There are few things more disruptive than a failed septic system. Paso Robles plumber, Quality 1st Plumbing and Drains has published ‘Recognizing the early signs of septic system failure’ to help avoid the worst aspects of backed-up plumbing and the expense of total replacement.

The report identifies the common signs of septic system failure and maintenance measures that can add years to a septic system.

Recognizing the Signs of Septic System Failure

A malfunctioning septic system is a risk to human and animal health and the environment. A quick response to any signs of failure may reduce the cost of repairs and prevent any illness or negative impact on the environment.

Signs of a failing septic system can include one or more of the following:

• Water and sewage are backing up
• Bathtubs, showers, and sinks are draining slowly
• Gurgling sounds in the plumbing system
• Standing water or damp spots near the septic tank or leach field
• Bad odors
• Green vegetation growing over the septic tank or leach field during the dry weather

A septic system works by water and waste flowing from the house into the septic tank. Solid waste settles to the bottom. Excess liquid flows through an outlet pipe to the leach field. Bacteria breaks down the solids in the septic tank but the tank still needs to be pumped periodically.

Septic system failure may cause sewage to surface around the tank or leach field, back up into the pipes in the building, percolate into the groundwater or nearby water sources. Sewage carries contaminants that are sources of disease and make water unsafe for any use.

Common problems

There are many reasons for failure or malfunction. Rather than troubleshooting a problem on your own call the Paso Robles plumber who has the equipment to identify and repair the problem.

Some of the more common reasons a septic system is not functioning properly include:

• A clogged pipe causing slow drains or draining to stop completely. If the clog is from tree roots, or solid matter getting stuck somewhere along the pipeline, a professional can usually clear the pipe with a snake, or special rooter that cuts out tree roots. A crushed or broken pipe will need to be replaced.
• If the inlet baffle to the septic tank is blocked a professional plumber can unclog that for a reasonable cost. Being careful about what gets sent down the drains helps avoid clogs.
• If the outlet baffle or effluent filter is clogged sewage may back up into the home or ground surface.

Periodic septic system inspections by qualified professionals can usually prevent clogs and backups.

If either the tank or the leach field has failed, they will need to be replaced. Septic tanks are pretty durable but can crack, maybe even break. Invasive tree roots, parking vehicles over the septic tank, even severe earthquakes, might cause damage to the septic tank.

Leach fields should last for years but do fail in time. Sometimes the field can be dried out and rehabilitated, but most likely a new one needs to be installed. Contact a service professional to have the leach field inspected.

Septic systems require routine maintenance and should provide reliable service for many years. If it isn’t maintained, owners run the risk of dangerous and costly failures.

Protecting the septic system

Septic systems do have a lifetime and will eventually need to be replaced. Years of usefulness can be added by being aware.

• Don’t put anything heavy over the tank or leach field, Sheds, vehicles, and pavement can damage the tank and pipes, compromise the field, and might be breaking laws.
• Keep trees and shrubs away from the area of the septic tank. Some trees have especially invasive roots.
• Conserve household water. Fix leaks, don’t let the unused water run from faucets, use the correct washer cycles, install low-flow toilets, only run full dishwasher loads. Consider installing a grey water system.
• Be careful what goes down the drains. No grease, coffee grounds or household chemicals down the drain. Don’t flush things like pads, wipes, diapers and kitty litter. Don’t use a garbage disposal. Use septic-friendly cleaning products.
• Periodically replenish the bacteria supply in the septic tank. Ask the plumber for the best recommendation.
• Pump the tank every two to five years, depending on how many people are using it.

The Paso Robles plumber, Quality 1st Plumbing and Drains, arrives with all of the tools needed for the job, including the most advanced troubleshooting and drain rooting tools available. The trucks are stocked with cleaning supplies and the service team wears shoe covers so that your home is left clean. Quality 1st is a full-service plumbing and septic system company.

Quality 1st Plumbing and Drains
Paso Robles, CA 93446
(805) 835-7460

This press release is by Paso Robles SEO company Access Publishing, 806 9th Street, #2D, Paso Robles, CA 93446, (805) 226-9890.