A quality, properly installed septic tank can help you save money and lessen your impact on the environment. It is a great solution for situations in which it does not make sense to connect to municipal sewer systems. However, a septic tank is a delicate system that must be pumped every three years. If your septic tank isn't working properly, it can cause extensive damage to your home and property and even create health hazards.
If your septic tank isn't regularly pumped, it will overfill and can break. A damaged, over full septic tank will cause waste to fill the septic lines, causing many different problems (similar to the signs of a clogged sewer line).
The quicker you respond to any problem with your septic system, the better. No matter which type of septic system you have, never ignore any of these five signs.
1. You Have Standing Water for No Apparent Reason
If you find pooling water on your property and there's no other reason for it, such as irrigation or heavy rains, it could mean that you have a percolating septic tank. These pools or puddles indicate that water leaving the septic tank cannot be absorbed into the ground. The weight of this water could cause further damage to your tank, and the liquid coming to the surface may be contaminated with bacteria. This issue should be addressed right away in order to avoid further damage and protect your own health and safety.
2. Something Doesn't Smell Right
We all know what sewage smells like. Not only is this rotten smell extremely unpleasant for you and your guests, but it is also a sign that there is a problem with your septic system. A foul odor around your home or property most likely indicates that your septic tank cannot hold any more waste.
3. Your Flow Has Slower
A slowing in your water flow could be caused by a damaged or over-full septic tank. If you have a septic tank, all household drains connect to it. Therefore, if you have a problem with this tank, all of your drains will be affected. Alternatively, if only one drain is slow, it is likely a separate problem. If all of your toilets are flushing slowly, it's likely that your septic tank needs repair or replacement.
4. You Have Backup
Sewage backup into your toilets, sinks, showers or tubs is one of the of the most common signs that you have an over full septic tank and need to have your septic system looked at by a professional. You should call a plumber immediately if you notice a sewage backup, as the problem isn't likely to get any better on its own. In fact, it will probably worsen.
5. Your Lawn Looks Like a Patchwork Quilt
If you have strange patches of grass that are a darker shade of green than the rest of your lawn, you should check your septic system. Areas where a septic tank or line has leaked may grow faster and look greener than other spots, since components in the sewage act as (very unsanitary) fertilizer for the grass.
These five signs could indicate that your septic tank needs to be replaced or pumped. There are steps you can take to reduce stress on your septic system and properly prepare for a septic tank cleaning. However, when you need pumping or repairs, you should always call an experienced professional.
For expert advice on septic system issues and answers to all of your plumbing questions, contact The Pink Plumber today.
