Septic System Problems
Symptoms of Septic System Problems:
A Septic System that is working can be nearly forgotten about by the homeowner. It does what it was designed to do,remove waste products from the house. When it is not working, however it can be obvious and unmistakable.
Back Ups:
Problems with a septic system may surface as a backup in the drains and toilets. This generally looks like a black or dark liquid that collects at the bottom of the toilet or in the kitchen and bathroom sinks. This liquid will probably also have a bad smell.
Slow Drains:
When even cleaning products don't help to clear slow drains and toilets, this could be a symptom of a problem with the septic system. There may be the begging signs of a sewage backup into the plumbing of the house ,causing the slow drainage of water
Surface Water:
Septic systems that are experiencing problems sometimes have water on the ground above them. This can resemble a swampy area with about an inch of water on it. This area may also have a smell.
Green Grass:
A Lush, green lawn is often sought after, except when it is in only one spot; over the absorption field of the septic system. A problematic septic system might show itself through a liquid bubbling up through the soil, thus helping the grass to stay extra green. A Septic system that is healthy generally has the liquid heading downward.
Algae Buildup:
When a lake next to a house with a septic system shows signs of excess algae, this could be a sign that the septic system in the home is having a problem. Nutrients from the septic system may be leaking into the pond and floating on the surface. This can be not only a visual problem but a Health issue as well.
Odors:
Bad odors around the house that are otherwise unexplained may be a sign of a faulty septic system. The smells from a septic system that need repairs can build up
and become unbearable.
Bacteria in Drinking Water:
Septic system problems may show themselves in the drinking water from a well. Bacteria floating in well water could be a sign that the liquid from the septic system is in the water, from the leakage
either below or above the surface. This can confirmed by water test, which can be conducted by the Health Department.
Pipe Line Problems:
Problems with your septic pipe lines will be fairly obvious--water will back up in the toilets and sinks in your house. Rent a heavy duty plumbing snake or have a certified plumber snake the line running to your septic tank. Check this by opening up the pipe line cleanout outside of your house. Have someone inside the house flush the toilet and check the water flow. If it comes down in a gush, you have a clean line. If not try having the line snaked again.
Septic Tank Problems:
Check the area around where the septic tank is buried. If you can see any signs of pooling or standing water, you have a backed up tank. Open the inspection ports and check the effluent levels inside. They should be within the specifications recommended by the tank manufacturer. If they're not, you'll need to have the tank pumped. Open up the outlet inspection hatch and make sure that the outlet pipe isn't clogged with any solids.
Septic Tank Problems- Filters:
A Clogged filter can cause your septic tank to back up as well. Open the rear inspection port, the one above the outflow pipe, and check the filter. Pull this filter out and replace it with a new one.
Filters protect your leach field from Solids entering the Drainage pipe, be sure to clean and replace when needed.
Prevention/Solution- Water Usage:
Try not to overload your septic system with water usage. For example, instead of doing 5 loads of laundry on Saturday morning, try to spread this out during the week. Install a lint filter on your washer to keep out synthetic debris that can clog up the septic system. Don't use garbage disposals and don't dump grease, coffee grounds, sanitary napkins, fats or other objects into your plumbing.
A Septic System that is working can be nearly forgotten about by the homeowner. It does what it was designed to do,remove waste products from the house. When it is not working, however it can be obvious and unmistakable.
Back Ups:
Problems with a septic system may surface as a backup in the drains and toilets. This generally looks like a black or dark liquid that collects at the bottom of the toilet or in the kitchen and bathroom sinks. This liquid will probably also have a bad smell.
Slow Drains:
When even cleaning products don't help to clear slow drains and toilets, this could be a symptom of a problem with the septic system. There may be the begging signs of a sewage backup into the plumbing of the house ,causing the slow drainage of water
Surface Water:
Septic systems that are experiencing problems sometimes have water on the ground above them. This can resemble a swampy area with about an inch of water on it. This area may also have a smell.
Green Grass:
A Lush, green lawn is often sought after, except when it is in only one spot; over the absorption field of the septic system. A problematic septic system might show itself through a liquid bubbling up through the soil, thus helping the grass to stay extra green. A Septic system that is healthy generally has the liquid heading downward.
Algae Buildup:
When a lake next to a house with a septic system shows signs of excess algae, this could be a sign that the septic system in the home is having a problem. Nutrients from the septic system may be leaking into the pond and floating on the surface. This can be not only a visual problem but a Health issue as well.
Odors:
Bad odors around the house that are otherwise unexplained may be a sign of a faulty septic system. The smells from a septic system that need repairs can build up
and become unbearable.
Bacteria in Drinking Water:
Septic system problems may show themselves in the drinking water from a well. Bacteria floating in well water could be a sign that the liquid from the septic system is in the water, from the leakage
either below or above the surface. This can confirmed by water test, which can be conducted by the Health Department.
Pipe Line Problems:
Problems with your septic pipe lines will be fairly obvious--water will back up in the toilets and sinks in your house. Rent a heavy duty plumbing snake or have a certified plumber snake the line running to your septic tank. Check this by opening up the pipe line cleanout outside of your house. Have someone inside the house flush the toilet and check the water flow. If it comes down in a gush, you have a clean line. If not try having the line snaked again.
Septic Tank Problems:
Check the area around where the septic tank is buried. If you can see any signs of pooling or standing water, you have a backed up tank. Open the inspection ports and check the effluent levels inside. They should be within the specifications recommended by the tank manufacturer. If they're not, you'll need to have the tank pumped. Open up the outlet inspection hatch and make sure that the outlet pipe isn't clogged with any solids.
Septic Tank Problems- Filters:
A Clogged filter can cause your septic tank to back up as well. Open the rear inspection port, the one above the outflow pipe, and check the filter. Pull this filter out and replace it with a new one.
Filters protect your leach field from Solids entering the Drainage pipe, be sure to clean and replace when needed.
Prevention/Solution- Water Usage:
Try not to overload your septic system with water usage. For example, instead of doing 5 loads of laundry on Saturday morning, try to spread this out during the week. Install a lint filter on your washer to keep out synthetic debris that can clog up the septic system. Don't use garbage disposals and don't dump grease, coffee grounds, sanitary napkins, fats or other objects into your plumbing.
