Potential Causes of Mechanical or Physical Damage to Septic Tanks
The septic tank is a critical component of the septic system. The tank holds waste from the house as the waste undergoes treatment. Unfortunately, the tank can suffer physical or mechanical damage that might interfere with its operations. Below are some potential causes of such damage.
Overlying Weight
Placing too much weight on top of the septic tank can damage it. You might think that the weight shouldn't be an issue since the tank is deep in the ground. However, significant weight will compress the soil above the tank and affect the tank. In extreme cases, the weight might leads to the tank's collapse or crack.
Typical sources of such damage include driving, parking, or operating automobiles or construction equipment over the tank. As such, you should know your septic tank's location and avoid such activities.
Expansive Soils
The nature of the soil around the tank also affects its integrity. For example, expansive soils, which expand and contract depending on moisture content, can damage the tank. If an expansive soil absorbs lots of moisture, it can expand and exert pressure on the tank's walls. Too much pressure can crack the tank, depending on its material.
Expansive soil damage is also possible in the summer. For example, the soil can pull away from the tank's wall if the ground dries too much. The weight of the effluent can then destabilize or damage the tank. Good site selection and proper drainage can minimize such damages.
Ground Movement
Anything that destabilizes the ground around the tank can damage it. For example, ground movements around or under the tank interfere with its balance. If that happens, the weight of the effluent inside the tank can destabilize the tank. Extreme ground movements can even crush the tank. Unfortunately, ground movements are usually unpredictable and unpreventable.
Corrosion
The tank material also determines the types of damages the tank is susceptible to. Common materials for septic tanks include:
- Concrete
- Fiberglass
- Plastic
Aging
Septic tanks don't last forever, even with careful maintenance. The durability of the tank depends on:
- The tank's material
- Human activities, such as construction, around the tank
- Maintenance activities, such as tank pumping schedule
Wrongly Timed Pumping
Tank pumping is one of the most critical maintenance services for septic systems. The pumping removes solid wastes from the tank — wastes that reduce the effective capacity of the tank. However, you can also damage your septic system if you pump the tank at the wrong time.
Specifically, don't pump the tank if the ground around it is flooded. Otherwise, the soil's and groundwater's pressure might push the tank out of the ground. Attachments to the tank, such as pipes, can also become damaged if the tank floats out of the ground.
You can prevent some of these problems if you take good care of your septic system. AAA Pumping Service Inc. installs, services, and repairs septic problems. Contact us for all your waste management needs, and we will give you professional service.
