When it comes to sewage, water, or septic systems, the last thing you need is for them to malfunctioning. Not being connected to the main public sewers can be a nuisance in itself. Still, there are ways to live a happy sewage-free life via a septic system.
Septic systems are a great way to ensure all wastewater is collected in a tank, which is later emptied and carted off to a cleansing plant. However, should you experience a septic system backup, it can have a devastating effect on your life.
More than ⅓ of inhabitants use an on-site septic tank in Indiana. The state sees over 15,000 septic tank approvals each year!
But before considering installing a tank, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with some of the red flags that could indicate something’s amiss.
So, here are six warning signs that your septic system is about to fail:
1. Clogged Drains
While usually only acknowledged with a fit of annoyance or an inconvenienced huff, a clogged drain combined with a septic tank can cause significant concern.
A clogged drain can be caused by:
- A blockage. Increased pressure caused by an obstruction within the pipe can cause wastewater to backup.
- Pipe contortion. A buildup of waste material at a pipe imperfection such as a twist.
- Intrusion. A piece of barb, a fragment of pipe, or even a tree root could be obtruding the pipe.
- Stagnant water. Areas where the pitch of the pipe is not sufficient for efficient drainage.
Alternatively, a collapsed sewage line could be causing the issue, which can often go unnoticed for long periods.
2. Sewage Backup
A sewage backup is a critical issue for your property. This means that there’s a problem with your septic tank. This results in a bio-hazard for inhabitants and potential contamination of your water supply!
This is an EMERGENCY! Call Blaire & Norris IMMEDIATELY to get an expert out NOW!
3. Stagnant or Standing Groundwater Surrounding Your Tank
If your yard suddenly has a lot of standing water that won’t drain away, it is a sign the drain field is malfunctioning. This can be caused by a leak or septic tank back up.
4. Foul Odors
Peg your noses, everybody! Foul odors in and around your home are a sure sign of a septic issue. Internal odors are a good indication that you have a septic backup or inadequate ventilation.
External odors typically arise from septic or drainage problems. So before you spray the Febreze, eliminate any sewage concerns by calling Blaire & Norris to investigate!
5. Lush Grass
Is your yard looking particularly fabulous? Is your grass green and lush even in the hottest of summers? You need to be concerned.
You’re not about to be rewarded Yard Of The Year just yet, and here’s why!
Your beautifully green yard is usually an indication that you and your beautiful family are fertilizing the plants. Yes, that’s right, you probably have a leak from your septic tank, so best get that looked out before you gush to the neighbors!
How to Prevent a Septic System Backup
So, how can you prevent your septic tank from ruining your American Dream? Here are a few pointers to get you on the right track:
Expert Installation
Always get a reliable expert to install your septic and well system. Set it up wrong, and you are in for a smelly and dangerous ride, so it’s well worth paying the big bucks to keep your family safe.
At Blaire & Norris, we are dedicated to providing the best customer service, effectively and efficiently.
With over a century of combined experience, we keep up to date on developments within the industry to ensure we provide the best methods and technology to our customers.
Regular Maintenance
The regular maintenance of your septic tank and entire water system is an essential part of preventing a malfunction.
Here are the key areas to maintain:
Grease Traps
Under housing and business regulations, all kitchen taps must have a grease trap attached to catch fats, oils, or grease from entering the central drainage system. These traps should be emptied and cleaned every year to prevent any overflow from blocking the drains.
Drain Tanks
Drain or washer tanks should be cleaned every seven years. However, you may find that you need to clean yours more frequently, so keep an eye on your drain tank and act accordingly.
Water Pumps
Pumps require inspection bi-annually to prevent malfunctioning of the floats, controls, and overall system. A check should be undertaken if flow and usage change dramatically over a period of time.
Throw Trash in the Trash
Don’t clog up your drains with nappies, sanitary products, or condoms, as these will inevitably block your drains, causing waste backup or system failure.
Any bulky disposable items should be put in the trash, and drains should only be reserved for wastewater and toilet paper. Trust us, you’ll thank us in the long run!
Removing Waste Regularly
The most important thing to do to prevent a septic tank failure is to regularly empty it. Over some time, solid waste will accumulate within the septic tank.
This waste should be removed and disposed of properly every 1-3 years. Removing this waste is essential to maintain your septic system and ensure efficiency in your waste drainage function.
So, When Something Smells, in Your Neighborhood…Who You Gonna Call?
Blaire & Norris!
Having read this article, we hope you have a better idea of the telltale signs you’re looking at a septic system backup – and what to do about it.
In the unfortunate event that you face a septic system backup, contact us today. We can set up a regular maintenance program to ensure your septic tank functions correctly for years to come!
