Top 3 Common Septic Tank Issues

December 4th, 2018 Posted in Septic Tanks
Comments Off on Top 3 Common Septic Tank Issues

If you have a septic system, you know keeping the components in good working order is important. One of the main parts of your septic is your tank. This giant underground holding tank is where your solid waste is broken down, with some waste water being directed to your drain field and the solid waste accumulating as sludge. When a problem occurs with the tank, the entire system is at risk of failure.

Here are the top three tank issues that can affect your septic system.

  1. Leaks. If the tank walls crack or erode, the tank can begin leaking. When this happens, the waste water does not get distributed properly and can contaminate the soil. Most leaks cannot be repaired; the tank usually needs to be replaced.
  2. Not enough bacteria. If the bacteria needed to break down waste are not present, the tank will quickly fill up with solids. Chemicals can kill these bacteria; keeping chemicals out of the tank can help avoid this issue and there are additives that can help improve bacteria growth.
  3. Needs pumping. The most common problem with a septic tank is that it overflows. It is vital to have your septic tank serviced and the levels checked every year to avoid a full tank that will back up your septic system.

Scheduling an annual inspection for your complete septic system, including the tank, can help you avoid common septic tank problems. Regular pumping and checking the efficiency by septic professionals can help you proactively fix issues and keep your septic system working like it should. If it has been more than a year since your last septic service, call your local septic professional to schedule your maintenance.

Posted on behalf of:
Septic Service Pro, LLC
Peachtree Street NW
Atlanta, GA 30334
(678) 292-8728

, ,
Read More

Are Septic System Additives Necessary?

January 5th, 2012 Posted in Septic System Maintenance
Comments Off on Are Septic System Additives Necessary?

Hundreds, if not thousands of additives are on the market that claim to improve the performance of your septic system.  Some of the claims made by the manufactures and sellers of these additives include making septic tank pumping unnecessary, eliminating foul odors, improving soil percolation, and other such claims.  The reality is that a septic system is designed to work without any additional additives.

Waste water from your home collects in the septic tank where naturally occurring bacteria break down the majority of the solid material.  The wastewater (called the effluent) then flows into the drain field (also called a leech field) where it percolates into the soil.  More bacteria in the soil completes the treatment process.  Solid material that cannot be broken down settles to the bottom of the septic tank and needs to be occasionally pumped out of the tank.

At best, using a septic system additive is just a waste of money.  Pouring these additives down your toilet or sink is like pouring money down the drain.  Most of them don’t do much if anything to the septic system which already has plenty of naturally occurring bacteria to do the work of breaking down solid material.

However, some additives can be harmful to the septic system if it destroys the natural bacteria.  More solids will collect in the septic tank which will require more frequent septic tank pumping.  In addition, bacteria in the drain field can be destroyed which can lead to a clogged drain field.

Save money and avoid potential septic system headaches by skipping the septic system additives unless directed to do so by an experienced, reputable septic system professional.

, ,
Read More

Find Local Company | Find Local Sewer Septic Services