When was the last time you thought about your home’s septic tank? You would be forgiven if it’s been a while, seeing as how it’s buried on your property and usually does its job without drawing attention to itself. But when something goes wrong with a septic tank, it starts drawing attention to itself in a big way.
Although most of the time your septic system is out of sight and out of mind, there are some warning signs you should pay attention to and act on as soon as possible. What follows are some common signs that your septic system is backing up, as well as some tips for preventing these issues.
Signs Your System Is Backed Up
Even though your septic system is located underground, you still may be able to tell when there’s something wrong with it. The most common signs of a septic system backup include:
· Foul Odor — Toilets and drains that emit an unpleasant sewer smell aren’t normal. This could be a sign your septic tank is overflowing or backed up, because its contents are flowing back up your pipes when it should be a one-way trip.
· Gurgling Sounds — Any strange noises coming from a drain or after you flush your toilet could indicate there’s an issue with your septic system.
· Wet Spots on Your Lawn — If you notice unusual puddling in the area of your septic tank, you could be experiencing a backup problem. There might also be dead grass or sunken areas on your lawn. These issues may be caused by effluent from your tank overflowing and soaking into the ground around it.
· Slow Drains — If your sinks or toilets don’t seem to be draining as fast as they should, this is another sign your septic system could be in trouble. That’s because tanks that are overfull or backed up don’t give contaminated or used water anywhere to go, forcing it to seep through solid waste.
Preventing Septic System Backups
Keeping your septic tank in good working order is critical if you want to avoid these issues. Fortunately, there are a number of things you can do to make sure your system will continue working the way it should, including:
· Regular Pumping — Perhaps the best way to keep your septic tank from backing up is to make sure you have it pumped on a regular basis. Usually, it’s recommended that this is done once a year.
· Watch What You Flush — Only water, solid and liquid waste, and toilet paper should be flushed down your toilets. Attempting to flush anything else such as cotton swabs, feminine hygiene products, paper towels or so-called “flushable” wipes can result in a blockage somewhere in your system.
· Keep Tree Roots Away — One of the most common causes of blocked septic systems is tree roots growing into the pipes. Make sure you keep trees away from the area where your tank and pipes are buried. You can also try pouring root-killing products down your drains to prevent roots from growing.
· Use Additives — There are a number of products on the market today to help keep septic systems healthy. These additives typically contain bacteria that help break down solid waste to prevent buildup in your tank and pipes.
· Schedule Inspections — Having a professional plumber or septic tank specialist look at your system on a regular basis means any early warning signs will be caught. That way, you can take the appropriate steps to prevent small issues from growing into major headaches.
Just because your septic system is beneath your feet doesn’t mean it should be beneath your notice. If you suspect there could be a problem with your septic tank, pay attention to the warning signs and address them as soon as possible.
AUTHOR BIO: Brady Alexander is the founder of S&B Septic and Sewer. He started the company with a goal in mind to provide the best around-the-clock service in North Texas. With over 20 years of experience, he prides himself on efficiency, effectiveness and, most importantly, honesty.
SOURCES
https://alphaenvironmental.net/blog/septic-tank-backup https://www.alldryus.com/blog/plumbing/septic-tank-backup https://www.kingsservices.com/septic-tank-backup
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