Are you having problems with your septic system? Read this article to troubleshoot common septic systems problems at your house. There are definite pros and cons to having a septic system. On one hand, you know where your water is coming from because no one else is using it. On the other, you may have to adjust how you use the water and you’ll have to troubleshoot some issues as you get used to the septic life.
Today, we’re going to tell you about 4 of the more common septic systems problems and give you some tips on how to solve them. You’re going to learn a lot about plumbing with your own septic system, but you’re also going to need a plumber or septic repair in Schomberg to help you maintain it and take care of the bigger problems that might arise.
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Backups
A backed-up septic tank isn’t what any property owner wants to hear about, but they’re definitely the most common issue. It happens when a septic system is overused for a long period of time and what results is an accumulation of solid waste at the base of the tank. The best way to fix it is actually prevention. Perform septic pumping as frequently as possible and keep any non-biodegradable substances out of there altogether.
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Too Much Water
Your septic tank is only designed to hold so much water and when there’s too much, it prevents the solid waste from breaking down properly. You’re then more likely to have the solid waste enter the distribution lines, causing a blockage. You can get a handle on how much water is going into your septic tank at one time by scheduling heavy water-use activities. For example, don’t use the dishwasher and the washing machine on the same day and avoid long showers.
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Leaks
Whether it’s from cement cracking under cold weather or you’ve dug a hole and cracked a pipe, leaks happen. If you notice excess water above your tank or pipes are or the grass looks a lot greener in the spot where your tank is, you might have one. Unfortunately, if you’ve got a bad leak, it’s better to call in your plumber than to try and deal with it on your own. You never know how severe it’s going to be and you could run the risk of making it much worse.
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Odors
If you start to notice an odor, either indoors or outdoors, you’ve got a problem with your septic system’s ventilation. These gases include carbon dioxide, methane, and hydrogen sulfide; all of which can be quite dangerous to inhale in large quantities. Installing an effluent filter will help keep the solid waste from flowing out of the septic tank and causing these odors, which can be a sign of a septic system failure. It’s important to call a plumber immediately when you notice odors or you could be looking at a very expensive fix.
Keeping Septic Systems Problems At Bay
As long as you’re performing regular maintenance and getting it pumped every 2-5 years, you should be able to avoid serious septic systems problems. Do your best to maintain it and fix small issues yourself and make sure to have a plumber come in as soon as you notice the more serious problems. It’s better to be safe than sorry. If you found this post helpful, come back and visit us again for more great handyman tips.
