Common Septic Tank Problems And Why They Happen

Property owners with a septic tank hope they never have to encounter problems with the system. That is because these systems can be very expensive to repair. The only way to do so is to contact a professional to help you to do so. Yet, some of the problems that do occur are preventable. If you just purchased a home with this type of system or you are dealing with problems right now, it pays to know why they are happening.

The Tank's Capacity

One common concern is having too much in the septic tank at one time. If the system is too small for the number of people living in your home, this can cause an overload of sludge to happen. Sometimes, this can happen within a short period of time, too. Most are between 900 and 1500 gallons. Those that are smaller than this are often best for just one or two people or in homes that are not lived in on a regular basis. Those who have larger families need significantly larger systems. Sometimes, the number of bedrooms is used to determine the size. Ensure that this effectively covers you need.

Proper Inspections

Did you know that one of the biggest problems with these systems is that they lack proper inspections? Annually, you should have a professional inspect the system to ensure that it is in good working order. You should also measure the amount of sludge in the system annually. The technician should check for any signs of leaks, such as bright green vegetation growing in or around the location of the tanks.

Ponding Water

Ponding water is a clear indication of a problem with these tanks. This can indicate a problem with the leach field. If there are signs of water pooling in the leach field, this can be an indication that the field has absorbed all that it can absorb. In some situations, the field is built along a bank. If this is the case, you may notice water leaking from the sides of the bank. This is also an indication of ponding. It requires professional attention and is often due to having a very small tank or not having annual inspections.

With proper maintenance and upkeep, you can avoid many of the common problems with these systems. Your septic tank is one of the main systems of your home. If it stops working properly, or you need it to be pumped, it is best to contact a professional to do this right away. Do not wait because doing so could make a small problem into a much larger concern. With proper maintenance, though, you may not need help very often.