Anyone who has a septic system should look out for unusual noises such a bubbling or gurgling sound. These sounds may be a sign of a serious blockage, or it could be a result of poor drainage, both of which can be expensive to repair. If you happen to hear water running in your septic tank, should you worry? Read on to find out about a few reasons you might hear water running in your septic tank.
The Reasons for Running Water Sounds
Even though wastewater flows regularly into your septic tank, you should not hear any trickling or running noises. It could be that groundwater is leaking into your tank. For people with a concrete tank, it may be the result of a crack or rust damage. If you have a plastic or fiberglass tank, it can also become cracked or break. When the tank is physically damaged, groundwater will begin to leak into it, creating that unusual trickling sound.
If your drainfield is not properly draining, this may also cause the running water sound. If there is too much solid waste or wastewater in the drainage field, the soil can start to clog or improperly drain. This causes the wastewater to flow back into your tank. If you have a conventional septic system, it uses gravity to carry wastewater from the tank into the drainfield. If the drainfield is uphill, the pump must keep everything moving. If the pump is off, gravity will force the wastewater back into your septic tank, creating a trickling sound.
What a Normal Septic Tank Sounds Like
It’s important to know what a healthy septic system and tank sound like so you know when to be alarmed. Your septic system should technically not make any noise at all. If you have an aerobic septic system which uses an air pump to stir wastewater, you’ll likely not hear any noises at all. If the system does use an air pump, you’ll hear a constant humming noise, but it’s not very noticeable. Those with an alarm system will hear a high-pitched sound when it’s time for the tank to be pumped.
If you think your septic tank may be damaged or cracked, contact a professional septic system service as soon as possible. The sooner you can correct the problem, the sooner you’ll be able to go about your normal life and have some peace of mind.
For septic maintenance and repair, call the experts at Rooter Express NC, serving Charlotte, Concord, and more. Give us a call to schedule your appointment today.
