Septic Tank Leaking Into Well Water

Wastewater generated in your home exits through a drainage pipe and into a septic tank.

Septic tank leaking into well water.

If a septic system is not working properly or is located too close to a drinking water well contaminants from the wastewater can end up in drinking water. Fill the tank to its normal level to the outlet pipe measure the liquid level then wait 24 48 hours but no water can be run inside the house during this time so you would have to leave the house for a day or two checking the water meter can help verify that no water was run between filling and re. Septic tank leaks and flooding one of the most common problems that can be detected on concrete and sometimes steel and plastic septic tanks is tank flooding due to a drainfield back up or because of surface runoff or groundwater leaking into the septic tank. Excessive water use from leaky faucets and fixtures in your septic system can cause disastrous results.

Here we explain where and why septic tanks might leak why surface water or runoff leaking into a septic tank is bad and why septic effluent leaking out of a septic tank can also be a problem. We explain why pumping a flooded septic tank does not usually fix anything. The leakage of groundwater into your system could be as severe as a crack in the tank or as simple as a lid that isnt on straight. Avoid flushing other chemicals or medications down the drain or toilet since they could also contaminate your drinking water well.

Proximity issue if a septic system is placed too close to a well the groundwater may flow from the septic drainfield and infiltrate and contaminate the water flowing into the well the cdc recommends separating septic tanks and leach fields from wells by a minimum of 50 feet. The steady flow of water from a leaky toilet or faucet day and night can quickly flood your septic tank as well as the ground around the drain field making it impossible for water to flow out of your septic system eventually leading to septic system failure. If this water infiltrates your septic system it is pumped out to your drainfield and back into the earth where it infiltrates into your system again likely faster than you are pumping it out. Septic tank tank leaks are one of the things to check for during a septic tank inspection.

Fiberglass and plastic septic tanks can also crack or break. If you have a steel septic tank rust can degrade the quality of the steel which can also result in water getting into your septic tank. The septic tank is a buried water tight container that holds wastewater for separation and treatment. Needless to say if this plumbing crisis arises we want to be able to deal with the situation in a calm efficient and well informed manner.

Our water use becomes restricted inside our homes and outside our septic tank is leaking into the yard and endangering the environment and health of the community. Septic tank damage to watch out for.