You will be well aware of the benefits they offer to your life if you have a septic tank. How else would you anticipate being able to live in a stunning rural area without a sewage connection?
As a homeowner who relies on a septic tank, one of the last things you want is for it to malfunction or overflow. Your worst nightmare, most likely.
Thankfully, most of the time, they were buried and went unnoticed, likely going unremembered. However, when they do, they really go wrong
You can maintain your septic tank in good shape by adhering to basic recommended practises. Simple measures like maintaining a consistent emptying routine or keeping an eye out for the typical fullness indicators.
But certain circumstances are simply beyond your control; you are powerless to stop them from going wrong.
With that in mind, we’ll highlight some of the most frequent septic tank issues and explain how to prevent or resolve them.
Poor installation.
Septic systems can function effectively when they are installed properly. Do you know whether the company who put in your septic system did it properly? You probably don’t know who installed the septic system if you bought an older house. Additionally, you are not aware of what’s going on in your septic system because you can’t see it.
Septic tank failure can result from installation errors such as failing to bury the tank deeply enough, installing the incorrect-sized tank, or utilising the incorrect soil in the drainfield. Regular maintenance keeps your septic system running smoothly and enables you to keep track of any issues.
Tree root damage
If tree roots discover your septic tank while looking for water, there is a chance that they will attempt to enter it. This could cause leaks to occur. If there is a leak in your system, you can identify it by searching for areas of the lawn that have grass that is abnormally healthy, unpleasant scents, or liquid swage. If you avoid growing trees near the tank, you can assist in preventing this issue from occurring.
If the branches of your tree begin to droop over the region where the septic tank is located, it’s possible that the roots have also reached that area. In the event that there are only a few feeder roots invading the septic tank, you may be able to employ specialised chemical treatments; but, in the event that the problem is severe, it may be required to remove the roots mechanically.
Incorrect disposal of non-bio degradable material
Your septic tank should function by breaking down the majority of the solid waste. Sludge will eventually accumulate, and you will need to empty the tank. Non-biodegradable materials, on the other hand, cannot be broken down at all, causing your tank to fill up faster. This may cause you to overestimate the tank’s capacity, resulting in spills and leaks.
Paper towels, tampons, and disposable nappies are examples of non-biodegradable materials commonly found in septic tanks. If there is an excessive amount of non-biodegradable material in the system, it can clog the drainage system, causing the system to overflow with liquid waste. As a result, avoid flushing anything that is not biodegradable.
Do you smell something?
Strong or unpleasant odours coming from your household drains or the area around your septic tank can indicate a variety of issues, including solid waste build-up, chemicals killing the bacteria that breaks down waste, or a problem with the soak away area connected to your septic tank. You should employ an experienced contractor to conduct the necessary inspections in order to correctly determine the source of the unpleasant odour.
While there are numerous common septic tank problems, the vast majority of them are easily resolved with professional assistance. Also, keep in mind that regular maintenance of your septic tank will keep the occurrence of any problems to a minimum.
Lack of regular maintenance
This is perhaps the most common problem, but fortunately it’s also the one that’s easiest to prevent. It is imperative that you have your septic tank drained on a regular basis.
The precise frequency will differ from tank to tank; for some, it will take place once a year, while for others, it may take place four or five times a year. Routine emptying will keep your septic tank in the best condition possible and will prevent any common septic tank problems from occurring in the future.
If you want to limit this expense, team up with your neighbours, and take advantage of Ward Septic Tank Cleaning’s “Pump Out Partners” scheme, a great way to help reduce your cost and keep those living around you well serviced and financially better off.
Ward Septics can take care of all your septic and water tank needs
If you have a septic system, the last thing you want is to be dealing with any issues yourself. This is tricky, complex and, well, dirty work. Ward Tank Cleaning have the knowledge and experience to tackle everything from regular maintenance to fixing bigger problems. Flexible and cost effective we are the one stop solution to any problem that can arise. Call today on 0438 315 514!
