Many rural homeowners enjoy the ability to avoid paying monthly fees for sewer service because of their ability to own and utilize their own private on-site sanitary septic system. But the advantage of avoiding a relatively small monthly bill can be wiped away quickly, should the need for a major septic system repair arise. Rural homeowners who take time to become familiar with the potential signs of a looming septic system repair issue will be better able to seek professional repair options while the scope of the repair is likely to be smaller and less costly to address.
If you own a rural home equipped with a septic system, the following information will help you more easily spot the potential signs of a developing repair issue.
Unexplained soil moisture or changes in the grass
With the septic tank buried under several feet of soil, it can take a while for leaking sewage to reach the surface. Minor leaks may only result in periodic increases in the dampness of the soil in the area where the septic system is located, while more serious leaks can cause puddles to form—especially if there are low spots in the surface of the soil where the water can easily collect.
Additionally, homeowners should also be watchful for changes in the grass that could indicate the presence of additional nutrients from leaked sewage in the soil over the septic system. Grass that seems darker green in color or is noticeably thicker and lusher is often an indication of a developing sewage leak in the area.
Difficulties with drains or toilets
Septic systems that are struggling with a repair or maintenance issue will often provide clues in the form of difficulties with toilet flushing and using drains in the home. Clogs in the septic lines, congestion in the septic tank, and problems with the drain field can all result in this type of plumbing problem. Homeowners who notice difficulties with the toilet or drain function will want to seek professional advice regarding septic repair quickly to avoid the possibility that raw sewage could back up into the home.
Unpleasant sewage odors
Odor is an excellent indicator that a problem is developing within a residential septic system. Homeowners who begin to notice septic odors inside their home near drains or those who note the odor outdoors near their septic system may be seeing evidence of a damaged septic tank, a mal-functioning distribution box, or another type of problem.
To learn more about septic system repair issues and your options for addressing them, schedule an appointment with a reputable septic system installation and repair contractor in your area.
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