Maintaining And Repairing Septic Systems

A functional septic system will dispose of and treat waste reliably over a long time. However, the system will show diminished performance as it approaches the end of its service life. That translates to frequent septic failures that require a lot of money to repair. So if your septic repairs spiral out of control, ask your plumbing professional for a remedy. They will first assess the entire system. Then they will fix the underlying malfunction or recommend a replacement if irreparable. This article highlights septic system issues that necessitate a replacement. 

Noisy Plumbing Fixtures

If you notice loud noises when you flush water down the toilet or use a sink, your septic tank could be full. Sludge accumulation in the septic tank can obstruct the drain lines and the flow of waste. This results in gurgling noises when you use a plumbing fixture due to water pressure forcing waste into the tank. In this case, your plumber will unclog the drains and clean your septic tank to eliminate noise. If these noises persist after cleaning, they may suggest a septic system replacement.

Contaminated Well Water

Extreme soil compaction and saturation of the drain field can prevent wastewater from flowing into the tank. This leads to wastewater leaking into the surrounding ground, gradually rising to the surface. Additionally, abrasive chemicals may deteriorate the tank's walls, causing a leakage. As a result, untreated effluent might percolate the soil and infiltrate groundwater. This results in well water contamination, compromising water quality in portable water sources. So, if wastewater is leaking from your septic tank, it is time to install a new system.

Sewage Odors

If you constantly pour chemicals, such as cleaning agents and additives down your drains, you may experience sewage odors. Usually, these chemicals kill bacteria in the septic tank. Thus, the tank will reach capacity too soon due to less anaerobic digestion, causing backflows in your house. Moreover, you will notice foul odors accompanying sewage backups. If septic pumping doesn't eliminate the sewage smells, your plumber might suggest a septic tank replacement. 

Overly Frequent Repairs

Naturally, your septic system will need repairs occasionally to sustain its operation. This includes defects, such as broken pipes, needing patching or pipe replacement. But if these malfunctions keep recurring, the end of your septic system could be imminent. And if the repairs exceed the costs of installing a new system, a septic replacement is reasonable.

An old septic system is prone to failure and may wreak havoc if not replaced. So, discuss the replacement options with your plumber as soon as you notice the abovementioned signs.

Contact a local septic service to learn more about septic system replacement.