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For properties that are unable to connect to the mains sewage and wastewater systems, a septic system is required to carry away and dispose of sewage and other wastewater from the house. Whereas properties with a connection to the mains sewage will take the wastewater away from the property to a central plant where it is treated, a septic tank system takes the wastewater only as far as a septic tank close to the property, where it is treated, and the treated or semi-treated water then dispersed into a determined drainage area close to the house.
It is important that you ensure that your septic tank system is well maintained as it can not only upset your neighbours and make your property unpleasant to be in or around, but it can also cause environmental damage and potentially be costly to repair or replace.
If you have a septic tank system, it is important that you know the signs that there might be a problem with your system. This enables you to catch it early, get the problem investigated, and get it fixed as soon as possible, creating minimum disruption, and minimum damage to your system.
It is recommended that you have your septic tank system inspected about every year to ensure that everything is generally in good working order. You can also ask the technician who empties your septic tank to have a quick look at it whilst they are carrying out their work, to check that everything seems to be as it should be.
Signs of a Failing Septic Tank System
If you have a septic tank system that is failing there are several signs that you can look out for, meaning that you know that it is time to get the system looked at. These can include:
Rise in algae in nearby lakes or ponds
Sewage and wastewater are usually rich in nitrogen and phosphorus – two nutrients that are perfect for feeding plants and algae. If you have noticed that there has been a rise in the number of algae in nearby lakes or ponds, this means that there is the possibility that these nutrients are getting into the water via the septic tank system, flagging up the possibility of some sort of problem with the septic tank system.
Odours
A septic tank system is designed to remove and treat sewage and wastewater. It is a telling sign if you notice that there is a bad smell coming from somewhere around the system. Under normal circumstances, the smell will normally be channelled out through a vent, so if you notice a bad smell coming from somewhere else in the system – most commonly the septic tank area or the drainage field – you should probably get it checked.
Slow draining of baths, showers, or sinks
A very common sign of a problem somewhere within the septic tank system is the slow draining of sinks, showers, or baths. This can be a tell-tale sign that there is a problem in the system – often a piece of equipment that is malfunctioning. It can also eventually result in the system backing up and not draining at all. If this is the case it is important that you get it checked and repaired as quickly as possible to prevent further damage.
Damp spots or standing water near to the septic tank
Your septic tank will almost certainly be buried under the ground. When there is excess moisture – a leak, for example, the water can seep into the surrounding soil and change its density. When it rains or hose water flows over this piece of land, it can mean that this excess water does not drain and can leave damp patches or areas of standing water on the uneven surface. If you notice these, it is recommended that you get your septic tank system checked as quickly as you can.
Lush foliage around the drain field or septic tank
As with the point about the algae, other plants also love nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen. If you notice that the grass around your drainage area or septic tank is looking particularly well-nourished, although it might look good, the chances are that there is some sort of issue with your septic system and it is time to get it looked at.
Gurgling
Your septic tank system should not be gurgling. This is one of the very first signs that there is a problem within it and if you notice that it is gurgling, you should get it checked as soon as possible and hopefully catch the problem before it gets any worse.
