A septic system issue can be one of the most unpleasant scenarios for you and your family. This problem can result in lingering odors inside your home, backups in the drainfield, and above-ground wet spots.
While these issues interfere with your comfort, they're also helpful warning signs for a septic tank problem. Keep an eye out for these plumbing problems to avoid costly (and smelly) repairs to the residential plumbing.
Smell
The first warning sign that'll catch your attention is the smell. If you notice a sewage smell around your home, drainfield, and/or property, you could have an issue with your septic tank.
This is a common sign of raw sewage that's escaped the tank. It's important to have a plumbing professional come to your home and check it out, as this could be a result of sludge build-up or broken pipes. (Both of which don't offer do-it-yourself solutions.)
However, back-ups in a septic tank are normally the result of failure to perform routine plumbing maintenance. It's important to maintain the tank to avoid costly repairs and stressful headaches.
If it's been awhile since the last check-up, it's possible that the septic filter is clogged. Even though you may be using a biological cleaning agent, it could be too weak for the tank. A plumbing professional will be able to find a quick solution.
Broken pipes are tougher to diagnose and repair. If you believe this is the plumbing problem, hire a professional with access to camera equipment. This allows them to find the crack in the plumbing anatomy. These cracks form when sulfuric acid breaks down concrete or rusted steel inside the tank. Either way, it's important to have a professional visit as soon as possible.
Drainage Issues
Drains that are too slow or clogged can also be a sign of poor septic health. If you notice the toilet doesn’t seem to be flushing, this could be a sign of a simple clog. However, it could also mean that it's time to get the septic system drained.
Tip: Have your septic tank drained every 3 to 5 years to avoid back-ups.
The tricky part with drainage is that it could be an issue with the septic or residential plumbing. If you choose a plumbing professional who specializes in one or the other, they may ask you to call someone else. To avoid this inconvenience, choose a professional who does both.
Loud Banging Noise In Pipes
Strange sounds coming from your home's inner workings is a noisy nightmare. If you notice sounds coming from the pipes when running water, it means something is wrong with your septic.
Most commonly, this sound occurs when the septic is full and unable to properly function. On the other hand, it could be a sign of a more complex problem, which could result in extensive damage the longer it’s left untouched.
Noisy pipes can be difficult to diagnose because a handful of different causes exist. It could be a simple plugged sewer vent or a complex septic drainfield failure. Getting the problem looked at as soon as possible is the best course of action to avoid prolonged plumbing maintenance.
Understanding your home's inner workings is challenging especially when you can’t see it, so hire a professional with experience handling residential plumbing for the best way to ensure it’s done right.
You can also double-check common plumbing terms beforehand to ensure you fully understand the plumbing problem's diagnosis.
You can take steps to prevent these issues in the septic tank. Be aware of actions within your home that could harm the septic system to avoid costly repairs and unexpected problems. Warner Service has also created a checklist to help you maintain residential plumbing maintenance:
