A septic tank is a great way to manage the waste products produced in your home. As long as they are properly maintained, they can last for years. Unfortunately, many people don’t know how to care for their septic system albuquerque nm. There are some signs that can let you know when your septic system needs to be maintained. A big part of this is knowing when your septic tank needs to be pumped.
Scum and Sludge
When there is a buildup of solid material at the bottom of your tank it is known as septic sludge. The floating waste at the top of the tank is septic scum. Excessive buildup of either of these can result in problems with your septic system. The size of the tank and how much use it gets can affect how quickly this buildup occurs. If the buildup is too much, your tank needs to be pumped in order to prevent waste from leaking out into the drain field. Not only are leaks a problem due to moisture and odor, if the clog is severe enough your drain field can be damaged to the point of needing costly repair.
Inspection
While septic systems only need to be inspected and pumped by a professional every 3 to 5 years, you can inspect the system yourself more frequently. There are many components in the system that are more likely to need repairs more often than it needs to be pumped. The sooner that problems are discovered, the less damage will be caused in the long run. This can save you a good amount of money.
If you notice that there is a slight runoff in your drain field, your system may need to be inspected and pumped early. While you may want to sit back and wait for the problem to go away itself, there is a good chance that it won’t, and the backup will soon be entering your home.
While the idea of opening up your septic tank may not seem appealing, it’s important when it comes to keeping it operating properly. Having septic tank risers installed on your system can make this process much easier on you. If you see a lot of solids in your tank, you may want to contact a professional to get it pumped before it becomes a problem. If there is a scum that is close to the top or a buildup of sludge, it might also be time for a pump.
Leaks
Leaks are one of the most obvious signs that there is a problem with your septic system. The pipes from a septic system can extend throughout a large part of your property and the leaks can occur anywhere in your yard where there are pipes. If you notice wastewater in your yard, it’s a pretty clear sign that there is a backup or leak. Another good but kind of sign is the color and condition of your grass. The grass may always be greener on the other side, but it’s also greener over leaky drain field pipes.