If your property is not attached to city sewer lines, you’ll need a septic system to remove and treat the waste your household generates. After the septic tank, distribution box, and leach field are installed, routine maintenance will keep the system running smoothly. By knowing what problems could arise, as outlined here, you can get help immediately to also prevent performance disruptions. 

What Septic Problems Should You Keep on Your Radar?

1. Clogs in Plumbing Fixtures

When the septic system is functioning properly, you shouldn’t experience sewage backups inside the house. When waste flows back through toilets or shower and sink drains, septic pumping might be necessary. The buildup of sludge at the bottom of the septic tank prevents additional waste from flowing in, clogging the system and causing waste backups.

2. Tank Leaks

The inflow and outflow pipes should be secured to the septic tank to create an airtight seal. If the connections become loose, sewage could leak from the container.

If you drive over the ground where the tank is installed or place anything heavy on top of it, the weight could cause the vessel to crack and leak, too. Sewage can rise to the ground surface, so look for smelly puddles in the yard. 

3. Invasive Tree Roots

Depending on where the septic pipes are located, roots from nearby trees and shrubs could damage the equipment. When the roots grow, they could collide with the pipes and cause cracks.

They will absorb the nutrients in the sewage and start to grow inside the pipes. This is often accompanied by waste backups and sewage smells inside and standing water in the yard.   

To keep your system in top condition, contact Johnny's A-1 Sanitation, LLC, in business since 1949. Based in Trenton, OH, and licensed to serve clients in Butler, Preble, Warren, Montgomery, and Hamilton counties, the technicians will pump the septic tank every three to five years to keep it from overflowing. They will also provide routine septic inspections and repairs to catch and eliminate concerns. For an appointment, call (513) 988-5880. Learn more about the team’s work online.