system, it can prevent sewage water from being properly disposed of, which means it will back up into your septic tank and cause it to fill up faster.

Septic professionals can use special equipment to clear the clog from your drainfield and then make any necessary repairs.

There Is Too Much Solid Waste in Your Tank

If there are too many solids in your septic tank, that can also cause it to fill up faster than normal. That is because when there are too many solids in your tank, they take up space that could be used for sewage water. As a result, the sewage water has nowhere to go and starts backing up into your home.

More frequent pumping might be necessary, or you may trying to limit how much water gets put into the system. 

You Have a Problem With Your Pump

If you have a septic system with a pump, that pump is responsible for moving sewage water from your tank to your drainfield. whether there is a problem with the pump – like it is not working properly or it has become clogged – that can cause your septic tank to fill up faster than normal.

If you think this might be the problem, the best thing to do is call a professional. They can diagnose the problem with your pump and then make any necessary repairs.

You Have a Septic System Failure

The worst-case scenario is that your septic system can fail entirely. This usually happens when there are multiple problems with the system that have gone unaddressed for too long. When a septic system fails, it can cause sewage water to back up into your home, which can be a major health hazard.

If your septic system has failed, you will need the services of a professional septic contractor to install a new system.

Full septic tank in Lakeland

Signs Your Septic System is Full

Here are a few signs that your septic tank is getting full:

  • The first sign is fairly obvious – the toilet will not flush. When the water level in the septic tank gets too high, it can back up into the house through the drains. 
  • Another sign that your septic system is full is slow drains throughout the house. If it takes a long time for water to go down the drain or if the water backs up in the shower or sink, this is a sign that your septic tank needs to be pumped. 
  • Another common symptom of a full septic tank is standing water around the tank or in the leach field. If you see water pooled around your septic tank or in the area where the leach field is located, this is a sign that your tank needs to be pumped. 

If you see any of these signs, you should consult a septic contractor right away.

Guidelines for Keeping Your Septic Tank Working Correctly

There are a few things you can do to help keep your septic tank working properly. 

  • First, be sure to use water efficiently to help reduce the amount of waste water going into the tank. 
  • Second, have your septic tank pumped regularly to remove the buildup of sludge and scum. 
  • Finally, avoid putting things down your drains that can clog the system, such as grease or coffee grounds. 

By following these guidelines, you can help keep your septic tank working correctly for many years to come.

The Best Septic Company In & Near Lakeland

When you need septic service in & near Lakeland, contact Septic and Drainfield Depot. 

We offer a full range of septic services to homeowners and businesses throughout the central Florida region. 

Contact us today for a free estimate.

Similar Stories

Commercial septic inspectors in and near Lakeland

Upgrading Your Septic System: When and How to Do It

While septic systems are designed to last for decades, they do require regular maintenance and occasional upgrades to keep them functioning properly. When to Upgrade ...
Read More
New septic tank in Lakeland

Above Ground vs. Underground Septic Systems: Which is Right for You?

Septic systems are an essential component of many homes and properties throughout the country where access to city sewer systems is limited. In fact, according ...
Read More
House remodeling in Florida

How to Maintain Your Septic System During a Home Remodel

Remodeling can be an exciting opportunity to update your home, and an increasing number of homeowners have been investing in home renovation projects. In fact, ...
Read More

Contact Septic & Drainfield Depot

With our transparent pricing, free estimates, and honest professionals, our company shines above the rest in Lakeland, FL. We are committed to finding out the issue the first time we walk foot on your property, and finding an effective and efficient solution that will fit within your budget. A septic problem is never something anyone wants to deal with, but we are ready to tackle anything you need. Contact us for a free estimate.