The sky is clear, and the birds are chirping a blissful tune. It seems like a perfect day as any to get your yardwork done. You've got your trusty shades, a bucket hat with safari flaps a neck covering, and your favorite yellow gardening gloves. You step out of the garage, weed whacker in hand, only to be surprised by pools of water all across your yard. It hasn't rained in weeks and you haven't taken out the sprinklers in the last two days.
Surprise—something is wrong with your septic plumbing.
To the untrained eye septic issues can arise sneakily. Thankfully, Scorpion Septic is here to help. So, before water pools in your yard again, read on to learn more about how to identify early signs that there might be something wrong with your septic system.
Common Septic Tank Problems
Septic tanks are generally considered to be very durable appliances. They won't easily break, especially if you do your part in helping maintain it. Despite their durability, septic tanks don't last forever, they're not indestructible, but they won't stop working from one day to the next. In fact, you'll often notice some early signs your septic tank is on the verge of breaking. Read on to learn more about common septic tank problems.
Clogged Septic Tank
One of the most common issues homeowners will encounter when it comes to septic plumbing are clogs and blockages. Clogged septic tanks can be the result of a myriad of issues, but the most common causes include:
- A full septic tank.
- A blocked drain field which prevents waste water from dispersing.
- A tree root intrusion growing into your pipes.
- Clogged pipes which often result from improperly disposing of non-biodegradable hygiene products.
You can usually tell you have a clogged septic tank if you've got slow draining fixtures, sewage backups, and if you suddenly start to hear gurgling sounds coming from your pipes.
Unpleasant Smells and Odors
A common septic tank issue many homeowners encounter are frequent bad odors. A whiff of something rank and foul can indicate a whole lot of issues, like food not agreeing with your body, but if you encounter a strong and pungent odor near or around your drains or septic tank, it can often be an indication of a completely clogged septic tank. Sometimes when a septic tank is completely full, the waste and excrement can overflow, or even cause the trapped gases to escape, leading to your home smelling like a roadside gas station bathroom. The smells could also be the result of a clogged drain field, broken vent, or even an unhealthy bacterial imbalance. Whatever the case may be, it's best to let a professional handle it in order to find the best possible solution.
Puddles and Pooling in Your Yard
Unless your area is experiencing flash flood warnings and heavy rains, there is no reason why at any point in your time as a homeowner you should step out into your yard and take notice of puddles and pooling accompanied by foul smells and odors. While the sight of puddles in your yard can be caused by a myriad of factors, it often boils down to a blocked or clogged drain field. When a septic tank has excess solid waste, the outlet baffle can sometimes get clogged, causing the tank to back up, as no wastewater can escape the tank. The ensuing result: it overflows. Additionally, it's not uncommon that as a result of high water usage, heavy rainfall, or even tree root intrusion, that a drain field can become clogged, preventing it from properly absorbing water, which results in a puddle filled yard.
How to Minimize Septic Issues
We've given you the telltale signs of various septic issues, you now know what to look for, but how do you go about preventing septic issues from ever taking place? Well we've got you covered. Read on to learn insider tips and tricks that will surely help minimize septic system issues.
Be Water Conscious
A sure way to help prevent septic tank problems is by being a bit more conscious about your water use. A good starting point is by limiting the amount of water you consume on a day to day basis. This can look like turning the tap off when brushing your teeth or avoiding unnecessary long showers. Additionally, we recommend spreading high-water consuming activities like doing laundry or running the dishes through the dishwasher throughout the entire week rather than knocking them all out in one go. Further steps you can take include fixing leaky faucets or switching to water-efficient fixtures that can help reduce your total water consumption.
Ensure Proper Waste Disposal
An easy way to minimize the possibility of septic issues is by ensuring proper waste disposal. By this we mean avoiding flushing anything that's not considered human waste or toilet paper down your toilet. Non-biodegradable items such as wet wipes, diapers, or feminine hygiene products do not decompose and can lead to septic tank problems.
Additionally, it's important to watch what you're putting down the sink. Pouring grease, harsh chemicals, or cleaners down the drain can lead to buildup which can cause serious issues.
Regular Maintenance
It goes without saying, you can ensure proper waste disposal, be water conscious, but if you don't schedule regular maintenance services, you will undoubtedly continue to encounter septic system issues. By regular maintenance we mean pumping your tank every 3-5 years as per EPA guidelines, and scheduling a check-up every year or so. This safeguards your septic plumbing system from complete system failure as well as from any potential health hazards.
Plumbing Professionals You Can Trust!
Septic systems are durable appliances, often lasting more than 40+ years, but even they have a limit. Knowing what to look out for and what to do in case septic problems arise can be helpful in keeping them around for as long as possible. Here at Scorpion Septic we've made fixing septic systems our mission, so for all your septic plumbing needs, be sure to give us a call!