Have you run into some septic tanks problems and need some advice? If so, this quick reference guide, brought to you by Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Bay Area, will educate you about these issues and help you through them.
Septic tanks are your home’s wastewater treatment system. They’re designed to clean and purify water so that water can eventually be reused as groundwater.
The key with these systems is to properly maintain and monitor them on a regular basis. By doing so, you can avoid costly headaches in the future, as no one wants to pollute their own backyard, right?
It’s important to note that when you’re trying to diagnose a septic tank issue, there are a lot of variables to consider:
• You could be dealing with septic tank backup with clogs in your drain lines
• Your filter could be clogged
• You could have a drain field problem
• There could be a mechanical malfunction
It’s always wise to consult professionals when dealing with septic tank issues, as methane gas can be quite overwhelming and potentially dangerous, especially if you have a septic tank backing up into house.
But if you’d like to check it out yourself, please do so with caution.
How to avoid septic system problems
Before we jump into ways you can fix a septic tank, here are a few tips to keep your septic tank in good working condition:
• Invest in professional maintenance of your septic system – if you have a large household, you probably have a larger septic tank, which requires more frequent inspection and pumping.
• Don’t flush anything but water, human waste and toilet paper down the toilet – anything else you flush has the potential to clog your septic system, which will ultimately cause problems down the road.
• Try to limit use of antibacterial soaps – believe it or not, your septic system does need a certain level of bacteria that helps it process waste smoothly (it’s like your digestive system!)
If you notice your drains are moving slow or gurgling, your toilets aren’t flushing as fast as they normally do, wet waste begins to appear on the drainage field, or your showers, tubs or washing machine hookups are backed up or overflowed, you may have septic tank issues.
How to fix a backed up septic tank
Follow these steps to keep your home’s septic tank on track:
1) Hire a professional to put a small camera down your septic system. This will determine whether you have an internal breakage.
2) If it’s determined that the problem isn’t mechanical, you may need bacteria added. As previously mentioned, this helps break down any blockages.
3) Order bacteria online that’s designed for septic systems. Ensure it gets in there ASAP to help break things down.
4) Wait for the bacteria to do its job. Depending on the age and condition of your septic system, it could take a few days or even a few weeks for the bacteria to eat through clogs.
If you’re looking for a professional company to help out with diagnosis and repair of septic issues, give Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Bay Area a call today!
