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Septic Pumping & Septic Tank Pumping

Septic system Failure:

A failed septic system is a big deal! It poses serious health and environmental hazards, and is costly to replace. You can very effectively guard against premature failure of a properly designed/sited system through simple daily care and regular pumping.

However, if you suspect your septic system is failing, you should contact your local service provider immediately to have it checked out. If your system does need to be repaired or replaced, you will require the services of a designer and licensed septic installer.

While regular septic inspections can help you uncover problems with your system and allow you to take swift corrective action, a responsible septic owner is always alert to the signs of possible septic failure.

What is septic system failure?
A septic system is said to have failed when it no longer fulfills its function of absorbing and treating wastewater from your home. When this occurs, wastewater may back up in your yard, or (less obviously but cause for equal concern) may contaminate your well water and nearby surface waters with pathogens and nutrients (e.g., phosphorous, nitrogen).
Most drainfields have a design life of 20-30 years, at the end of which their soils are simply too clogged to accept wastewater for treatment. This clogging can happen prematurely if, for example, high amounts of solids are consistently carried over from your septic tank to your drainfield (e.g., you haven't pumped your septic tank for years and/or you consistently overload your system). While improper care and maintenance is by far the leading cause of septic system failure, poor design and siting can also be a factor: perhaps your drainfield was sized too small for your household, or the soils are poorly drained.

 Common cause of septic system failure include:

? Placement in poor drainage area (e.g., soils are saturated by stormwater)

? Failure to install according to septic codes

? Hydraulic overloading (e.g., your household's daily wastewater flows exceed the amount of flow your system was designed to handle)

? Bad household habits such as: pouring kitchen grease into drains, flushing inorganic materials (diapers, cigarettes) down the toilet

? Frequent use of a garbage disposal

? Tree roots clogging chambers or pipes in drainfield

? Crushed chambers or pipes as a result of heavy machinery on drainfield, excavation activity, etc.


What are the signs of a failing system?

The following signs are not definitive proof of a failing system, but they are cause for serious concern--and prompt action. You should call your local service provider immediately if you notice any of these symptoms.

? Gurgling sounds in your pipes or drains

? Sewage backup in your drains or toilets

? Pooled or seeping liquid in your back yard; mushy spots

? Lush green grass in portions of your back yard (i.e., over your drainfield) even during dry weather (This may indicate that an excessive amount of liquid from your system is moving up through the soil rather than downward, as it should)

? The presence of nitrates or bacteria in your well water (as determined by a water test from your local health department)

? Buildup of aquatic weeds or algae in lakes or ponds adjacent to your home

? Unpleasant odors around your house

? Unpleasant odors outdoors


If you suspect a problem with your septic system, get the advice of a licensed septic professional, whose experience and on-site evaluation of your problem should be your guide for action.
 
What is the process for replacing a septic system?

As with the installation of a new septic system, replacement of your failed septic system will require that you have a site evaluation, obtain a septic permit and hire a licensed contractor to build your system according to the plan approved by your local health board.
In the best case scenario, your original system will have been designed with space for an identified replacement field, a piece of ground in your yard suitable for the building of another drainfield. (If you have a replacement field, you will still need to have a site evaluation, obtain a septic permit, etc.) However, depending on your particular property, situation, and local/state regulations, you may not be able to replace a failed septic system with another conventional onsite system. Instead, your inspectors and sanitation engineers may recommend alternative treatment options, ranging from the installation of a pretreatment aerobic treatment unit to a mound system, recirculating or intermittent sand filter or other alternative treatment system used in conjunction with drainfield disposal.