What causes the failure of a septic system?

The primary causes of septic system failure can often be traced back to poor site selection and lack of maintenance. When a septic system is not installed in a location suited to its operation—such as near water bodies, in overly wet or poorly drained soils, or in areas with too high a water table—it can lead to insufficient filtration and drainage. This inappropriate placement can result in system overload, causing backups and contamination.

Additionally, inadequate maintenance practices, such as not having the septic tank pumped regularly or ignoring warning signs of malfunction, can exacerbate system issues. Regular maintenance is crucial for preventing solids from accumulating in the tank and ensuring that the system functions as designed. This combination of site selection problems and neglect is often the root cause of many septic system failures.

While factors such as heavy rainfall, aging infrastructure, and improper landscaping can influence the performance of a septic system, they are typically not standalone causes of failure. Heavy rainfall may impact system performance temporarily, and old age can contribute to wear and tear, but without the foundation of good site selection and routine maintenance, these factors are less likely to be the sole reasons for failure. Similarly, improper landscaping may disrupt drainage but does not independently cause system failure without the context of inadequate site choice and upkeep.