What Can A Septic Service Do For You?

Septic waste should stay within the system from the moment it enters the drains inside the house to the moment it gets to the septic drain field. Below are some reasons your septic system should not leak, plus causes and tests for leakages.

Why the System Should Be Watertight

Septic waste will leak out of the system if it is not watertight. Septic wastes contain dangerous microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses. Septic waste can also contain dangerous chemicals, including cleaning agents and heavy metals. The pathogens and chemicals cause problems in three main ways.

First, the waste can leak into and contaminate groundwater, and dangerous elements can affect anyone who consumes the groundwater. Secondly, the waste can come into contact with edible plants, such as garden vegetables. Eating such vegetables will cause ill health. Lastly, the pathogens can get into your system via open wounds, causing infections.

Causes of Septic Leakages

Various problems cause septic leakages. Below are three examples of such problems.

1. System Overload

Your septic system handles a finite waste volume per hour. You risk waste leakage if you send more waste into the system than it can handle. For example, waste might overwhelm the tank if you have a septic system that can serve a small household but frequently entertain more people in your home. In such a case, the waste will overfill and overflow the tank.

2. Structural Damages

Damage to any part of the system that contains and controls waste can lead to leakages. For example:

• Tree roots can damage waste pipes
• Septic tanks can corrode due to aging
• Septic tanks can crack due to ground movements

These and other structural damages cause waste to leak into the ground before reaching the drain field.

3. Clogs

Septic clogs trigger waste leakages by preventing waste flow into the drain field. For example, clogged tank outlets mean waste cannot exit the tank. In such a case, the continued use of the septic system would strain the tank and cause overflow.

Tests for Water Tightness

Contact a septic contractor if you suspect that your septic system is leaking. Below are two methods the contractor may use to test the system.

1. Hydrostatic Test

In this test, the contractor fills the septic tank with water and pressurizes it. Pressurized water leaks more easily from the tank than water under normal pressure. The contractor notes the presence and location of the leaks, if any.

2. Vacuum Test

For this test, the contractor seals the openings to the septic system. Next, the contractor uses a pump to evacuate air out of the septic system. Lastly, the contractor uses a vacuum gauge to detect the vacuum level of the system. The gauge should read normally if the septic system is watertight.

For more information about septic system services, contact a local company.