3 Signs You Have a Defective Septic System in Your Home
If your home is not connected to the sewer system, you probably have a septic tank which collects wastewater from the home. In most homes, septic systems are usually located at the far end of the yard away from the house. Due to its location and the nature of its function, the septic system is the most neglected part of the plumbing system in most homes. However, without it, there would be no way to manage the waste water from your kitchen, laundry room, toilet, and shower. For this reason, you need to take proper care of the system and look out for the following signs which indicate a problem with the septic tank.
Increased vegetation around the drain field
Your septic system has a drain field where contaminants and impurities are removed from the wastewater after the action of anaerobic bacteria. The drain or leach field is designed in such a way that allows it to accommodate the volume of wastewater released from the home. It holds the water for a short period until it is absorbed in the surrounding soils. So, if the drainage area is no longer able to handle the water, it begins to clog, and this prevents it from draining the water. The moisture and nutrients from the water increase vegetation growth on the drain field.
A problem with the drain field could be an indication that you have increased water consumption in the home, and this is overloading the septic system. You need to contact an expert so that they can modify the system to accommodate your consumption.
Unpleasant odours in the yard
One of the things that you will notice when the septic tank is failing is an unpleasant smell from your yard. The odour which smells like rotten eggs is usually from a gas known as hydrogen sulfide. This is produced by certain bacteria which thrive in environments with no oxygen. The rotten egg smell is an indication that your septic system lacks oxygen, and this can cause aerobic bacteria to die. You need to get the system checked immediately as hydrogen sulfide can be toxic when in high levels.
Drainage problems
If you are recently experiencing drainage problems in your home, your septic system may be faulty. A faulty tank is no longer able to collect water as required; therefore, wastewater will start backing up into your plumbing pipes. If the sewage backs up into the home, nasty doors will start wafting out of your drain pipes. It could also cause clogged drains and toilet flooding if the problem isn't fixed immediately.
Wastewater management is essential to maintaining a healthy septic system in your home. Contact services such as Econocycle for inspection and maintenance if you notice these problems with the system.