While you may not think about what happens after you flush the toilet, there’s a lot at play behind the scenes to keep everything flowing smoothly. It’s only when you experience problems like slow drains or foul odors that you may worry about your septic tank system and if it needs a repair or replacement.
Most septic tanks last between 20 and 40 years with good care and maintenance. But even the best quality septic tank that’s well cared for will fall victim to disrepair at some point. Many times you aren’t even aware there’s a problem. Septic tanks are like icebergs in that way. The bulk of the system lurks below ground, causing untold amounts of damage if not addressed quickly.
5 Signs You Should Repair Your Septic Tank Now
Thankfully, your tank will give you signs that a repair or replacement is needed for your septic tank in Springfield OH, from gurgling sounds to standing water.
1. Slow Drains
While most slow drains confined to one area of your home usually signal a simple clog, sometimes the issue can be much more dire than that. If you have water and sewage from toilets, sinks, and drains backing up into your house all at the same time, you definitely have a septic problem. This happens when water is moving too slowly through the tank due to the buildup of sludge at the bottom.
2. Bad Odors
The most common cause of foul odors emanating from toilets and drains is a septic tank that is full and needs to be emptied. Foul odors can also indicate that your tank needs a repair of some kind. If you detect a strong smell in your yard, this may mean your plumbing vent pipe should be extended. In most cases, odors will be carried away from your home by the wind, but if not, you may need a carbon filter. These filters can be placed on top of the plumbing vent to regulate odors, and it should be changed every few years.
3. Standing Water
If standing water is pooling in your yard, originating from your septic system, this may not be an issue with your tank but from a failing leach field instead. The leach field is essentially an area of land where water from your septic tank percolates back into the ground. This part of your septic tank system can be replaced without having to repair the actual tank.
4. Bright Green Grass Over the Tank or Leach Field
One sign of too much water is when you notice one patch of grass that is greener than the rest. You may think this is a good sign, but it’s not. It’s actually a sign that your system is malfunctioning. This may be occurring due to a leak of effluent (liquid wastewater) before it hits the leach field. Once this effluent escapes from your septic tank, it acts as fertilizer. That’s why you are seeing that bright green, spongy area of grass.
5. Gurgling sounds
The main cause of this is when your tank is too full, due to the sewer lines being blocked. This doesn’t allow the tank to drain properly, impeding the flow of water and causing a gurgling sound.
How Do You Know When a Replacement, Not a Repair, is Needed?
Sometimes, a repair just won’t cut it, especially if the system is already very old. Here are some signs that you’re in need of a replacement rather than repair.
Puddles Form Overnight
If you’re seeing puddles or swampy patches in your yard that appear overnight, it’s time for replacement. Your system is designed to move wastewater through the leach field where it can percolate into the soil. With clogs, pipe breaks, or cracked tanks impeding the flow of water, moisture gradually rises up to the surface.
Household Size Has Increased
The amount of people in your house who regularly contribute to the septic system will determine the size of your tank. If your family has increased, it’s wise to upgrade your tank so it can adequately handle those extra demands.
System Needs Frequent Repairs
As with any home appliance or system, there comes a breaking point where the cost of frequent repairs starts to exceed the cost of replacement. Don’t throw good money after bad – get it replaced and start fresh.
Your septic system technician in the Miami Valley will be able to help you determine the need for repair vs. replacement.
Book Your Septic Tank Repair With Miami Valley Septic Service Today
Now that you know the top signs signaling the need for septic tank repair in the Miami Valley, request a quote today from the trusted leader in septic tank repair services.
