Five Common Septic Tank Problems
Your home's septic setup consists of many parts that all depend on the health of the tank. Problems with the septic tank can result in septic backup and overflow; this means that you'd see raw sewage making its way back into your living space through the toilet and drains in the home or that you'll see raw sewage in your yard. Here are the most common tank problems.
1- Improper Maintenance
Many people don't consider how old their septic tank is. In fact, many new homeowners can't identify where their septic tank is on the property. This can mean that the tank has never been maintained or flushed out. Cracks, improper bacteria balance, solid buildup and other problems could be happening now and they're unaware of it until there's a major failure. If you can't recall when your tank was flushed or serviced, or you don't know much about your sewer tank, you should have a professional come and assess the entire system.
2- Old Age
Septic tanks can last many decades, but like many other structures, they may not last forever. That's why regular flushes and professional monitoring can be helpful; a contractor will be able to look for imperfections that require a tank replacement.
3- Vehicle Damage
If you or others regularly park on the grass or you have heavy equipment that rolls over the septic field often, you could be putting the tank at risk. The pressure of vehicles running over the tank over and over could ultimately cause the tank to collapse. Be aware of where your septic field is and be mindful of traffic on top of it.
4- Tree Roots
As time passes, the baby saplings that your family planted to beautify the yard could mean trouble for the septic tank. Roots can push right into the tank, especially if the tank is old or cracked already. You can use a sewer camera to see if that's the issue and then they can be repaired with patches.
5- Improper Bacteria Balance
At all times, bacteria exist in the tank to break down solids. If this balance is disrupted, solids will build up and can clog the outlet pipe, causing a backup. A contractor can test the bacteria and restore the balance.
Any of these tank problems can be inconvenient and make a huge mess. If you suspect that these problems are affecting your own tank or simply want to be sure they are not, contact sewer contractors. Should you need any tank repairs, those can be completed before a major tank failure. To learn more, visit a website like http://www.southernsanitarysystems.com.