The septic tank is a receptacle that disposes of household waste. When you flush toilets, wash dishes, run the bathroom taps, do laundry, and bathe, all the waste goes into the septic tank. Once the waste enters your septic tank, organic matter floats on top of the water that is inside the tank, and the bacteria that is in the tank will turn the organic matter into a liquid. Any solid matter that is left over forms a sludge that drifts to the bottom of the tank. Remaining water then leaves the tank and goes into a separate absorption area.
The average septic system lasts anywhere from 20 to 30 years. Some septic systems have lasted 40 years or more. Eventually, your septic tank will need to be replaced, and if you want to avoid sewage backups or other hazardous issues, knowing the signs that a septic tank replacement is imminent is necessary. Here are a few dangers to spot to help you know when your septic tank is failing.
Your Drinking Water Is Contaminated
If you have your drinking water tested and nitrates and other bacteria are present, this is a sign that your septic tank is no longer up to par. At this point, a replacement is needed. Water that contains contaminants from your septic system is hazardous to the health of you and your family.
Toilets Flush Slowly or Not at All
If you notice that your toilet flushes slowly or will not flush at all and you cannot solve the problem with a plunger or snake, this is a sign that you have a problem with your septic tank. This may mean that your pipes are clogged. Since raw sewage can pose some serious health hazards, you want to rectify this issue immediately.
Water Drains Slowly
If you notice water draining slowly from your sinks or tubs, there may be a problem with your pipes. However, this can also mean your septic system is going bad. You will need a licensed plumber who specializes in septic systems to determine which is the cause.
You Notice an Unpleasant Smell When Out in the Yard
You go out into the yard to catch some fresh air. Suddenly, you smell an awful stench wafting on the breeze, and it smells like sulfur or rotten eggs. If you notice that this stench worsens when you go near the leach field, this is an indication that raw sewage is escaping your septic tank.
Grass Is Greener in a Specific Area
If you notice that grass is greener and is growing faster in a certain area of your yard, you are in trouble. Your leach field is failing, and this is causing this portion of your yard to receive more fertilizer that results from bodily waste seeping into the ground.
You Hear Strange Gurgling Sounds
If you hear gurgling noises when you run water or flush the toilet, this can either mean that your septic tank is full or that it is failing. A septic tank replacement specialist can determine which problem you are having.
You Notice Your Leach Field Is Flooded or Soggy
If you notice your leach field is flooded or soggy, your septic tank is going bad. At this point, a replacement is necessary.
Septic tank failures can be dangerous and messy. Fortunately, you do not have to deal with your septic tank failing on your own. Call Brown Aerobic, and our septic tank replacement specialists will replace your septic tank and get you up and running in no time.