4 Common Septic Problems

If you live on a property that isn’t connected to a municipal waste disposal network, you probably have an underground tank designed to process liquid and solid refuse from your home. While these systems normally sit silently in your backyard, they can become quite conspicuous when there’s a problem. If you’re noticing unpleasant odors or poor drainage inside the house, there could be a variety of causes. You should definitely have a good working relationship with a company that offers septic tank pumping in Covington, but here are four common problems with these delicate systems.

 

Too Much Water

 

Your septic tank is designed to handle certain levels of liquids and solids, and too much liquid can cause significant problems. As the holding vessel fills up beyond its intended capacity, water and other fluids can carry solid waste into the pipes that distribute the water out into the field. Not only can this cause unpleasant odors in your backyard, it can also create clogged plumbing issues that back up the entire network.

 

Excessive Sludge

 

Beneath the layer of liquid in the tank, there’s a level of accumulated solids that sits at the bottom of the vessel. These particulates are known as sludge, and it’s important to have it removed every so often. If you don’t get regular septic tank pumping in Covington or any other community, you could end up with significantly diminished capacity and backups. You can also do your part by cutting down on the items that enter your disposal system to prevent non-biodegradable substances from taking up room underground.

 

Decreased Bacteria Population

 

A septic system works similarly to your digestive system as bacteria helps to consume solids and convert them into more desirable substances that can leave the tank. Much like your stomach, when the levels of microscopic creatures are off, you don’t have effective processing of materials. If you suspect that bacterial operations aren’t happening at optimal levels, it’s best to have a professional assess the situation and make a suggestion for a remedy to the problem.

 

Physical Damage

 

While many septic problems are the result of human action and inaction, there are other complications that are completely out of your power. Since your tank is buried underground in your backyard, it can be subjected to tremendous geologic forces as the ground shifts over the years. Burrowing animals can also have an impact on the system if they chew into the pipes that handle liquid distribution efforts. Trees can also have a significant effect on your system when roots grow too close to the holding vessel and cause a leak by penetrating its walls.

 

Maintain Your Septic System

 

There are certainly many things that can go wrong with your home’s waste disposal network, but many of them can be prevented by conducting regular maintenance to this important system. Don’t put your investment at risk by ignoring some of the basic work that needs to be done every few years. By working with a company that provides septic tank pumping in Covington, you’ll ensure many years of effective operation that keeps you and your family safe from odors and other unpleasant situations.