Septic System Basics 

Whether you’ve just moved in or you’ve lived on your property for decades, it’s important to know about the basics of your septic system. It’s a self-contained wastewater treatment setup that’s usually made up of a septic tank and a drainfield. Everything that goes into your drains from the toilets, sinks, and bathtubs ends up inside the tank. The solids go down to the bottom, the oils float to the top, and all of the liquid in between flows out into your drainfield to be filtered by the soil. However, septic systems aren’t set-it-and-forget-it. Without routine septic pumping in Swepsonville, the solids will start to build up and cause clogs and backups. To avoid problems, you’ll need to call a septic company every 3 to 5 years.

Early Warning Signs of Septic System Failure

Are you worried that your system is giving you clues? Here’s how to know there’s a problem before things get too far out of your control: 

• Your sinks and tubs drain really slowly. 
• You hear gurgling noises in your pipes. 
• There are wet patches over your drainfield. 
• There’s a bad, rotten egg smell near the tank. 
• Backups are happening very often in your lower-level toilets and drains. 

If you’ve noticed these symptoms, then you shouldn’t wait any longer to schedule a septic service. These red flags usually mean that your tank is full or that your drainfield is struggling to do its job.

Avoiding Septic System Overload During Holidays or Events

Do a lot of guests roll into town for the holidays? Do you like hosting big bashes? Then, you could be making your septic system work overtime. A spike in usage can lead to a system overload, especially if your tank is already almost full. Here are some tips on keeping your system happy during high-use periods:

• If it’s been a while since your last septic service, schedule a septic tank pumping in Swepsonville before your event. 
• Space out your showers and laundry, and encourage your guests to wait between water-heavy tasks. 
• Remind your guests about flushing rules with a friendly sign near the toilet. Let them know they can’t flush wipes or feminine products.

Year-Round Septic System Maintenance Tips

Your septic system works all year long, whether it’s a holiday or not. A little seasonal attention can go a long way to make sure that things flow well. In the spring and summer, groundwater levels from extra rainfall might saturate your drainfield. If your tank is too full, then the water won’t drain correctly, and will likely cause backups and drainage issues in your home. Winter brings freezing temperatures that can affect the pipe flow or make waste freeze inside the lines or the tank. That’s not usually common in well-maintained systems, but it’s important to consider if it’s been a while since you’ve had a septic service. It’s a good idea to time your septic cleaning in Swepsonville before spring storms or deep winter freezes so you can avoid this kind of problem.

Need a Septic Company You Can Trust With Septic Cleaning in Swepsonville, NC?

If you’re dealing with septic issues, you need a team that’s experienced and responsive. Septic Blue is here to help local homeowners get the most from their wastewater management systems. We offer reliable services from scheduled maintenance to emergency septic tank pumping in Swepsonville, North Carolina. Contact our office to speak with a specialist or to schedule your next septic tank cleaning in Swepsonville or another local neighborhood.