Diagnosing your septic tank issues can be difficult without the proper training. If you’re lucky, it could just be a broken pipe or as simple as pumping your septic tank. These issues won’t cost you more than a few hundred dollars each. On the other end of the spectrum, if your drain field needs to be replaced, you could end up paying between $2,000 to $10,000. In the worst case scenario, if you end up needing to replace your septic system entirely, it could cost you anywhere from $8,000 to $25,000. This would depend on the size of your home, larger homes require bigger tanks. Here are some tips to help you diagnose which problems you may have.

Pooling Water

One indicator that you’re having issues with your septic tank is pools of water around or near your septic system, specifically near your drain field. When the septic tank is working properly, water remains underground. If water begins to pool it could mean that your drain field is clogged by solid waste materials, causing water to build up and overflow to the surface. By this time, wastewater has risen to the surface, it’s likely that the damage is already done. Sludge layers can get so thick that there is very little space for the wastewater to flow throughout the rest of the drainfield. In this case, you should have your septic system pumped. It allows for professionals to get a better idea of what exactly is the underlying issue.

Suspicious Odors

Your sense of smell can help you out for this one. If you start smelling mysterious foul odors near your septic tank, it is a clear indicator your septic system isn’t working properly. Though, more commonly this is either a broken pipe or you may just need to have your system pumped. Additionally, if you have an aerobic treatment unit and have been away from your home for a long period of time, then it could be that the beneficial microbes have decreased drastically. If this is the case, try to minimize the use of your septic system for several weeks until the microbes have a chance to replenish.

Sewage Backup

Sewage backup in your home may seem like an obvious indicator that there is something seriously wrong with your septic system but to the untrained eye, it is very difficult to identify exactly what the issue is. Check the water level of the tank by opening up the lid. If it is lower than the outlet, it could mean the pipes between the house and the tank are clogged. Call a plumber, they can fix this relatively easily. If the water line is above the outlet, then there is something very wrong with your septic system. Having it pumped could buy you valuable time and help a professional better understand the issue.

To help your system last as long as possible with minimal expensive maintenance consider using products like Maxx’s Products. It is designed to replenish bacteria and protease levels in your tank while reducing the buildup of organic waste materials in your drain lines, allowing proper drainage into  your leach fields. For more information contact us today. We have trained professionals who are here to help you with your septic system needs.

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