Septic tank maintenance is essential to ensure your home's wastewater is properly disposed of without causing harm to the environment or your community. A septic system includes a septic tank, drain field, and soil that treat and dispose of wastewater. Regular septic tank inspections carried out by professionals can help identify issues to be addressed before they escalate into a full-blown disaster. Learn about what professionals look for during a septic tank inspection here.

Signs of Leakage

During a septic tank inspection, the first thing professionals look for is signs of leakage. Indicators of a leaking septic system include lush grass or vegetation growth, bad odors, and wet and soggy ground around the drain field. If your property smells foul, and the grass around the septic system is greener, it’s an indicator the tank is not functioning properly.

Tank Capacity Issues

Professionals evaluate the tank's capacity during a septic inspection by checking for liquid level, solid residues, and scum accumulation. If the tank is full of solid material and loaded with sludge, it may need to be pumped out. A full tank can cause overflow, leading to ground saturation and sewage backups into the home.

Drain Field Inspection

A septic system inspection includes checking the drainfield, which is mainly the area where treated sewage is dispersed into the soil. Professionals check drainfield conditions by measuring the rate of water absorption, assessing the soil layers, and scanning for faulty seepage. If your septic system does not have sufficient drainage capacity due to overloading or soil clogging, there's a high chance you'll experience backup problems.

Plumping & Structural Issues

During a septic tank inspection, professionals also inspect plumbing and structural issues. Special attention is given to the pipes' integrity, examining any bends, cracks, and clogs. If there are any plumbing or structural issues, such as shifting or crumbling walls in the septic tank, professionals need to address them immediately to prevent failure of the entire septic system.

Environmental Impact

Finally, professionals inquire about any environmental impacts that the septic system may have on your property. For instance, if your drain field is close to the river, it may contaminate groundwater sources leading to contamination of wells and rivers. Professionals usually suggest remedies to avoid environmental risks, such as increasing the distance between the septic system and rivers, lakes, and water storage tanks.

In conclusion, septic tank maintenance is crucial for every homeowner for environmental safety and proper sewage disposal. A good inspection involves looking for signs of leakage, checking tank capacity, inspecting the drain field, examining plumbing and structural issues, and evaluating environmental risks that may arise from your septic system. With these inspections, you can maintain a well-functioning septic system that protects your environment, community, and property.