Name a common reason for septic tank overflows.

Excessive water usage or improper waste disposal is a leading cause of septic tank overflows. When a household exceeds the designed capacity of the septic system, it can overwhelm the tank and drain field. Typical contributing factors include high water usage from showers, laundry, dishwashing, and other activities that result in large amounts of wastewater being directed to the tank too quickly. Additionally, improper disposal of materials like grease, non-biodegradable items, or excessive solids can lead to blockages and clogs within the system, preventing wastewater from being processed properly. As a consequence, the tank can become full and overflow, leading to potential health hazards and environmental contamination.

The other factors mentioned, while they may affect the overall health of a septic system, do not directly lead to overflows in the same way excessive water usage or improper waste disposal do. Properly installed tanks and adequate ventilation are usually less of an issue with regular maintenance. Overuse of cleaning products can contribute to system disruption but is not as significant a factor in causing immediate overflow as the amount and type of waste being processed.