A functional septic tank is essential for a healthy and eco-friendly home. A tank that cannot accept waste from your household and process it appropriately may become unreliable or require more frequent repairs. However, signs of impending catastrophe can often be identified in advance with the help of your local septic tank inspector. If your tank’s condition has you concerned, it’s best to get it inspected before the problem becomes unmanageable. Depending on the issue, repairs may be as simple as cleaning out some debris or installing a new piece of equipment. However, if the problem is more serious or complex, it’s best to seek expert advice from a technician who can help you address the issue quickly and cost-effectively.

Is it time for a septic tank inspection?

If you’ve noticed a change in the way your tank operates or smells, or if you have a small family and notice increased water usage, or if the tank has been in place for more than 20 years, it’s time to get it inspected. There are also a number of other indicators that your tank may have problems. If your home is located near wetlands or a waterway, you may be at risk for contamination. If you notice elevated levels of hydrogen sulfide in your home or a rotten egg smell, it’s important to have your tank inspected before using other methods to dispose of your waste. It’s also important to note that most septic tank systems experience some kind of breakdown at some point. The key to avoiding major repairs is to identify the issue as soon as possible so it can be addressed before it has a serious impact on the system.

Check the water level

A functioning septic system relies on water flowing through the tank at a consistent rate. If your tank has an insufficient amount of water, it can slow down the process of breaking down waste. You can determine if your tank is low on water by checking the level markings near the top of the tank. If the level is too low, you may want to consider repositioning the tank to allow for more water flow. If the level is too high, you may want to consider installing a water level controller to regulate the flow of water into the tank. When a tank is too high, the water may be too warm and not be optimal for bacterial breakdown. If you experience frequent low water levels, there may be a problem with your sewage feed-in pipe.

Check for bulges and cracks

A tank that is structurally unsound can result in major repairs or even the need to replace the entire system. If you notice bulges or cracks in your tank, it’s time to get it inspected. A bulging tank is often caused by inadequate drainage. You can usually correct this by installing an additional outlet to divert water away from the tank. Cracks in the tank can be more difficult to correct. If you need to replace the tank, you will likely need to remove the soil beneath the tank and replace it with a new bed of soil. Cracks in the tank may be too significant to repair and will require you to replace the entire system.

Listen for gurgling or bubbling

Gurgling or bubbling sounds coming from a septic tank are usually a sign that the water level in the tank is too high. To solve this problem, you can either allow the water to drain out through the outlet or install a device to divert excess water away from the tank. This may be necessary if your home experiences heavy rains or floods, as the water could quickly overwhelm the tank. If you notice gurgling or bubbling after heavy rains, you should allow the water to slowly discharge from the outlet. If you notice the problem after a period of dry weather, you can install a device to divert excess water away from the tank.

Watch how the tank fills up

A functional septic tank system should be able to accommodate the amount of waste generated by a household. If you notice that your septic tank fills up faster than expected, it may be a sign that the soil surrounding the tank needs to be replaced to increase the rate of breakdown. You can also install a device at the outlet to increase the flow of water out of the tank. If you notice that your tank empties more slowly than expected, it may be a sign that the outlet is clogged. You can clean the outlet or install a filter to prevent clogs in the future.

Check for excess noise or smells

A functional septic system should be relatively quiet. However, you may notice occasional loud noises or smells coming from the tank. This may be caused by the presence of non-human animals in the tank or by an animal entering the tank to escape a predator. If you notice loud noises or smells coming from your tank, it’s best to have it inspected as soon as possible.

Watch out for foul smells

A functional septic system is supposed to have a pleasant smell that fades as waste breaks down. If you notice foul smells coming from your tank, it may be a sign that the system is failing. You can try cleaning the tank or the outlet, or you may want to consider replacing the system altogether.

Conclusion

A functional septic tank system is essential for a healthy and eco-friendly home. A tank that cannot accept waste from your household and process it appropriately may become unreliable or require more frequent repairs. However, signs of impending catastrophe can often be identified in advance with the help of your local septic tank inspector. If your tank’s condition has you concerned, it’s best to get it inspected before the problem becomes unmanageable.