IS THERE SOMETHING WRONG WITH YOUR SEPTIC SYSTEM?
Is Your System Failing? Warning Signs:
*Signs Your Septic System Needs Attention*
If you notice any of the following issues, contact Master Rooter for a professional inspection:
- Foul Odors or Surface Sewage, unpleasant smells or visible sewage in the drainfield indicate serious problems.
- Wet Spots, puddles in the drainfield during dry weather suggest improper drainage.
- Plumbing Backups, black liquid with a strong odor backing up in fixtures is a major concern.
- Slow Drain, If sinks or toilets are draining slowly, it may signal a blockage.
- Gurgling Noises, unusual sounds in your plumbing can indicate trapped air from a septic issue.
- Contaminated Well Water, presence of coliform bacteria or nitrates in well water may mean a failing drainfield.
Don’t hesitate—contact All In One Septic for expert help!
Drain-field Do’s and Don’ts
Know where your drain-field and replacement area are located. When you know where it is located, it is easier to protect.
- Know where your drainfield and replacement area are located. When you know where it is located, it is easier to protect.
- Keep heavy equipment off your drain-field. Cars and heavy equipment should not park or drive over the drain-field; doing so can crack pipes. Create a barrier if accessible to cars, livestock, or heavy equipment.
- Keep water usage to a minimum. Drain-fields do not have an unlimited capacity. When there is more water than it can absorb, the system is unable to drain and filter effluent before it reaches groundwater.
- Divert water away from the drain-field. Water runoff from roofs and drainage ditches can saturate the soil. Drain-fields are most efficient when the soil beneath the drain-field is not saturated.
- Keep trees and shrubs at least 30 feet away from the drain-field. (NOTE: Some soil conditions may require that plantings be kept an even greater distance from the drain-field.) Trees and shrubs generally have extensive root systems that seek out and grow into wet areas, such as drain-fields. This can lead to clogged and damaged drain lines.
- Plant only grass or shallow-rooted plants over the drain-field. This will prevent soil erosion.
- Protect your replacement area. It may be the only area with acceptable soil conditions in case you need to replace, repair, or add on to the drain-field. All of the above suggestions apply to the replacement area as well.
Things to Avoid:
- Don’t build over your drain-field. This includes patios, carports, and other structures. You may damage the drain-field.
- Don’t pave over the drain-field. Drain-fields need air to function properly. Oxygen is needed by bacteria to break down and treat sewage.
- Don’t dig in your drain-field. Damage to the pipes can occur.
- Keep large animals and livestock off the drain-field. Soil compaction prevents oxygen from getting into the soil and prevents water from flowing away from the drain-field.
- Don’t use landscaping plastic over the drain-field. Air is necessary for the drain-field to function efficiently.
- Don’t plant a vegetable garden over a drain-field. You risk the possibility of food contamination.
- Don’t install an irrigation system in the drain-field. Neither should the irrigation system drain toward the drain-field.
Understanding Your Septic Tank
The typical septic tank is a large buried rectangular or cylindrical container made of concrete, fib
**Understanding Your Septic Tank**
A septic tank is a large, buried container made of concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene that separates solids from wastewater. Its primary function is to store and partially decompose solid materials while allowing liquid (effluent) to flow to the drainfield. Wastewater from toilets, baths, kitchens, and laundry enters the tank and typically remains for up to 24 hours, allowing for effective separation and preventing drainfield clogging.
Maintaining a properly functioning septic system is crucial, as it can prevent costly repairs and is essential for home resale. Various septic system types are available to suit different soil and site conditions. Understanding the main components of a standard gravity-fed septic system will help you keep it operating efficiently and affordably.
