At least 20% of homes in the US have septic systems. A septic tank supports home sanitation by treating wastewater on-site, which reduces the risk of contamination and disease.
Neglecting your septic system can endanger your family’s health and reduce its lifespan. Yet, many homeowners don’t think about it until something goes wrong–and by then, the repairs can be expensive.
That’s why hiring a professional septic service provider is essential to keeping your system running smoothly. Learn how to prevent future issues and get more from your septic tank care.
Signs Your Septic System Needs Attention
Septic issues can escalate quickly without your knowledge. Don’t wait until sewage backs up into your bathtub or pools in your yard–by then, the damage is already done.
Foul Odors
Foul smell is among the most common signs you’ll notice when your tank is full or overflowing. Other reasons why your home waste system may produce foul odors include:
- Leaks in the system
- Clogged or damaged drain field
- Accumulation of gases such as methane and hydrogen sulfide
- Blocked or broken vent pipes
Watch for any rotten egg smell near the drain field, inside your home, or in the yard. Ignoring a foul smell may lead to:
- Toxic exposure
- Infection risk
- Unpleasant living conditions
- Headaches and dizziness
- Respiratory problems, especially in individuals with asthma
Sewage Backups
Sewage backups occur when wastewater can’t properly flow out of your home into the septic tank and drain field. Instead, it reverses direction, coming back up through toilets, drains, or basement plumbing.
A too-full septic tank leaves no room for new wastewater, causing backups. Blockages caused by tree root intrusion into the septic pipes also lead to backups.
Other possible causes include:
- Heavy water usage
- Poorly installed drain pipes
- Flushing non-biodegradable items like paper towels
- Drain field saturation after heavy rains
Unresolved sewage backups can expose your family to pathogens and serious diseases. Backed-up sewage can also seep into your well or nearby water sources.
Slow Drains
Slow drains may be a sign of drainfield failure. The soil in your drain field may be compacted, waterlogged, or clogged with bio-mat buildup.
An inlet pipe or baffle also causes this problem if it becomes clogged by:
- Sludge or debris
- Grease
- Food scraps
- Hair
- Non-biodegradable items
When your tank is full, wastewater doesn’t separate and drain properly. Solids may start to clog the drainfield or back up into pipes. This slows down drainage in sinks, tubs, and toilets.
Slow drains cause standing water and damp areas, which attract mold and mildew growth. They may also cause wastewater backup into sinks, toilets, or tubs. The backup can damage flooring, walls, and cabinetry.
Other signs your septic system requires immediate attention include:
- Gurgling sounds in toilets and pipes
- Unusual wet spots in your yard
- Lush, green patches over the drainfield
Septic Tank Maintenance Tips
Proper maintenance prevents septic issues that may harm your family and the environment. Follow this checklist to ensure your tank is in its optimal condition.
Regular Pumping
Septic tank pumping is the process of removing the:
- Solid waste
- Grease
- Oils
- Lighter waste
These accumulate over time in a septic tank. Pumping helps prevent overflows and possible backups.
It also prevents system failure by reducing strain on the tank and drainfield. Pumping ensures that your system lasts longer and operates efficiently.
DIY pumping may not be efficient and thorough compared to hiring a professional like Hometown Septic. We use specialized tools or system records to find an unmarked tank. We’ll inspect your tank, pump out the contents, and rinse it.
Conserving Water
Conserving water helps prevent septic tank overload. You prevent possible backups, poor drainage, or even system failure.
Too much water flushes solids into the drain field, causing clogs and damage. Slower water flow gives solids more time to settle and bacteria more time to break down waste efficiently.
Conserving water also reduces pumping frequency since the tank fills more slowly. This lowers septic tank maintenance costs.
Watching What You Flush
Everything that goes down your toilet or drain ends up in your septic tank–and not everything breaks down the same way. Flushing the wrong materials can lead to:
- Clogs
- System backups
- Costly repairs
- Drain filed damage
- Bacteria balance disruption
- Premature tank filling
To keep your septic system safe, only flush human waste and biodegradable toilet paper. Avoid flushing baby wipes, feminine hygiene products, and paper towels.
Chemicals and cleaners, such as antibacterial soaps and paints, can kill beneficial bacteria in the tank. They can also pollute the groundwater.
Maintaining Your Drainfield
A well-maintained drainfield enhances the efficiency of your septic system. Poor maintenance leads to clogging and flooding of the drainfield.
A healthy drainfield ensures your septic system lasts longer with fewer repairs. It also contributes to proper wastewater treatment, preventing possible health risks.
Protect your drainfield by:
- Avoiding planting plants nearby
- Conserving water in the house
- Avoiding building structures on it
- Diverting the roof and surface water away
- Avoiding flushing non-biodegradable items
Disposing of Wastewater Properly
Disposing of wastewater properly enhances the balance of natural processes. This allows for effective waste breakdown.
Proper wastewater disposal also helps keep the drainfield functional. Ensure you use septic-safe products. Fixing leaky faucets and toilets promotes proper wastewater disposal.
Hiring a Professional
For quality septic services, you need someone with the right expertise for the work. DIY septic maintenance may pose safety risks and even lead to more damage.
A professional like Hometown Septic understands various septic tank sizes and local regulations. Our skills and expertise enable us to quickly and accurately inspect and repair your system.
Not all septic service providers are worth hiring. Hire a professional with the following:
Licensing and certification
- Experience
- Affordable charges
- Proper tools
- Insurance
- Good reputation
Expert Septic Service: Keeping Your System Operational
A functional septic system quietly handles household wastewater without any fuss. Regular pumping, inspections, septic-safe products, and drainfield care can help keep your system running efficiently.
If you live in Clarksville, TN and the surrounding areas, and need a trustworthy septic service provider, call Hometown Septic. Backed by more than 30 years of practical experience, we have become a trusted choice for homeowners and businesses. We deliver reliable, long-lasting solutions with the expertise, precision, and equipment needed to get the job done efficiently.