What Causes Septic Systems to Fail in Peoria County?
A properly maintained septic system can last decades, but when something goes wrong, it can lead to costly repairs and serious headaches. If you’ve ever wondered what causes septic systems to fail—and more importantly, how to prevent it—this post is for you.
Common Causes of Septic System Failures
- Lack of Regular Maintenance
- Your septic system is no different than the vehicle you drive. If you skip changing your oil, your engine will gum up and have to be replaced. The same goes for your septic system. Skipping maintenance can lead to clogs, backups, and even complete system failure.
- Pro Tip: Pump your septic tank every 2–5 years (or more frequently if your household generates a lot of wastewater).
- Flushing the Wrong Things
- Septic systems in Peoria County are designed to handle human waste and toilet paper—nothing else. Flushing items like wipes (even “flushable” ones), feminine hygiene products, or grease can cause blockages and damage your system. A fully functioning septic system does not need anything else but what comes out and off your body.
- Overloading the System
- Using too much water in a short period can overwhelm your septic tank. Spacing out laundry loads, washing your dishes and fixing leaks promptly can help avoid this.
- Tree Root Infiltration
- Trees and shrubs planted too close to your septic system can cause roots to invade and damage pipes or the tank itself.
- Poor Installation or Design
- Not all septic systems in Peoria County are created equal. If your system wasn’t properly designed for your property or was poorly installed, you’re more likely to face issues down the road.
Why Should You Care About Preventing Septic Failures?
A failing septic system isn’t just inconvenient—it’s expensive. The cost to repair or replace a septic system in Peoria County can range from $6,000 to $40,000 depending on the extent of the damage. Routine maintenance, on the other hand, costs a fraction of that, typically $300 to $600 per pump.
How to Avoid Septic System Failures
- Schedule Regular Maintenance
- Join one of our Septic Maintenance Plans to save money and ensure your system stays in top shape. We offer discounts on pumping and inspections to help you avoid costly repairs.
- Educate Your Household
- Teach everyone in your home what can and can’t go down the drain.
- Get Professional Inspections
- Regular inspections can catch small issues before they turn into big problems. Our detailed inspections include everything from checking your tank levels to testing your system’s components.
Peoria County
- Regular inspections can catch small issues before they turn into big problems. Our detailed inspections include everything from checking your tank levels to testing your system’s components.
