Managing Water Usage
If your septic tank is full, showering can cause issues. Shower water typically drains into septic systems along with other household water. When a septic tank fills up, water will drain very slowly from bathroom and kitchen fixtures. Generally, showers should be limited to 20 minutes when the tank is full. Taking longer showers can overstress the septic system.
Consequences of a Full Septic Tank
When a septic tank fills up, wastewater has nowhere to go. It can back up into the home or yard. Solids can also break up and flow back into leach lines. This contaminates areas around the tank. A full septic tank needs to be pumped to remove excess sludge and solid waste. Then the system can work properly again.
Identifying a Full Tank
Signs your septic tank is full include:
- water bubbling up in the yard
- drain field failure
- sewage backing up inside the home
Tanks should be pumped every 3-5 years normally. Frequency depends on household size and usage.
Recommendations While Waiting for Maintenance
While waiting to get the tank pumped, limit water use as much as possible. Run any shower water into an outside graywater system if allowed. Or take quick showers until the tank can be serviced. Preventing septic system problems is much easier than fixing them later on.