When you need your Chappaqua and Armonk, NY areas septic system to function well but think you might have a problem, you need a professional to help guide the decisions. If the solution requires septic system replacement, these steps can help you understand the process. 

Your Septic System

Just like a municipal sewage system, a septic system removes the waste from your home and transports it to a place where it can be held safely. Unlike a municipal system, when your septic system is not working properly, the problem is yours to remedy and this needs to happen quickly to keep your home running smoothly.

While a septic system is an efficient, well-planned system, you can occasionally experience problems that need professional attention. These are the signs that you need help. 

Back-ups in drains: When your drains are backing up regularly, you have a problem with the system. A clear septic path will run smoothly and with no hiccups but drains that have slowed or backed up are a cause for investigation. The problem could be as simple as a clogged pipe that requires unclogging, or it could be more significant and your septic expert should diagnose the issue.

Foul odors: Your septic system is an airtight structure that is designed to hold all gasses and smells with no leaks. When you notice foul smells and odors that smell like sewage, there can be a crack in the septic tank that is letting the gasses out. 

Tall grass: While it might seem to be a strange sign, a tall, green stand of grass that is not like the rest of the yard can mean that you have a leak or break in a pipe where water is seeping out. 

Related: Can A Septic Tank Repair Save Your System Or Will You Need A New Septic Tank In Armonk, NY? Here's How To Find Out

Steps in Septic System Replacement 

While it is rare that a septic system needs a full replacement, there can be issues that make this necessary. This is a job for a professional septic service with expertise in diagnosing and repairing septic problems.

Remove the tank: When your septic system needs a tank replacement, the septic professional will bring in big equipment to dig out the old tank and replace with a new tank. The tank is made of fiberglass and is designed to be airtight for many years. You should never drive over the buried septic tank, park heavy vehicles there, or do any landscaping other than planting grass to protect the integrity of the tank.

Dig up and repair pipes: On occasion a pipe can develop a crack that grows larger until it creates a problem in the system. When a pipe develops a crack, tree roots can migrate to that area in search of water, grow into the pipe to widen the crack, and cause a back-up. Your septic expert will dig up that section of pipe and replace it to get the system running correctly once more. 

Replace the drain field: The drain field is the final stop for the water and liquids that end up in the septic tank. Once they reach the tank, the water and fluids seep out through a pipe that directs them to the drain field where they seep slowly back into the ground. Over time the drain field can become saturated, and your septic professional must install a new drain field to keep the water draining out of the tank.

Related: 4 Telltale Signs That Mean You Need A New Septic Tank In Briarcliff Manor, NY