3 Common Septic Tank Problems and How to Fix Them

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3 Common Septic Tank Problems and How to Fix Them

The first sign of a problem with your septic tank is leaking. A septic tank getting used will need to be emptied, and this emptying is called septic tank pumping. Suppose a septic tank is not emptied regularly. In that case, all the liquids and solid waste could leak out, eventually becoming a health hazard for the entire neighborhood and requiring septic tank repair. Therefore, paying attention to early warning signs of a potential problem with your septic tank is essential. If you don't know if your septic tank needs pumping, contact Septic Blue of Raleigh for guidance.

Septic tanks are essential to the health of your home, and they collect and filter wastewater from your home's plumbing system, allowing it to be returned safely into the environment. The most common problems with septic tanks include:

Roots From Trees and Bushes

As you might expect, roots from trees and bushes can penetrate the septic tank, clogging its filters. If this happens, roots will continue to grow into the tank and eventually cause damage to the tank itself. This problem is especially common in areas where there are a lot of trees nearby.

Additionally, these roots can penetrate your drain field lines and clog the pipes where water flows into your leach field. These clogs can cause sewage backups into your home or an overflowing leach field that causes damage to the surrounding area.

To prevent this problem, use root barriers around your tank to prevent roots from entering it.

Clogs

Clogs are another common problem for septic tanks. When there isn't enough water entering the tank, sediment can build up in it and clog its filters. This buildup can result in sewage backing into your home's drains or toilets. You should check for clogs every few months by running an auger through the pipes leading into your tank. An auger is a long metal rod that pushes through small spaces.

Clogs in drain field lines can cause a variety of issues for homeowners. A partial clog in one section of your system could lead to a backup in another part of the house. If a clog occurs in an area with no drains or vents, this can create an emergency and expensive repairs for homeowners who don't know what they're dealing with until it's too late.

The best way to prevent clogs is by having regular maintenance and septic tank pumping done by the professionals at Septic Blue of Raleigh. They know what they're doing so that problems such as these don't happen again.

Leaks

Several things can cause leaks in a septic system. If your water bill is higher than usual, you should check your septic tank first. When you flush the toilet, the wastewater enters the tank and flows into the leach field, draining into the soil. A crack or hole in the pipe will allow wastewater to escape from your home and back up into your toilet bowl or tub.

To check for leaks, look for signs of dampness around your foundation and on the ground near your house's plumbing fixtures. Any dampness could come from a leaky pipe or drain line in your home's plumbing system that connects to your septic tank.

If you suspect a leak, contact Septic Blue of Raleigh immediately before you end up with a costly septic tank repair.