While a septic tank can be an amazing waste removal system when there is no municipal access to sewer, there are times that it needs service or replacement. If you are unsure of what type of service your Briarcliff Manor and Chappaqua, NY, area septic system needs, these cues can help you decide between septic repair or replacement.
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Signs You Need Septic Repair
These are some warning signs that you need septic repair:
Bad odors: Any time you smell a foul odor in your home or out in the yard, that can be a sign of septic trouble. Because the septic tank is airtight and the whole system is efficient, there should be no smells or odors at all when it is working properly. Any type of stinky smell in your bathroom or the laundry room or a specific area of the yard can signal that you need septic service.
Back-ups: A septic system that is working correctly flushes and drains without trouble. When you begin to experience back-ups of your toilets or washing machine, or if the sink drain overflows, this can be a sign that you have a problem which requires attention.
The issue could be a leaking pipe, a tree root has grown into the pipe and caused a clog, the septic tank has a small crack but whatever the trouble, the system needs to be inspected by a qualified and experienced septic expert to recommend repair.
Water in the yard: Seeing a pool of water or a mushy spot in the yard can be a sign of trouble, too. The septic system is completely enclosed, so if you see a puddle when there has been no rain or a bright green patch of grass that is growing significantly taller than the rest of the grass, this can mean a leak of some sort has occurred.
Signs Your Septic System Needs Replacement
At other times, a septic system can need to be replaced and here are some reasons why replacement should occur.
The system is old: Septic systems can last many years and function well but at some point the tank needs to be replaced. If your home is older and the tank has been there for a long time, it could mean that a replacement will bring an efficient system to your home.
The system is too small: When a septic system is installed, it is on the assumption that there will be an average of two people per bedroom and this can influence the size of the tank. If your home is not new and you have a large family or frequent overnight visitors, this can stress the system and show signs that a new tank is necessary.
Frequent overflows, all of the sinks are draining slowly, and repeated pumping of the septic tank can be signs that it is time for a replacement.
Failing drain field: The drain field is the place where the water from the tank goes to seep back into the ground. Sometimes the drain field becomes saturated or drains too slowly and this can cause the tank to back-up the contents into your home. Your septic expert has traditional solutions to a failing drain field as well as an up-to-date solution of a biodiffuser, a method that provides over 2.5 times more draining than a traditional drain field.
Related: What To Expect During A Septic Installation In Tarrytown And Bedford NY Areas
