When your toilet continually backs up and your washing machine gurgles loudly as it empties, it could be time for a replacement of your Cortlandt, NY, septic tank or drain field. How do you know if it is too late for repairs? These signs can help you determine the outcome for your septic system.
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Unpleasant Odors
Because a septic system is an airtight, efficient waste removal method, you should never smell anything that is flushed into the tank. Any unpleasant odors would be unusual and certainly a reason to have your system inspected and possibly pumped.
Too Much Water
If you spot too much water around where your septic tank is buried, then you have a problem that needs attention. At times a tank can crack from having vehicles parked on top of where it is buried or a tree root could grow into the tiniest crack in its search for water and cause the crack to widen until the water is leaking out.
Other times a drain field can become saturated and will not filter the water any longer and you might require a new drain field. Yet another possibility could be that a tree root has invaded the pipes and the water is seeping out. Any time you find standing puddles in the landscape and there has been no rain, this can indicate an issue with the septic system.
Neglected System
A septic system that is not pumped regularly can become too full and cease to work. The layers grow deeper and become sludge because they cannot decompose as they should. Too much waste can cause the septic system to slow so much that it ceases to function.
Infrequent Inspections
When you fail to have your system inspected on a regular basis, anywhere from every 1-3 years, the waste can build up to an unmanageable thickness. Depending on the number of people in your household, you need to have your septic checked on a routine basis to ensure that it does not need to be pumped and is working at optimal capacity.
Water Run-off
When a storm comes and the water fills your gutters and drains down, if the water flows to the septic drain field, this can flood the field and cause it not to work properly. The soil of the drain field works best to filter the waste water if it is not saturated with storm water or water from a drainage ditch.
Building over the Drain Field
Never build any sort of carport, patio, or other structure that can damage the tank or drain field. The areas above the tank and within the drain field should remain free of structures, trees, and any other plants that have roots strong enough to penetrate the tank. Neither should an irrigation system be installed there and no pavement should cover it which can reduce the oxygen necessary for correct septic function.
The best way to know whether your Cortlandt, NY, septic system just needs a repair or has failed and must be replaced can be to consult an expert. When it comes to complicated septic analysis, experience is truly the key to success. When you receive one-on-one personalized care, you can rest assured that your septic issues will be resolved right.
Related: What Does Septic Installation Entail In Cortlandt, NY?
