Home Swimming Pools: A Care and Maintenance Guide

4 Signs You May Need To Replace Your Septic Tank

26 January 2019

Ruben Franklin

Owning a home on it's own septic system means you are responsible for all maintenance and repairs. For this reason, it's vital that you know the signs of a septic tank that will soon need replacing. Not only will this help you avoid major issues by planning ahead, it can also help you manage your household budget if you are able to plan for a replacement in advance. The following are signs that you may soon need to replace your septic tank.

Sign #1: It's filling more frequently

Septic tanks come in various sizes. If your family has grown, then your tank may no longer be appropriately sized to your needs. Another concern is that putting too much stress on an overly small tank for too long could also lead to performance issues that require repair. Look at the average intervals between septic pumpings in the past. If the time between pumpings has decreased by more than a third, then it is time to have the tank assessed and inspected.

Sign #2: It's seeping sludge

While a drainfield is designed to handle the moisture seeping from a properly functioning tank, you should never have standing water or obvious sewage standing around the tank or in the drainfield. Bad odors, increased plant growth or lushness, and increased flies can all indicate that your tank has developed a leak and is dumping sewage directly into the drainfield. If you suspect this is a problem, you need to have the tank inspected right away. Raw sewage is a major health concern that needs to be addressed immediately.

Sign #3: Problem plants have encroached

Have trees or other deep-rooted plants popped up around your septic tank in recent years? If so, you may unknowingly have allowed a problem to occur. Tree roots aren't just damaging to a drain field; they can also damage the tank and the pipes leading to it. The roots seek out moisture and nutrients, which they find within the septic system. You can't simply have the trees removed since this could damage the tank more. You will need a septic pro to assess the condition of the tank as well as determine the best way to remove the trees without causing further damage.

Sign #4: It's old

An old tank doesn't necessarily need replaced, as it can work well for many decades. Yet, if your tank is more than 10 years old and hasn't been inspected recently, you need to schedule a service visit. Older tanks are more likely to develop leaks or other problems, so staying on top of inspections and maintenance ensures you have forewarning if a problem develops.

If you are concerned about your septic tank, then call a septic tank inspection service and schedule an appointment. For more information, visit websites like http://sullivanseptic.net.

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