Your septic system is something that you rely on every day to take care of your waste. It is important to take care of your showers and toilets to not put your tank at risk. Knowing the source of these issues can help you prevent them from ever happening. With that being said, here are the 5 common causes of septic tank problems and how to avoid them.
Clogs in Your Septic System
One of the most common septic tank problems is clogged pipes. Many homeowners use their sinks and toilets as trash cans, unaware of the damage they cause to their septic line. A general rule of thumb to follow is that toilet paper should be the only object that ever enters your toilet. On top of that, things such as meat and foods that expand when they touch water down your garbage disposal are a bad idea.
Should you clog a septic system, it is important to address the issue immediately before it backs up and floods. Call a professional as soon as you can and avoid using the water line until then.
Leaks in Your Septic System
Leaks in your septic system stem from the cracks that form when it is put under high pressure. These cracks release highly toxic chemicals and waste into the environment and can cause unpleasant odors and damage to plant life.
Avoid planting trees near your septic tank; otherwise, you give the roots a chance to damage it. You should also avoid driving a large vehicle over the area where the tank resides. This not only includes cars but riding lawnmowers as well. If there is any, you should use a push mower or a weed eater to address the grass that rests over the tank.
Incorrect Septic Tank Installation
There is a chance that the issues your septic tank is faced with are not your fault at all. Incorrect septic tank installation can occur depending on the quality of the company that you hire. This is why it is important to assess the quality of work that a company is going to provide for you before you hire them. Failure to do so puts you at risk of costly repairs down the road.
Waste Water Treatment Failure
This same thought process holds true for your wastewater treatment system. If your tap water is coming out with an odor, dark colors, or a sludge texture, then it is time to get your system looked at.
Frozen Pipes
The weather plays a big role in the overall state of your septic tank. As the pipes constantly freeze and unfreeze with each passing season, they become more and more brittle. This leaves them more susceptible to cracks and deterioration. Putting mulch over the area where your tank resides allows the ground to trap more heat during the winter.
How Can Norway Septic Help?
Norway Septic Inc. is a service-oriented company dedicated to providing excellent septic tank cleaning and septic tank pumping services to homeowners and business owners in the Michiana area. We take pride in doing the job that others leave behind. If you need a new effluent filter or if you would like to schedule a septic tank cleaning by one of our professionals, call us today.