If your Pleasantville, NY, property has a septic system, you may know that regular maintenance will help keep your system running its best. But when do you need septic system repair work? How do you know whether you should replace your septic tank or repair it? Without professional advice, it’s difficult to know what your system needs. Contact the experts at Santucci Construction Corp. to find out when to repair or replace your septic system.
Why Your Septic System Needs Regular Maintenance
Your septic system is like many other integral parts of your home. When it’s running well, you probably don’t even think about it. But when things go wrong, it becomes a major issue. If you wait until problems occur, you could be in for much more extensive repairs or even a complete replacement. By having your system checked and maintained regularly, your system could last as long as 30 years without needing to be replaced.
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Most importantly, ensuring your septic system is in good working condition helps prevent the spread of untreated wastewater. Wastewater can carry harmful bacteria and also creates an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes.
How Do You Know If Your Septic System Needs Repair?
Because your septic system is underground, homeowners may find it challenging to notice whether the system is in need of repair. There are some obvious signs that are hard to miss, though, such as sewage backing up into the house or bad smells around the septic tank. You may also notice water pooling on the lawn or soggy soil near the drainage tank. Slow draining water in sinks and bathtubs is another indicator of problems with your septic system.
When Should You Request a Septic System Repair?
Annual maintenance is vital if you want your septic system to last its intended lifetime. The tank, drain field, pipes, and pumps should be inspected once a year for leaks and clogs. You should also have your septic tank pumped every three years. A failing drain field is often the result of not having the tank pumped often enough.
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Your family’s schedule and your household’s high-volume use times can help you determine when to perform septic maintenance. For most homes, the ideal times are at the beginning of summer and before winter holidays. Septic issues often arise when there’s a full house and extra demands are placed on the system. A sudden increase in use can aggravate an existing issue, and visitors unfamiliar with a septic system may flush inappropriate items. In the summer, water usage typically increases and can place higher demands on your septic system.
When to Replace Your Septic System
Unfortunately, even with proper maintenance, a septic system will reach the end of its lifespan. A failing system is a major concern for multiple reasons. It means your wastewater is not being properly treated, and this could affect the health of your family.
There are a few telltale signs that you may need to replace your septic system. If the number of people using the septic system has increased since its installation, you will likely need to replace the drain field with a bigger one. If the system requires repairs multiple times a year, that’s also a sign it’s time for a replacement. And if you know your septic system is nearing the end of its lifespan, you may want to have it replaced before it fails.
