Most rural Alaska residents lack municipal sewer services to treat household wastewater. If you’re part of this group, you're responsible for proper septic tank maintenance on your property. To prevent septic problems that can undermine the quality of your groundwater and health, look out for these signs that your system needs repair.

3 Indications You Need Septic Tank Services

1. Foul Smells

Water drained from your sinks, washing machine, dishwashers, bathtubs, and toilets all go to your septic tank. A pipe or tank leak will not only form a pool around your drainage but also discharge unpleasant odors.

Septic tank systems excrete toxic gases such as carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide, which can be hazardous to your health. Prevent this by consulting septic tank maintenance experts to determine if your tank or its pipes have leaks.

2. Slow Drains

Items like food scraps and hair strands can clog your pipes and may result in slow drains. Sometimes, this problem can be resolved by using drain cleaning products.

However, if you notice that every drain in your house is simultaneously slow and accompanied by gurgling sounds, you may have a backup.

If pumping doesn’t work, then the pipes that flow to the tank are obstructed. Hire a septic tank maintenance expert, as they have the tools and equipment to detect and remove these blockages.

3. High Nitrate Levels

Leaks in your septic tank can flow to your groundwater and contaminate your well water. This will result in a high nitrate concentration and cause methemoglobinemia, or “blue baby” disease, a condition that prevents the blood from supplying the tissues in the body with oxygen. Have your well water tested regularly for the presence of high nitrate levels.

For all your septic tank problems, depend on the professionals at Bigfoot Pumping & Thawing in North Pole, AK. For over 35 years, this locally owned company has provided residents in Greater Fairbanks, AK, with reliable septic tank maintenance, drain cleaning, septic pumping, and other general plumbing services. To get an estimate, send them a message online or call (907) 488-9855.