Do you think your septic tank is leaking? It’s not always easy to notice a leaking or malfunctioning septic tank. It’s possible that you won’t see any indicators of a problem. You can discover a leaky tank through routine maintenance or an inspection, but most homeowners are unaware of a leak until it becomes a big issue.
Other failures are visible and necessitate professional assistance. If you have a septic tank or cesspool on your property, there are a few things to keep in mind. Here are some of them:
1. Damaged Baffle
If one of your septic tank’s baffles is damaged, it can develop a breach in the tank, allowing water to escape. A damaged baffle can not only allow water to flow in and out between the tank and the soil, but it can also attract tree roots, which can (metaphorically) come running when they scent a water supply even if they were not previously in the region.
2. Crushed Pipe
It would be best to connect the inflow and outflow pipes tightly to the septic tank to form a seal, which means they don’t have much give. The pipe can be damaged usually due to a vehicle or piece of machinery driving over it. Heavy machinery can even damage the septic tank and cause a leak if they cause damage.
3. Rusting or Cracking
Natural corrosion, either from rust or from the acid gas inside the tank, may be a problem depending on the sort of septic tank you have. The concrete in septic tanks has the potential to crack due to pressure or improper installation.
Steel septic tanks, in particular, are known for having a short lifespan, and a rusted tank can be a safety problem. Tanks that have collapsed can cause sinkholes and, of course, must be replaced entirely. Even worse, a tank may not collapse until someone stands on it or tries to inspect it, posing a significant health and safety danger.
4. Tree Roots
Tree roots enjoy penetrating your septic system. When roots grow close to your septic tank, they eventually weaken the structure, perhaps causing a leak or worsening an existing one. These roots often get into the tank through the lid’s seal, faulty input and exit pipes, or weak baffles.
Because this all takes place underground, however, you won’t be able to know what’s going on unless you dig up the system or perform a video line check. Although you can see the tree from the ground, most homeowners are astonished by the extent to which a tree’s roots can go. You may not understand that the tree’s location allows it to reach any area of your septic system.
Do You Notice Any of These Signs? Hire an Emergency Plumbing Service Today!
These are some of the reasons why septic tank leaks aren’t visible from above ground, which means you might not detect them until they’ve become a significant problem. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, so if you think something’s wrong with your system, contact a trustworthy plumbing company near your area.
Sunny Coast Plumbing and Gas provides thorough wastewater treatment on the Sunshine Coast to help homeowners repair and replace leaky septic systems. We also handle all plumbing-related repairs to ensure you can avoid any problems in the near future. Give us a call at 0449 555 135 today to schedule an appointment!
