Three Places To Inspect An Old Septic System For Damage
Old septic systems are more prone to failure and deterioration, but because most of the system is underground, problems can be hard to spot. When trying to establish the state of an old septic system, look for possible signs of trouble near its three primary components.
Inspect Drain Field
Old drain fields can clog over time, especially if there have been instances where the tank overflowed with waste before it was emptied. When solid waste enters the drain field, it prevents nearby soil from absorbing moisture, causing your tank to fill much more quickly.
When a drain field starts to go bad, water and waste will start backing up into your home more often. You may also notice sudden plant growth over the area the drain field is installed.
A damaged drain field will often need to be replaced rather than repaired, but another option is to have a second drain field installed next to the first; this way, when one field goes bad, you can switch back over to the second field, which may have cleared up over time.
Check for Tank Leaks
Tank leaks can be serious and necessitate the full replacement of the tank, as they usually result from breaks or deterioration in the tank itself rather than a separate component. When a tank leaks, the soil around it will often be damp and smell of sewage. The soil above and around the tank may also start to sink, as leaking water can cause soil to shift, letting the tank move downward.
If you have access to the tank lid, you can also remove it and use a flashlight to look into the tank for any obvious signs of trouble. Stepping near and above the tank can be dangerous if the tank is deteriorating, so when in doubt, use caution and call for a professional to inspect it for you.
Look for Main Line Breaks
A problem with the primary drain line itself is something that needs to be taken care of quickly, as leaving it alone can cause continued damage as long as water is being used. This is the pipe between your house and the tank that carries all the waste and liquid from your house to the tank. One of the biggest risks from a mainline break is that water leaking from the pipe before it reaches the tank will cause the soil around the pipe and tank to shift. When this happens, the tank can sink, nearby concrete can crack, and the drainpipe itself can be pushed off-center or even break entirely.
Signs of a mainline break are often similar to others, such as damp soil and foul odors, but keep an eye out for any signs of sinking, especially if the soil right over the drainpipe has shifted noticeably. Look for any signs of cracking concrete or foundation as well. If you notice these signs, avoid flushing any water or waste down any drains until it has been fixed.
For more information on commercial septic services, contact a professional near you.