Why Is There Water Running In The Septic Tank?

May 02, 2024

Why Is There Water Running In The Septic Tank?

A healthy septic system should be relatively quiet. That means the sound of water running in your septic tank is a sign of septic trouble. As a homeowner who relies on a septic system, it’s your responsibility to watch out for unusual sounds coming from the septic tank and take quick action before the issues escalate. Today, we’ll highlight some of the potential reasons why you might hear water running in your septic tank.

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  • Your Septic Tank Is Cracked

If your septic tank is cracked, the effluent can flow out of the tank and allow groundwater to enter the tank. When this happens, you may hear a trickling sound like water in a stream. It’s important to schedule septic tank repair as soon as possible, as wastewater leakage can cause environmental harm and health risks. If the tank is older and seems to be developing recurring issues, it’s best to consider septic tank installation. Get in touch with Septic Blue of Charlotte for professional advice.

  • The Outlet Pipe Is Clogged

Your septic tank consists of an outlet pipe that carries the treated wastewater out of the tank and onward to the drainfield. This pipe can get clogged as a result of a full septic tank, biomat buildup, and the accumulation of non-biodegradable items like flushable wipes or feminine hygiene products. When the outlet pipe is clogged, the wastewater may flow back into the septic tank and create sounds of audible running water. If your septic tank is full, it’s advisable to schedule septic tank pumping and septic tank cleaning to prevent a wide range of issues, including a clogged outlet pipe.

  • Your Drainfield Isn’t Draining Properly

The wastewater from your septic tank flows into the drainfield, where it’s absorbed and treated. If the drainfield is obstructed, the wastewater will have nowhere to go but to flow back into the septic tank. The backflow may cause sounds of trickling water as the wastewater enters the tank. This can overwhelm your septic system and cause sewage to backup into your drains. Drainfield issues should be addressed as quickly as possible by a reputable septic company. Sometimes, drainfield problems may arise as a result of a full septic tank. That’s why it’s a good idea to schedule septic tank pumping and septic tank cleaning every 2-3 years.

  • The Septic Pump Has Stopped Working

Septic systems rely on gravity to move wastewater through the tank and on to the drainfield. However, if the drainfield is located uphill from the septic tank, the effluent will need extra force to reach its destination. In this case, a septic pump is installed either in the last chamber of a septic tank or in a separate chamber outside the main tank to move the effluent to a higher level for disposal. Just like the other components of your septic tank, the pump can malfunction for a number of reasons. When the pump breaks down, it means there won’t be enough force to move the wastewater, so it will flow back into the tank. This may cause audible sounds of running water. You’ll know the pump has malfunctioned if you start to notice slow drains, flushing issues, and strange noises. If your septic system has an alarm, it may go off. Call a professional septic company to inspect the septic pump and perform septic tank repair.

Schedule a Septic Inspection with Septic Blue of Charlotte

If you hear unusual sounds coming from your septic tank, get in touch with Septic Blue of Charlotte for a professional septic system inspection. We are a trusted septic company offering a full range of septic services, including septic tank installation, septic tank repair, and many more.