Homeowners and Business Owners Should Be Aware of Septic Issues
Understanding sewage and septic problems is important for homeowners, landlords, and business owners in and around Christiansburg, VA. Most people don’t think about their septic system if it is performing at its best. But when problems and emergencies emerge from the deep or prevent use, sewage and septic systems become a concern. From clogs and backups to digging-related damage to septic lines, there are a wide variety of problems that can happen.
If you own a home with a private septic system or rent a house or apartment, you might not be aware of the problems. Today, Montgomery Sanitation explores sewage and septic problems and what you can do to prevent future issues. We will be glad to help you if a problem arises.
Sewage and Septic Problems Include:
- Clogs and Backups
- Sewer Odors
- Septic Tank or Line Leak
- Tree Roots Infiltration
- Excess Water in the Septic Tank
- Too Much Detergent or Chemicals
- Improper Septic Tank Installation
- Digging-Related Septic Line Damage
Backups and Clogs are the Most Common Septic Problems
Backups and clogs are the most common septic problem that homeowners, landlords, and business owners have to deal with. The only things you should really be flushing are human waste and toilet paper. When you flush feminine hygiene products, cotton products, and paper towels, you’re doing harm to the sewer system and the environment. Sometimes, even flushable products do not disintegrate as efficiently as they should.
When you flush often over a long period of time, the large buildup of sludge could become an expensive problem. When solid waste accumulates at the base of the septic tank without periodic pumping, sludge backs up on your property. Sludge may start to get into your drainfield and create clogs, stopping wastewater from dispersing naturally into the ground. The best solution is for Montgomery Sanitation to pump out your septic tank. Regular septic cleaning is very important.
Sewer Odors are the Most Noticeable Septic Issue
The most noticeable septic problem is sewer odors coming from your septic system. You smell the sewer odors when there is a clog in the sewer system. The clog traps septic gasses, which include carbon dioxide, methane, and hydrogen sulfide. If there is too high of a concentration of gases they can be highly toxic and unhealthy for those around the sewer. They can even cause an explosion. Regular sewer pumping is among the ways you can combat this problem.
Watch for the Signs of a Sewer or Septic Tank Leak
You might not know it, but your sewer or septic tank could have a leak. One sign you have a leak is a lush patch of grass and weeds over top of your septic tank. It could be an indication that you have a septic leak and your lateral lines are getting too much wastewater. As a result, your property could be too wet. Even worse, your lawn could have puddles of raw sewage, which could cause health and environmental problems. If you see the growth or sewer puddling, call Montgomery Sanitation.
Tree Roots Can Make Any Septic Cracks Larger Over Time
When tree roots grow into a septic system, they can cause a major headache. Nutrients and moisture in septic tanks and lines attract tree roots. At Montgomery Sanitation, we often see tree roots grow around and into septic tanks and lines through small cracks. The growth of the roots will make the cracks worse the longer they continue to grow. We can perform a septic tank and pipe cleaning to rid the tank of the roots. We can also pour a solution down your toilet to remove the excess roots.
Excess Water in the Tank Forces Solid Wastes Out
Excess water forces your septic tank hold more water than it should. When you get too much water in the septic tank, it interferes with the breakdown of solid waste. When that happens, the increased water level forces the solid waste to flow out of the tank and into distribution lines. Those lines are to hold liquids, not solid waste. We suggest limit doing laundry to no more than two loads a day. You can also cut down on the length of your showers and use efficient showerheads.
Too Much Detergent and Chemicals Harm Septic Systems
When you pour too much laundry detergent into your washing machine or use harmful chemicals into your septic, problems arise. Your washing machine should rinse away the entire detergent residue, but sometimes some residue doesn’t dilute. We recommend that you use laundry or dishwashing soap in liquid form, not the powdered form. Chemicals such as paint thinners, motor oil, and pesticides can be toxic to a septic system. You shouldn’t use your septic system as a way to dispose of chemicals.
Improper Septic Tank Installation Can Cause Septic Failure
When you properly install your septic system, it runs efficiently. When you improperly install a septic system, it can become a headache. If the installer made mistakes, like not burying the tank deep enough or installing the wrong size of tank, septic tank failure can happen. If you don’t know if the septic system was installed correctly, regular inspection and maintenance by Montgomery Sanitation can help.
Digging-Related Septic Line Damage Can Be Avoided
Homeowners and business owners often take digging into their own hands. When the do that, digging-related septic line damage can happen. The result is you have to pay for expensive repairs or replacement of the broken pipes. Before you dig, Virginia state law requires you to call 811, a nationwide number, to have your lines professionally marked. After you call, your utility company will locate and mark the lines.
Give Montgomery Sanitation a call at (540) 382-2205 or Follow us on Facebook. Talk to our team today to find out more about understanding sewage and septic problems.