What are the three types of septic systems?
The three most common types are conventional, chamber, and aerobic systems. Conventional systems use a gravel drainfield, while chamber systems use plastic chambers instead of gravel. Aerobic systems add oxygen to treat wastewater more thoroughly, which can be a good fit for smaller properties or lots with poor soil conditions.
What are the most common problems with septic systems?
Some of the most common problems with septic systems include:
Clogged pipes or baffles. Blockages can occur from flushing non-flushable items, grease buildup, or an overfull tank. This often leads to slow drains or sewage backups in your home.
Root intrusion. Tree and shrub roots are naturally drawn to the moisture in your system. They can grow into pipes and the tank itself, causing cracks, leaks, and significant blockages.
Drainfield failure. The drainfield can get oversaturated with water or clogged by solids if the tank isn't pumped regularly. You might notice soggy spots or foul odors in your yard.
Damaged tank. The septic tank can develop cracks or leaks from age, shifting soil, or physical damage, like driving a vehicle over it. This allows untreated wastewater to contaminate the surrounding soil.
Full tank. Forgetting to have your tank pumped every three to five years is a leading cause of issues. When solids build up, they can flow into and permanently damage the drainfield, which is a costly repair.
How can I reduce costs on septic system maintenance?
Some cost-savings tips include:
Schedule regular pumping. Pumping your tank every three to five years is one of the best ways to prevent solids from clogging your drainfield, which can lead to very expensive repairs.
Conserve water. Using less water puts less strain on your system, which can help extend its lifespan and the time between necessary pump-outs.
Watch what goes down the drain. Avoid flushing anything besides toilet paper and human waste, and never pour grease, oils, or harsh chemicals down your sinks.
Protect your drainfield. Keep heavy vehicles, structures, and deep-rooted plants away from the drainfield area to prevent costly damage to the underground pipes.
Get routine inspections. An annual inspection can catch small problems like cracks or blockages before they turn into major system failures that require a full replacement.
What should I do before my septic system pro arrives?
Before your pro arrives to work on your septic system, take these steps:
Step 1: Make sure you know where your septic tank is. If you have a map or diagram of your system, have it ready to help your pro get started right away.
Step 2: Clear the path to your tank lid and drain field. Move any cars, patio furniture, toys, or other obstructions so your pro has easy access.
Step 3: Try to limit your water use for a day before your pro arrives. Holding off on laundry or long showers can make the inspection and pumping process go more smoothly.
Step 4: Pull together any service records for your system. Details about past pumping, inspections, or repairs can give your pro valuable clues.
Step 5: Keep pets and small children safely away from the work area. This helps prevent accidents while the pro is working on the open tank.