Signs of Septic Tank Problems

Biohazard Cleanup

It’s not always a fun task, but ensuring your home’s plumbing system functions as it should is important. That often means taking special care of your septic tank. Despite their underground location, septic tanks require routine maintenance to ensure they’re working correctly. Otherwise, serious issues can arise. An overflowing septic tank system may cause unpleasant odors and a backup of wastewater, potentially leading to costly damage to your property.

This blog will discuss the many warning signals that might indicate problems with septic systems, what you can do during a septic tank failure, and how to prevent future septic tank problems, specifically for homeowners in Suffolk and Nassau County, NY.

Common Septic Tank Problems

Foul Odors

If you notice a pungent smell in your yard or from your drains, it could indicate a septic system problem. This foul odor is typically caused by gases such as methane and hydrogen sulfide that have built up over time in the septic tank. It’s important to take this sign seriously as these odors can be unpleasant and a risk to human health if inhaled or ingested.

Slow Drains

Slow drainage in your sinks, toilets, and showers may mean your septic tank needs to be repaired or replaced. The decrease in drainage flow could be due to a buildup of solids in the tank, which restricts the water from moving freely. Many homes in Long Island rely on older septic systems that may need more frequent maintenance due to the sandy soil conditions and high water table in some areas. If you think this is the case, don’t attempt to fix it yourself, as it is likely a complicated process that requires special tools and expertise.

Standing Water

Has standing water in your yard or around your septic tank caught your eye? This happens when there is an issue with the drainage field, which is the place where wastewater from your septic tank flows into the soil. Long Island’s soil composition, particularly in Suffolk County, can impact drainage, leading to pooling water when a septic system fails. If the drainage field becomes congested or fails to work as intended, it can create a backup of wastewater, resulting in standing water in your yard or near the septic system.

Green Grass

While it may seem counterintuitive, spongy lush grass around your septic tank or drainage field could mean a problem. If the grass around your septic system is much greener than the rest of your lawn, it could indicate that your tank is overflowing or leaking. This excess water and nutrients can cause the grass to grow faster and more abundantly. Homeowners in Nassau and Suffolk counties should be particularly cautious, as excessive rainfall or seasonal groundwater level changes can exacerbate septic system failures.

Wastewater Backup

The most serious sign of septic system failure is wastewater backup, which can quickly unfold into a smelly and dreadful disaster within your home. Not only can the water back up into sinks, toilets, and showers, but it can also seep out of the drains onto the floors, creating a dangerous mess that can be difficult to clean up. When this happens, time is of the essence; you’ll need to call a professional plumber immediately to take care of the situation efficiently and promptly.

What to Do If Your Septic Tank Fails

If your septic system fails, it is essential to take swift action. A septic tank failure can harm your family’s safety and be costly if the problem isn’t resolved urgently. You can take the following steps to ensure everyone remains safe and property damage is minimal.

• Stop Using Water
  • The first step in the event of a septic tank failure is to stop using water. This includes turning off all faucets, not flushing toilets, and avoiding using appliances that rely on water, such as washing machines and dishwashers. This prevents more wastewater from entering the septic system, which can worsen the problem.
• Evacuate the Area
  • Vacate the property immediately if the septic system has caused wastewater to back up. Wastewater from within the septic tank can contain harmful bacteria and pathogens that pose a health risk and potential health hazard. If you or anyone in your home has been exposed to the sewage, seek medical attention immediately.
• Stay Away from the Drain Field
  • Avoid proximity to the drain field since the area can be unstable and dangerous. Direct exposure to wastewater is also harmful to your health.
• Do Not Attempt Repairs Yourself
  • Leave the repairs and the heavy lifting of replacing a septic system tank to the professionals. Experienced plumbers and septic system specialists will provide the help you need to get everything sorted out. These experts can determine the cause of the failure, assess its severity, and recommend the best repair or replacement plan of action. Call a trained professional to fix any problems with your septic system as quickly as possible. An immediate solution will avoid further damage and restore your property to its pre-loss condition.
• Call a Professional Property Damage Restoration Company to Clean and Sanitize
  • Cleaning up after a sewage spill can also be hazardous, as sewage is considered a biohazard and requires specialized equipment, materials, and protocols to clean effectively.
  • Without proper cleanup and sanitation, the affected areas in your property could lead to potential health concerns and further damage. A minor issue like moisture left behind in carpets or furniture can escalate and cost far more money in the long term.
  • A professional property remediation company can assist you in a thorough cleanup. These experts have the knowledge and experience to sanitize affected areas properly.

Prevent Future Problems

After your septic system has been repaired or replaced, don’t get complacent! Schedule regular maintenance and inspections, follow proper household waste disposal, conserve water, and avoid activities that can damage your septic system, such as parking or driving over the drain field. Homeowners in Long Island should be aware of local regulations regarding septic system maintenance and potential grant programs that assist with septic system upgrades.

Call PuroClean of Huntington for the Best Solution to Your Faulty Septic Tanks

When a septic tank fails, serious property damage can occur, and it can be incredibly difficult to clean up without professional help. Thankfully, PuroClean of Huntington offers emergency water damage restoration caused by a failing septic system. Our highly trained technicians use industry-leading techniques that ensure proper sanitization and safe disposal of any contaminated materials in environmentally responsible ways. We work efficiently and immediately so your home or business returns to its pre-damage state as soon as possible. Call us today at (631) 402-9700.