It’s easy to take your septic system for granted. Without regular attention, however, tanks and other components can quickly degrade. Septic failure can be hazardous to human health and the environment, so proper maintenance is essential. With C & H Disposal Service, Inc., learn more about the importance of septic system upkeep and how to identify signs of a problem.
The Importance of Septic System Upkeep
Like anything else in a home, septic systems require regular maintenance. A system can last up to three decades if properly maintained. However, if the system isn’t cared for properly, it may begin to malfunction. Severe neglect may even lead to total system failure. This can be dangerous. Not only does septic failure pollute the environment, but it can also spread disease that threatens the health of humans and animals. In addition, fixing failed systems is often costly.
Responsible septic system owners, whether commercial or residential, must be alert to the signs of failure. The sooner you notice something is wrong, the sooner you can respond – keeping yourself and the environment healthy while saving significant expenses on repairs.
Signs of Septic Failure
Prompt diagnosis and response to problems are important to septic upkeep. But how can you evaluate your system when it’s underground? While you may not be able to inspect a septic system directly, there are some telltale indicators that you can identify without needing to pick up a shovel:
Slow Drains
If your sink, bathtub, or toilets drain more slowly than they should, it’s a sure sign of a problem. One slow or gurgling drain may indicate an issue with that fixture’s plumbing. If all three are slowing down, your septic system may be full or clogged.
Standing Water
Standing water isn’t always the fault of your septic system. However, if your yard is typically dry, soggy spots or puddles – especially ones that don’t dry up quickly – may mean that your septic system isn’t disposing of waste as it should.
Greener Grass
Green grass is typically considered a good thing. If the grass around your septic tank is lusher and greener than the rest of your lawn, however, it may not be due to a healthy lawn. It may instead mean that the patch is getting extra fertilizer from a sewage leak.
Bad Odors
Severely backed-up septic systems may start to emit a bad odor. You may smell something like rotten eggs in your lawn, especially localized around the septic tank or drain field. The tank may need to be pumped, or its pipes extended.
Sewage Backups
Your septic system can cause back-ups in your drain systems as well. If your toilet has a bad odor or if drains begin to spill sewage back into your home, you should get your septic system checked by a professional. Sewage backups can pose a danger to your family’s health.
Contaminated Water
Finally, water testing can also reveal problems with your septic system. Septic-contaminated water shows high levels of nitrates, nitrites, and coliform bacteria. It’s also an urgent concern; contaminated water is not safe for drinking or bathing.
What Happens When Septic Systems Fail?
If these signs of poor maintenance are neglected, your system may be at risk of failure. Septic failure occurs when the tank or other components burst, allowing untreated sewage to be released. It may back up in pipes, or it may rise to the surface around the tank and drain field. Sewage may also seep into the groundwater or marine water in ways you cannot see.
Raw sewage is full of dangerous pathogens. These pathogens are responsible for a long list of dangerous diseases, including but not limited to:
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Salmonellosis
- Norovirus
- Giardia
- Dysentery
- Typhoid fever
Many of these can cause organ failure, and some can be fatal. If septic waste backs up in your home or enters the water table, you and others may be exposed to these diseases. You’ll also be exposed to other contaminants, such as cleaning or water treatment chemicals. This is why proper septic maintenance is so important, both for your health and for the health of everyone around you.
Prevent Septic Failure with C & H Disposal Service, Inc.
Fortunately, the health risk of septic failure can be prevented with proper operation and regular maintenance. Avoid overusing water and be careful about what materials you flush or wash down the drain. Watch for any of the signs mentioned above. If you do notice something wrong, get in touch with your local septic cleaning service.
C & H Disposal Service, Inc. is a waste removal and septic service located in South New Jersey. We have over 45 years of experience and are registered with the National Environmental Health Administration (NEHA) and certified by the Pennsylvania Septic Management Association (PSMA). To learn more about our services or for advice on septic system upkeep, contact us today or visit at 47 Griers Lane, Elmer, NJ 08318.
