If you have an old septic system, it may need rehabilitation. A little consistent maintenance on your part will help extend its lifespan.
Effluent ponding on the surface of your drainfield with a foul odor and overly lush green grass indicates that it is nearing the end of its life.
What To Expect
Septic systems are designed to last many years, but they will only do so with proper care. Failing septic systems can contaminate your healthy water and nearby waterbodies. This untreated sewage poses a severe health risk to your family and neighbors.
A septic system has three main components: the house sewer drain, septic tank, and absorption field. The sewer drain collects waste from home fixtures like toilets, sinks, and showers and connects to the septic tank. The septic tank holds the solid waste and liquid waste until the septic system pump removes it.
Regarding septic system repair, one of the most essential things is regular septic tank pumping. The tank must be pumped regularly to maintain capacity and ensure it works properly.
Preparing For The Repair
Whether your home connects to a public sewer system or uses a septic tank, it’s essential to take care of this crucial part of your property. It’s responsible for treating and disposing of your wastewater without contaminating groundwater or surface water.
If you have a septic tank, get routine maintenance and regular pumping services. It can help to prevent clogs, plumbing backups, and leach field failure.
A septic system that isn’t working properly can release untreated sewage into the ground, surface water, and marine environments. This sewage carries pathogens and contaminants that can make people sick, and it can also contaminate well water.
A common sign that septic tanks are in trouble is when you notice the drains running slowly. You may also notice a foul odor in the house. Another sign is if you see puddles in the yard that don’t appear to have rained in for a while. If you see these signs, call for emergency septic service immediately.
During The Repair
A septic system is responsible for disposing of all your household wastewater, but most homeowners only give a little thought to it once something goes wrong. If your sinks, bathtubs, or toilets don’t drain as quickly as they used to, your septic tank isn’t working correctly, and you may need a new septic tank or drain field.
Strong indoor odors, especially ones that are accompanied by wet, soggy areas in the yard near your home’s septic tank and drain field, are another sign of a problem with your septic system. These odors indicate that sewage is leaching out of your septic system and into the groundwater, where it can cause serious contamination issues for you and your family.
Consistent maintenance can help prevent these problems and costly septic tank repairs or replacement. Make sure to use a septic tank treatment that keeps the bacteria in your tank healthy so they can do their job.
Post-Repair Maintenance
Septic systems are vital in a home, but they must be maintained to ensure the system can work properly. That is why it is crucial that homeowners keep records of pumping, inspections, and other maintenance tasks and regularly have their septic tanks pumped out.
It is also important to practice water conservation by fixing leaking toilets, running dishwashers and washing machines only when complete, using water-saving appliances, and taking shorter showers. By doing these things, you can help prevent the need for costly septic system repairs and increase the system’s longevity.
Untreated sewage is dangerous and can enter groundwater, surface water, or marine water, where it can make people sick and contaminate the environment. A septic system failure allows sewage to flow where it shouldn’t be, which can cause it to seep into the soil around the septic tank or drainfield. A failing septic system may also lead to odors near the tank or drainfield.
