Common Septic Problems You May Be Experiencing

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. When it comes to a septic system, this adage applies time and time again. The septic professionals with Jones Plumbing & Septic Tank Service want to help your septic system stay in top shape by discussing these five common septic problems and sharing tips for how to avoid them.

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Gainesville Septic Services

Encroaching Tree Roots

Trees provide charm and comfort but a tree’s root system can wreak havoc on any septic system. As the roots grow, they are strong enough to break through septic tank walls. Once the walls are pierced, sewage and other effluents can seep from the tank and cause issues in the surrounding environment.

To avoid tree root issues, contact a professional tree service company to remove trees with aggressive roots and ensure any new trees are planted at least 10 feet away from septic systems.

 

Perpetual Drain Clogs

From time to time drain clogs can happen, but if they’ve become a part of everyday life, there’s likely an issue with the septic tank. As solids build inside the tank, wastewater is unable to efficiently flow through the pipes and may begin to either drain more slowly or back up.

The best way to avoid this issue is to pay attention to what is being flushed down the toilet and washed down the drains. A septic system is meant to break down organic materials, not toilet paper, hygiene products, and other inorganic solids. Another way to avoid drain clogs is to have regular septic tank pumping and maintenance performed, as needed, by Jones Plumbing & Septic Tank Service. Our technicians inspect the septic lines and tank after pumping is complete. If cracks or other structural issues are found in the tank, we’ll let you know what needs to be done to repair the issue.


Soggy, Swampy Or Discolored Lawn

A common sign of a septic tank leak is the presence of unusually thick or deeply colored grass in your yard or lawn. These spots are generally found in parts of the lawn that have also become soggy or swampy when walked through. There may also be puddles of sewage as the leak becomes more pronounced.

Since the septic tank is buried, it may be difficult to immediately spot any leaks that cause soggy or swampy areas in the lawn. But, regular septic inspection from septic tank companies in Gainesville, FL, such as Jones Plumbing & Septic Tank Service, can spot potential or developed leaks before they become serious problems.

Vehicle Damage

Whether it happens one time, such as during a party, or it’s a regular occurrence, driving and/or parking vehicles over the drainfield and septic tank is a major faux pas. The weight of a vehicle can cause these parts to collapse, leading to the need for a full septic system replacement.

If you know the location of the septic system, have guests park elsewhere to avoid a collapsed tank or drain field failure. If the location is unknown, contact Jones Plumbing & Septic Tank Service for expert septic tank service, homeowners rely on. Our technicians can locate the system and create a map to help you identify which areas to avoid driving and parking on.


Lack Of Septic System Maintenance

Ways to improve the health of your septic system include:

  • Make sure gutters and downspouts direct water away from the septic tank and drain field;
  • Keep drains clear by using screens and drain covers to prevent hair, food debris, and other waste from entering the plumbing; and
  • Schedule septic tank cleaning with Jones Plumbing & Septic Tank Service as needed, usually every two to three years.

Jones Plumbing & Septic Tank Service provides a range of septic tank services that help maintain any residential or commercial septic system. Call us today to schedule a septic inspection or to learn more about our services.