Septic tanks are common in Houston, TX, and they are the preferred choice for 20% of new homes being built today. They are vital systems that deal with domestic waste and keep the harmful bacteria found in wastewater away from your home. The septic tank is a large container placed in your yard that connects back to your plumbing system. It holds all the wastewater that comes through the pipes and separates the solid and liquid waste. While septic tanks can last 40 years or longer, there are some clear issues that let you know you need a new one.
Contamination
If a nearby body of water or your well water has high levels of coliform bacteria, nitrates, or nitrites, it probably means you have a problem with your septic tank. It might be cracked or have other issues that indicate you need a replacement. You should call us right away for a new septic tank if you have these contamination issues.
It No Longer Meets Your Needs
Septic tanks range in size from 1,000 gallons to more than 3,000 gallons. The number of gallons tells you how much waste the tank can hold. A smaller tank in the 1,000 to 1,500-gallon range is suitable for a couple or someone who lives alone. As you add to your family, you’ll find that your septic tank needs changing. Foul odors and raw sewage that backs up into your drains are common signs that the tank is nearly full. If you find that the tank needs pumping more often than it should, it’s a sign that it’s time for a new one.
Old Age
A basic septic tank can usually last around 40 years, but you don’t need to replace the tank simply because it’s old. If you experience constant problems with the tank and it’s nearing the 40-year mark, though, you should consider replacing it. At Brown Aerobic, we offer septic tank replacement to ensure you have a tank that’s in good shape and meets your needs.
Changes to Your Lawn
The septic field is the area of your lawn where the tank drains liquid waste. You can often find this field when you look for a patch of grass that is greener than the surrounding lawn. The nutrients found in that waste give the lawn that bright green color. You may need a new septic tank when you notice big changes to your lawn, including both brown and green patches along with unusually soggy areas. This is often a sign that the tank is leaking into spots other than the septic field.
If you live in Houston, TX and have problems with your septic tank, we can let you know if it’s time for a new one. Contact Brown Aerobic today to find out if your old septic tank is nearing the end of its life.