When to Call a Septic Tank Contractor

A septic system designed, constructed, and maintained correctly can serve your home for many years. It comprises a house sewer drain, septic tank, distribution box, and soil absorption field.

If your septic system fails, it releases untreated sewage to the ground or into water sources. A septic system failure can cause illnesses and contamination of the environment.

Clogged Outlet Baffle or Effluent Filter

The baffles in a septic tank act like a barrier to prevent surface scum from exiting the septic system and entering the drain field. If the baffle is clogged, this could cause septic tank failure.

Most new septic tanks feature baffles that are made from thick plastic, but older septic tanks may use concrete. If the baffles break down or are clogged, it can be challenging to know what is happening inside your septic system.

The best way to check for this is by having a professional look inside your septic tank. They must remove the access lid and carefully inspect for problems with the inlet tee, outlet baffle, or tightline. This work should only be done by a professional who has a respirator and is comfortable working around sewage and other nasty materials. If impossible, you can clear the clog with a plumber’s snake. If you do this, wear gloves and a mask to avoid breathing in sewage gases.

Clogged Pipe from House to Tank

The drain lines in your home, from sinks, toilets, tubs, and washing machines, all lead into the main sewer line that connects to your septic tank or a city sewer system. When the pipe gets clogged, it can lead to wastewater backup in any drain connected to it. It is a sign that you must call a septic tank contractor Citra, FL immediately.

Foul odors inside the house and outside the property are another clear signal that your septic system is not working as it should. Strong indoor odors are typically caused by sewage backing up into one or more drains, while outdoor odors indicate that sewage leaks before it can get treated in the tank.

The most common cause of a clogged pipe between the house and the septic tank is the inappropriate disposal of items like nappies, wet wipes, and hygiene products. You can prevent this by employing waste traps for heavy fat, oil, and grease (FOG) and replenishing the bacteria in your septic tank. If you suspect the problem is in the pipe between the house and the tank, contact a master plumber.

Clogged Pipe from Tank to Drainfield

If your toilets, showers, and sinks are draining slowly or not at all after the septic tank is pumped, the plumbing (drain pipes) is likely blocked. It can occur if inadvisable materials like paper towels are flushed or the line gets crushed or broken by vehicles or plant roots. It is an excellent reason to have the septic system inspected by a professional.

Foul odors from showers, sinks, bathtubs, and toilets are another indication of a clogged septic tank. If these signs are ignored, the septic tank and drainfield will fill up and cause expensive water backups in your home. The septic tank should be pumped and inspected regularly, as these warning signs are a fantastic reminder. If you cannot clear the blockage yourself, a master plumber can do it safely and inexpensively. They can also add environmentally safe heavy-duty cleaners to help clear clogs. It prevents costly backups in the future.

Drainfield Has Failed

The drain field is the large, grassy area where your septic system sends waste for final processing. If this component fails, sewage will back up into the house. It could happen for many reasons, including sending too much water down the drains at one time, dumping chemicals, grease, and other complex substances, or not having the tank pumped at the proper intervals.

Perpetual dampness above the drain field indicates that this part of the septic system has failed. A black slime layer can form that prevents gray water from percolating downward. It cuts off oxygen to the soil and changes the bacterial environment.

Consistent maintenance can keep your septic system functioning properly. Get your tank pumped on schedule, never put anything down the drain that can cause line clogs, and avoid driving or planting things close to the leach field. If you notice problems, call a septic service expert immediately to ensure your system doesn’t fail.