If your home uses a septic system then you should be aware that proper maintenance is required otherwise you could end up with a very large and expensive foul smelling mess to clean up.
How Do You Know If You Have A Septic Tank Problem?
There are basically 3 signs that indicate you have an issue with your septic system.
1) A warning sign of a possible clog is if your drains and toilets are slow to and/or you notice sewage backups in your toilets, showers, bathtubs and/or sinks.
2) Patches of very green grass in your yard in the area where your septic tank is buried.
3) Sewer odors are a very good indication of a failing septic system or at the very least, problems.
What Causes Septic Tank Problems?
Some of the issues that cause problems in your septic system include:
1) Septic tank is full – reached it’s capacity.
2) The tank is old and may leak. Septic tanks are constructed of different materials and how long a tank lasts will depend on what it’s made out of. Steel tanks last 20 to 30 years. Plastic tanks last 30 to 40 years and concrete tanks last 40 years or more.
3) Poor maintenance. It’s recommended that your septic tank be drained every 2 to 4 years and if that is not adhere to – well – like any other appliance or product – it can end up turning small issues into larger problems.
How Do You Know When It’s Time To Pump Your Septic Tank?
We recommend that if your household is 4 people or less, then have your septic tank inspected every 4 years. If your household is 5 people or more then you should have your tank inspected every 2 years.
This schedule will ensure that you avoid any major sewage backups or other common septic tank problems.
Can Too Much Rain Cause Septic Problems?
Yes, if your septic tank is full, the pump may fail and as a result, new wastewater will not come in to replace the old wastewater.
Normally, when this happens you will be able to sense a foul smell coming from the area where your septic tank sits.
Also, if there is a deluge of rain, it may flood the ground where your tank is and there may just be too much rain for that ground to absorb all at once.
If there’s too much water in that ground area – the water inside your septic system that would normally flow out into the ground has nowhere to go – this can then cause a backup of your septic system.
If you have any questions about septic tank problems, call Atlantis Plumbing today at 770-443-8229. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.