Septic Tank Repair

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Septic Tank Repair

In this article we will discuss septic tanks repairs, maintenance and general knowledge on how to identify problems with your septic tank and drain field. Identifying and correcting any potential septic tank drain field or septic tank problem will save you potentially thousands in repair cost.

Septic tank systems are relatively simple to maintain. It is recommended that a septic tank and drain field be pumped out on a regular basis that can range from every 3 years to 5 years depending on the amount of people using the system. Commercial systems fall into a different category and requiring more frequent pump outs or maintenance depending on the type of facility.

Most septic systems operate on coli form of bacteria and the hydraulics produced by the waste water flowing from the house push the digested water out into the drain field. The coli form of bacteria is produced by the human body and will digest solids converting them into effluent or water and carbon dioxide as the by-product of the process.

Inspecting your septic system and drain field on a regular basis can prove to be invaluable when identifying a potential problem before they becomes a catastrophe. This list below is just a few items that you should inspect for on a regular basis.

• Exceptionally green grass over the drain field? This can be an indication that the drain field is not leaching properly and the septic effluent or waste water is pushing up to the root base of the grass fertilizing the portion over the drain field making the grass appear greener.

• Wet spots over the drain field also are an indication that the drain field is not leaching properly and the septic effluent or waste water is pushing to the top of the drain field causing pudding to occur.

• Septic odors coming from the septic tank or drain field area is a good indication that the system requires pumping.

• Gurgling sounds coming from the sinks or toilets can be a good indication the septic tank requires pumping. Gurgling sounds may also be an indication of roots in the drain field or septic tank restricting flow.

• Garbage disposal over use can damage a septic system and drain field. Septic tanks and drain fields are not designed to digest raw vegetables. This can cause a buildup of raw food and blockages in the system and drain fields.

• Grease, fats and oils disposed of down the sink in a home with a septic system can clog the drain field requiring jetting or a beneficial bacterial shock treatment.

• Water softeners that utilize salt as their medium will kill off natural healthy coli form bacteria vital to the natural digestion process of a septic system.

• Excessive waste water generated by a household can be detrimental the functionality of a septic system flooding out the system. Generally speaking a septic system and drain field engineered for a 3 bedroom house will handle 350 gallons per day.

Never use anti-bacterial additives or chemicals. These products are detrimental to the functionality of a septic system and drain field. The use of these products will destroy the natural coli form bacterial vital to the functionality of the system.

Septic tank treatments or septic tank beneficial bacterial additives will help to offset anti-bacterial soaps or chemicals. Maintaining a septic tank and drain field properly will extending the life expectancy of your system to its maximum potential giving you the home owner years of trouble free service for many years.

By: Bradley Skierkowski