You should pump your septic system every three to five years to remove sludge and septage buildup in your tank. This maintenance measure will improve your system's efficiency and overall performance. You should also spread your dishwasher, washing machine, and other appliances' usage to avoid overwhelming your septic system with wastewater, which can flood the drain field. 

Moreover, flashing down unsuitable material such as female hygiene products, baby wipes, coffee grounds, hair, and cooking oil can cause blockage in your septic system. Even with proper maintenance, your septic system will eventually deteriorate. Here are signs your system needs replacement.

Toilet Flushing Problems

If you have a slow flushing toilet that you can't repair using a plunger, you might have a problem in your septic system. The septic piping could have clogs, restricting proper water flow. Also, your septic tank could be full, requiring pumping. If the tank is too old, pumping won't help as the unit can no longer function efficiently.

Ignoring the clogs will worsen the blockages in your system. As a result, wastewater won't reach your septic tank and will instead flow back in the opposite direction, leading to sewer backups in your toilets and sinks. 

Pools of Water in Your Drain Field

If you have pools of water in your drain field that you can't ascribe to heavy rains or other causes, you may have a percolating septic tank. This issue means wastewater from your septic tank isn't properly absorbed into the ground. The malfunction could be because your drain field is saturated with too much wastewater. If too much waste comes from your septic tank, the drain field will be overwhelmed, as it won't have adequate time to dry out and allow more water to seep into the ground.

You can avoid this problem by minimizing your water usage. For instance, you can monitor your children and ensure they don't flash the toilet unnecessarily or leave the taps running. Also, inspect your plumbing system for any faults, such as leaking faucets that could send constant water drips down your drains. While drips may not seem like a big deal, they can become significant if they go on for days or weeks.

Foul Odors

If you notice persistent foul odors from your septic tank, improper tank chemistry could be the main culprit. Your tank needs to maintain a specific pH range for the micro-organisms in the unit to break down waste correctly. The wrong pH will trigger the release of toxic gases such as carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, and methane. One of the reasons for poor tank chemistry is flashing the wrong materials, like cigarette butts and trash, that end up in the septic tank.

For more information on septic tank services, contact a company near you.

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