Even with the best of maintenance commitments, there’s a good chance that your septic system will eventually need a repair or service. Regular pumping keeps your system operating the way it should but many homeowners aren’t sure of the signs that indicate service is necessary immediately.
Here are some top signs you can keep an eye out for. If you notice any of them, place a call to your septic system professional in Springfield OH.
1. Bad Odors
Septic systems are meant to process waste and minimize odors, but often times, they fail in this regard. If you get a whiff of a foul odor coming from the leach field when outside, a faulty sewer line or overflowing tank is likely to blame. You’ll need an inspection of the system right away to determine how best to quickly address the issue.
Remember, septic systems should not permeate a sewage odor throughout your home or yard. This indicates an urgent problem that should be dealt with promptly.
2. Pooling Water
This is a common issue, and usually is evident above the septic system’s drain field. When your system is full, waste backup prevents your drain field from percolating water up through the soil. You’ll need to have your tank pumped in this situation so water can be channeled properly once again and to prevent flooding.
3. Slow Draining
Are your sinks, tubs, and toilets draining slowly? This is a sign your system is in desperate need of maintenance. Full tanks can’t adequately handle the amount of water emerging from the drains throughout your home, which means it will take longer for water to drain. After pumping, you will likely see a vast improvement in the speed of your drainage thanks to the increased capacity of the septic system.
Keep in mind that not all slow drains are directly related to your septic tank. Sometimes, an occasional slow drain can be an issue just with that specific pipe or drain. But when all drains in the home are slow, a full septic tank is probably the culprit. Another culprit could be a clogged or damaged main drain line into the septic tank. Either way, you will need to call a septic tank repair professional in the Miami Valley.
4. High Nitrate Levels
When your system has become full, wastewater can leak into the surrounding soil. If you have a well on your property, that water could get contaminated with the waste from the septic tank. This is why you should regularly test your well water for elevated nitrate levels. If the level is high, get your septic system serviced ASAP.
5. Lush Patch of Lawn
While all homeowners love a nice lush lawn, be suspicious if the patch of green lawn is right above your septic tank. A properly operating drain field should not release a lot of water into the soil where the roots of your grass can reach it. If you spot an unusually lush, green patch where the leach field is, you may have a leak or other issue with your pipes.
6. No Memory of Last Service Date
Maybe you just bought a home with a septic tank but don’t know when it was last serviced by the previous owner. Or maybe you’ve owned your home for many years and just can’t remember the last time you had it looked at. In either case, it’s wise to call a professional at the first opportunity to get a septic tank inspection. Regular inspections of septic tanks should take place every three years to ensure they don’t overflow. Your septic tank inspector will measure the level of solids and fluids inside the tank, and will also check for problems such as signs of leaks.
7. Sewage Backup
The most obvious sign that you need immediate septic tank service is a sewage backup inside your home – specifically in the tubs, sinks, or toilets. A backup is extremely unpleasant as you can imagine, and signals an overloaded system that needs pumping or repair right away.
Your best bet is to not let the problem escalate to this point in the first place. This is why it’s important to be aware of smaller issues as they come up so as to avoid a major catastrophe such as a sewage backup into your home.
Book Septic Tank Service With Miami Valley Septic Service Today
If you have noticed any of the above signs, don’t hesitate to request a quote today for prompt septic tank repair, maintenance inspections, or pumping throughout the Miami Valley area.
