Most consumers would believe that the majority of the homes in the United States are connected to city or municipal sewer systems. And while sewer systems are the predominant waste and wastewater disposal source, there are over 21 million homes across the country using a septic system. Most of those homes are concentrated in New England and the Deep South. So there is a good chance that if you are home shopping in those areas, you could end up in a home using a septic system. And you will want to understand these three common issues related to septic systems and how to correct them.
Clogs
When you notice some odd occurrences with your septic system, the first thing to consider is how long it has been since the tank was pumped out. Your septic tank is slowly filling up with solid waste as the greywater is passing through the tank and out to the leech field. But as the tank begins to reach capacity, you could notice toilets not flushing correctly and drains being very slow to clear. However, if the tank was pumped out in the last year, a more common issue is a clog.
Clogs can occur in the line running from your home to the septic tank or even in the drain lines in your home. If all of your home’s drains are slow to clear, then the best bet is a clog in the pipe running from your home to the septic tank. But if the issue is confined to the fixtures in one bathroom or just the kitchen, the problem most likely lies inside the house in the drain pipes.
The best solution for clog removal is a call to your trusted licensed plumber. These pros will be able to determine exactly where the clog is located. They will also be able to remove it without damaging the pipes in your home or the delicate balance of enzymes in your septic tank.
Tree Roots
Tree roots can be shockingly invasive. For that reason, it is highly recommended to keep all trees as far away from your septic drain field as possible. As a rule, you can imagine a tree’s roots extending further underground than the branches’ canopy extends above ground.
But if you are purchasing a home with trees near the septic system, you can expect an issue from time to time. Tree roots can sense moisture and grow toward it. And when the moisture is coming from your leech field, tree roots get an added bonus. They have found an unending supply of water and added nutrients from the water’s human waste. When you suspect that tree roots have invaded and damaged your leech pipes, the best solution is to call in the professionals. Not only is this a messy job, but it also requires some expertise to ensure that the fall in the pipes remains even to avoid future backups.
Septic System Leaks
Like the tree roots that benefit from the water and organic fertilizer in the wastewater, your grass will also benefit when there is a septic leak. If you discover a greener and more lush patch of grass than the rest of your lawn, check it out. If that same area is wet, marshy, or has a sour odor, you have a septic system leak.
Any time you have a concern about the function or safety of your home’s septic system, call (540) 507-2904. A licensed plumber from Assure Plumbing & Septic will arrive quickly to assess the situation and provide you with cost-effective solutions.