Noticing Problems With Your Septic Tank

Identifying problems in drainage, let alone septic tanks can be extremely difficult if you’re not a plumber. For customers living in rural areas, it’s likely they will rely on their septic tanks to treat and dispose of waste created by your home. 

Fortunately, there are signs that can help inform you of any problems to do with your septic tank. These include:

Failing to remove or pump the waste out of your septic tank when required – it’s crucial that you have your septic tank cleaned and inspected every three to five years. Failure to do this may see your septic tank to become damaged, putting your water supply and your health at risk. An important rule to remember is that the bigger the house (the more occupants), the more frequently your septic tank will need to be cleaned, inspected and emptied to avoid repairs. 

Broken pipes in your drain field – if you have broken pipes, it’s clear your septic tank isn’t going to be operating properly. Knowing whether or not you have broken pipes is difficult as they’re located underground, but a plumber will be able to identify and locate broken pipes during routine inspections. If they are broken, you will need to have new pipes installed.

Oxygen problems in the septic tank – this happens when a large amount of grease or “scum” layer becomes too thick. In this event, your drain holes and pipes leading to your drain field will become blocked. This problem usually requires new pipes.

Tree root ingress – a common problem that sees tree roots growing through pipes, requiring them to be replaced. Tree roots can easily rupture piping, so be sure to take this into account when having a septic tank installed.

Soil compact problems – BlockBusters are very careful when it comes to where we position our vehicles during septic tank installations. This is because heavy vehicles and machinery can cause the soil to become compact, which can result in pooling problems near your septic field.

A collapsed baffle – having a collapsed baffle can lead to solids in the tank ending up in the soakaway system, which is bad because the soakaway system is designed to deal with liquid waste. Solids entering this chamber can become blocked, which can start to back up into your property if it’s not addressed.

Lack of maintenance – arguably the most common cause of problems. Your septic tank in Surrey should be pumped and emptied on a regular basis to ensure it’s functioning correctly. Some tanks require emptying once a year, whereas others can last up to four years. 

Dip pipes becoming damaged – otherwise known as a T-pipe, these pipes work to ensure the correct type of waste flows into the soakaway system. Dip pipes can become dislodged during the emptying process, but this doesn’t happen on our watch!

Having Your Septic Tank Regularly Maintained Helps Alleviate Repair Work

It is absolutely essential that you have a consistent septic tank maintenance service arranged with BlockBusters to ensure your systems are fully operational 365 days a year. This not only ensures your septic tank remains in line with the General Binding Rules but also alleviates any health risks associated with your septic tank water supply. Failure to do this may not only cost you more money further down the line but can put your water supply (and health and safety) at risk.

With that being said, problems with septic tanks are almost impossible to visually notice, which is why routine maintenance from a drainage company will help to spot these problems before they escalate.

Contact Us for Septic Tank Repairs in Surrey

Don’t allow your septic tank to go years without emptying and general maintenance. Contact our drainage engineers at BlockBusters for fast, affordable and efficient septic tank repairs in Surrey. 

For peace of mind, contact us now.

Contact the team