5 Signs of a Broken Septic Tank that Needs Repair
About one-quarter of all US households rely on a septic tank to properly dispose the waste in an efficient manner. However, septic systems are subject to breakdown which means that repairs may run into the thousands of dollars depending on the severity. However, proper septic tank repair can be less expensive if the early signs of failure are detected. Your plumbing contractor San Francisco residents and businesses trust can be called in to make the minor repairs before they become major ones. Here are just a few signs that your septic tank may need repair.
Decreased Flushing
This is one of the most obvious signs, yet it is often overlooked or misinterpreted as something else. Toilets that do not flush as fully as they did before indicate that the sewage pipe leading to the septic tank may be clogging or even backing up. A sure sign is when more than one toilet connected to the system shows the same signs of decreased flushing.
Slow Drains
Another sign is the drains in your sink and showers are less efficient in removing the water. If this only happens to one shower or sink drain, then it may be simply the drainage pipe. But when it happens to more than one at the same time, then it's probably the septic system starting to back up.
Unexplained Foul Odors
It is not normal to smell sewage from your drains as each flush or rinsing of water from your sinks and showers will push everything to the septic tank itself which is a considerable distance from your home. If you do smell the unmistakable odor of sewage, that is a sign your septic tank is becoming overloaded or backing up.
Leakage Around the Tank Itself
You may not know exactly where the septic tank is located, but if you see an unexplained puddle or pool of foul-smelling water in your yard, then it's probably the septic tank leaking or backing up. Even if the water has not quite reached the surface, if you see a patch of grass that is considerably greener than the surrounding grass, that is another sign of a leak.
Backup of Sewage into the Home
This is a not-so-subtle sign that something is wrong with your septic tank. If this occurs, do not try to clean it all up yourself, but instead have a plumber and cleaning crew handle the issue because it is a major health hazard.
Keep in mind that there are septic tank treatments that can be performed. Plus, you should have the tank cleaned out every few years which will help prevent many repair issues from occurring. A little maintenance can go a long way towards the health of your septic tank.
In the end, many instances
of septic tank repair can be delayed or even avoided with proper care. Be sure
to call the plumbing contractor San Francisco residents trust for proper
maintenance guidelines so you can reduce the chances of facing a major repair
to the septic system.
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