Correcting Septic Tank Problems

Septic tank problems plague tens of thousands of residential and commercial buildings each year. Many of the issues relating to these problems can usually be prevented or delayed with a little preventative maintenance on the septic system owner’s part.

The first thing to do when experiencing any type of problem is to attempt to diagnose exactly what might be happening. Most problems occur in the drain field or gravel areas just outside the tank in cesspit type systems. Over time, these drainage areas become clogged with a black tar like substance called bio-mat. The bio-mat is a buildup of undigested or improperly broken down waste that has escaped from your main tank and moved to your gravel areas. Once the amount of bio-mat reaches a certain level in the gravel, drainage begins to slow down and problem signs begin to appear.

Determining if you have septic tank problems is relatively simple, since most all systems are generally of a similar design and purpose. Symptoms may include noises, gurgling sounds, slight or heavy odors outside or in the home, puddling, wet spots or moist areas in the yard. More prominent symptoms include slow flushing toilets, showers that will not drain or go down very slowly, laundry backups, sink backups and so on. These symptoms can be the result of a break or system malfunction, but, they are usually the result of a clogged bed or field.

Once you have confirmed that you do indeed have a septic problem, the next step is how to address it. If you haven’t had an earthquake or allowed large machinery or vehicles to drive over your system components, you can usually rule out a component breakage. Tree roots can also play a role in performance, however, root blockage can be ruled out if you do not have trees located fairly close to the system.

Once you have ruled out mechanical error, the next step will include a restoration treatment. Products designed to restore clogged or failed septic systems are very cost effective compared to replacing the system. System replacement averages 7,000 to 65,000 dollars depending on where you live. Replacing a system often includes permits, parts, labor and costly engineer fees which are necessary to design a system that will conform to your local town code or laws.

Attempting to restore your systems drainage will entail purchase a restoration treatment designed to take on such a task. When shopping for a septic treatment, research the different companies selling such products to assure that what you decide on is coming from a reputable company. Seek out products that preferably include some type of guarantee or coverage plan in the event that the treatment is not immediately successful for your situation. Make sure that the address listed on the company’s web page is genuine. Many fly by night outfits will not include a guarantee and will use post office box addresses as their home base. Lastly, contact the company directly to ask them about their guarantee and to get a feel as to whether or not they sincerely believe that they can help with your septic problem.

In the end, correcting septic tank problems can be easily resolved by utilizing a suitable treatment product along with a little patience. If all else fails, a replacement may be needed. With any septic problem, always attempt to correct the issue using reputable, proven products so as to limit the potential financial hassle of replacement.