What Steps To Take If Your Septic Tank Is Malfunctioning
Have you been noticing some issues with your plumbing that may point to an issue with your septic tank? Subtle signs including a slow-draining sink or toilet can be an indication that your septic tank may not be functioning properly. Getting it addressed as soon as possible can save you thousands of dollars and prevent a major disaster from occurring. So what do you do if you suspect that there may be a problem? Here are some steps to take right now.
Check Your Septic Field
One of the first things you should do is go out to the area in your yard where your septic tank is and check the ground. Is it wet? Is there an odor? Does the ground seem extra green and unstable? These are indicators that your septic field may be in trouble. It could be anything from an obstruction to a major leak that is causing raw sewage to flow into the drain field and the surface ground. If you're noticing anything unusual and you are experiencing a back flow of wastewater in the home, it's time to call a local septic tank technician for thoroughseptic tank inspection services.
Avoid Trying to Clear Indoor Drains Yourself
The first reaction to a clogged drain or slow moving drain is often to use some drain cleaner to help free up a possible clog. Pouring these chemical-laden materials down the drain can only cause more damage to your pipes and the surrounding ground. Because there could be a crack somewhere, the chemicals could have a reaction with sewer gases, creating a serious reaction that could make you or other family members sick. If you don't see something physically clogged in your pipe, don't attempt to use a plumbing snake to release the clog or any type of drain cleaner as either.
Call in the Pros
If you're noticing any major problems with slow drains or foul smells coming for your pipes and drains, it's time to call in a septic tank pro for an evaluation. It could be your tank needs to be emptied. The EPA recommends having your tank emptied at least once every three to five years to prevent permanent damage to your septic system. Faulty pumps or cracked pipes anywhere in the system can cause major issues for homeowners. The only way to get to the root cause is to have the tank pumped and inspected to troubleshoot the problem.
Routine septic tank maintenance is the only way to prevent a total breakdown of your septic system. This will help prevent future issues from becoming a huge problem. While it isn't something you may think about every day, proper care of your septic system is important for a thriving and effective home.
