A common reason for septic systems to failure is overloading the system with more water than it can absorb. A septic system is designed for a specific wastewater flow rate based on the number of bedrooms served by the system. When the flow rate is exceeded, the excess water may back up into the house or surface in the yard.
The lack of routine septic tank maintenance is a key cause of premature septic system failure. The main purpose of the septic tank is to stop solids from entering into the drainfield. If solids do reach the drainfield, they will clog the small spaces or pores in the gravel and soil below, resulting in sewage backing up into the house or yard.
Driving, paving, or building on top of a septic system can damage or destroy it. Paving over all or a portion of the drainfield may prevent air from getting into the soil, as well as limit access for repairs or maintenance. Tree roots may clog the drainfield lines and gravel in the trenches. Source: ONWASA Brochure on Septic System Care and Maintenance

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