Having a septic tank is a little different from being connected to a city water and sewage provider. With the septic tank, all of the waste goes into the below ground septic tank instead of a central system. The different septic tank systems may vary, but they have many things in common. The main way that you can take care of your septic tank is not to flush solid objects. Too much solid material in the septic tank can make it stop up, causing a back up through the pipes and into the home.
You don’t usually need any septic tank maintenance to keep it running. As long as you don’t flush many solid items, it will pretty much run itself. The best way to maintain septic system is to be careful what is entered into the system. If you are in a very remote area, you can build your own septic system to work for your home. This can be tricky, and it will take a lot of equipment, but if you know what you’re doing, you can build an efficient system for your household wastewater and materials.
With proper care, an average septic tank can last between 20 and 30 years. If your home seems to be experiencing septic issues, it is important to take action right away. By identifying and addressing damage or inadequacies right away, you can prevent more serious septic failure. Luckily, septic tank problems are easy to spot. This guide will help you identify and treat some of the most common septic tank problems.
Symptoms Of A Faulty Septic Tank
- Strong odors
- Gurgling sounds in the pipes
- Drains working slowly
- Toilets not flushing at all
- Standing water near the tank
- Sewage backup
Septic Tank Problems and Solutions
If your home is showing any of the above signs, you might have a problem with your septic tank. These are some common issues that could be causing these symptoms and what you can do to prevent them.
- Clogged Filters: If you do not schedule regular appointments with a septic cleaning professional, your filter could be clogged. This causes the entire system to run inefficiently. Any cleaning agents should be “septic safe,” void of harsh chemicals and chlorine bleach.
- Septic Buildup: Material can build up in septic systems that are not pumped regularly. You should be scheduling septic pumping every two to three years, but a tank should be pumped whenever it is one-third full.
- Damage From Natural Elements: Because your septic tank is kept in the ground, it is subject to the damaging affects of nature. Tree roots and ice can cause cracks in the tank’s surface. This type of problem will require septic tank repair.
- An Aged Tank: If you are suddenly experiencing multiple septic tank problems, your tank might just be too old. In this case, regular septic pumping won’t be enough. Call a professional for an assessment and consider your replacement options.
- Improper Installation: If your new septic tank is acting up, there is a chance that is was installed incorrectly. In this case, call the installer and ask about your reinstallation options. The tank should be a proper size and model for your home.
The best way to ensure a long life for your septic tank is to begin a strict maintenance routine. By scheduling cleaning, pumping, and inspection, you can keep your system running well and prevent future problems. You local septic tank professional can recommend the best care plan for your specific tank model.
