Septic tanks handle some of the most vital jobs that a household requires, but they live out of sight. This means that if left unchecked, problems can easily go from minor to severe without being noticed.
Not only can a hidden septic tank issue quickly become an emergency, but the cost to replace an entire system can also cost you anywhere from $10,000-25,000.
This makes regular maintenance of your septic tank the way to get the most out of your system. Keep reading to learn more about how septic tank cleaning will help one of the most important parts of your property stay safe and functional.
How Your Septic System Works
To best understand why preventative septic tank cleaning is so important, it’s helpful to know how your system works.
When you flush waste from the toilet into your tank, the solids are broken down and eaten by the microbes that naturally occur there. Excess water from the waste moves to a second chamber, where it too is processed by microbes. Eventually, it is released into the ground over time, where it is further cleaned by organisms present in the soil.
At some point, your septic tank will begin to accumulate large amounts of solid waste, and it’s time to have it pumped. Without scheduling routine inspections of your tank, you may not know that it’s nearing capacity. When you do, it could be too late and more expensive than it needed to be.
Recommendations For Septic Tank Cleaning
The most essential septic tank services are pumping, inspection, and cleaning. While these typically have a cost of around $250-500, they are key in preventing far larger costs later on. A healthy septic system can even add value to your home, so there’s little downside to paying for care.
Your septic tank system should receive service around once every 1-3 years, but this can vary depending on factors. You’ll need to consider things such as tank size, number of people living in the home, and property layout. Ask your technician for their recommendations based on your household and tank.
If you don’t know the last time your septic tank was serviced, it’s important that you schedule an inspection. You should do so as soon as possible to catch any issues you may be unaware of.
During a typical service visit, your provider will look at the amount of waste in your tank to determine if it needs to be pumped. They will also check for clogs or leaks and that all parts of the system are working correctly to keep things moving.
Regular inspections mean you have a greater chance of knowing about any potential issues before they arise and before they become emergencies. Problems like blockages or leaks can be fixed, allowing your tank the conditions it needs to perform at its best while also prolonging its service life.
Signs Your Septic System Needs Servicing
If the right attention isn’t given, hidden septic issues can quickly worsen until they become severe enough for you to notice them. There are several common signs that your septic tank has been neglected or is in need of immediate service. If you notice any of them, it may be time to schedule a visit from one of our technicians.
By practicing regular servicing and keeping an eye out for common warning signs, you can keep your septic system at its best while saving yourself the expense of major repairs.
Yard Seepage Water pooling in your yard is a common sign of septic tank issues, especially if it’s dark in color or has a strong odor.
It’s not uncommon for rainwater to gather in the area around your tank, so you should watch standing water. If it goes away on its own, it’s likely not a septic issue.
If the water remains, but you don’t believe it’s rainwater or a plumbing issue, it may be time to call us for a septic tank inspection.
Wastewater Backups While you don’t want to see sewage in your yard, you want to avoid it in your home even more.
When a septic tank is full or clogged, water from the system can begin to come back up into your pipes and home. If you have dark or otherwise unusual toilet water, your septic system could be failing in some way.
Green Spongy Grass The grass around a failing septic system is often noticeably lusher, brighter, and spongier than the rest of the yard.
If you notice this around your septic tank, it’s time to have your system inspected. This is also important if you’ve had a lot of dry weather lately.
Slow Drains Another sign of a hurting septic tank is slow drains in your home, like sinks and tubs.
If your plumber doesn’t find any issues with your indoor pipes, there’s a possibility that it’s a septic tank issue.
Foul Odors If you’re noticing an unpleasant odor coming from the area surrounding your septic tank or inside your home, it may be due to septic complications.
Foul odors will also commonly accompany many of the other signs of a struggling septic system.
Practice Regular Septic Tank Cleaning
It’s easy to protect yourself against emergency septic tank situations. If you follow recommendations for routine maintenance, you ensure that your septic system is working at its best. A healthy septic tank helps keep you and your home safe, clean, and comfortable.
Reach out to us today and speak to one of our septic system experts if you’re ready to find the ideal maintenance plan for you.
