4 Telltale Signs That Mean You Need a New Septic Tank in Briarcliff Manor, NY

May 6, 2021 Halstead Media Group

A well-functioning septic system is essential to maintaining a healthy home but do you know what signs point to problems in your Briarcliff Manor, NY, septic tank? Paying attention to these indicators can keep you from needing a new septic tank.

Telltale Signs of Trouble

Slow drains: If you notice that the drain in the shower or at the sink is filtering water slower and slower, this slowdown can indicate a problem with the system. You could be dealing with a clogged drain that needs to be cleaned out to run smoothly once more or you have a serious problem with the septic tank where all of the waste goes from your house.

Odors inside or outside the house: Because a septic tank is an airtight fiberglass chamber, you should not smell bad odors or sewage-type smells inside your home. The same is true of the outside where there should be no foul odors that seem to come from a specific place in your yard. If you notice this type of odor, you need a professional septic expert fast. Septic Repair Vs Replacement: What's The Difference In Armonk And Croton-On-Hudson NY Areas

Standing water: Having standing puddles of water in your lawn, especially when they are always in the same place, is not normal and needs professional attention. Some causes could be that your septic tank has developed a leak or a pipe could have a crack that keeps a puddle in the same area. A proper septic system should not produce puddles of any kind.

Thick, green patch of grass: If you notice a thick, green patch of grass that seems higher than the rest of the grass, the taller growth could indicate a leak at that spot. Since grass in the landscape should grow at the same rate, having a thicker patch can mean that you have a problem that requires attention from your septic expert.

Remedies for Septic Trouble

Check for clogs: Your septic expert is trained to detect septic problems and recommend a solution. They will check for clogs if the drains are slower than normal. If a clog is found, they can unclog it and suggest ways for you to avoid clogs in the future.

Check for a leak: A leak in your septic pipe can show up as a thick growth of grass at a specific spot in the path to the tank. Your septic expert can dig up that section to repair the leak with a fresh pipe and cover it back up with dirt and grass seed. A leak in the septic tank can be more serious because this can mean that you need a new tank. If this is the problem, a septic professional will dig up the current tank to replace with a new tank. Fortunately, replacing the tank is rarely what is needed to fix a problem.

Pump the tank: A septic professional can also pump the contents of the septic tank to remedy a problem. Depending on how many people live in your home and the number of showers and laundry in a day, the tank can fill up with too much water and solids and need to be pumped. Most septic tanks need to be pumped every 3-5 years but some need more frequent pumping while others can go many years with no pumping.