The septic tank serves as a sort of small-scale sewage treatment system for your home. Waste water arrives from your toilet, shower or sink and goes into the tank. Solid waste sinks to the bottom while grease and oil float to the top. Bacteria in the tank helps to break down the solid waste. Water then flows out of the tank and into a drainfield, leaving the solid waste and scum behind. The water is further processed in the drainfield, where microbes remove contaminants as the water percolates through the soil. In the area of Western Virginia, septic tanks are fairly common, especially in rural areas that don’t have access to a sewer line. And septic tanks develop problems like any other system, usually requiring professional services to address. You can help out the process by watching for signs of septic problems.
Because septic tanks are underground, it’s tough to see issues in the tank itself. Instead, the drainfield provides the most obvious clues, and you should direct your attention there when looking for septic tank problems. The most obvious sign is a strange odor emanating from the field, or wet spots that appear in the ground. You might also notice one or more sections of the drain field appearing greener than others, a sign that flow below isn’t proceeding evenly.
You can also check your plumbing system for signs that the septic tank might be encountering difficulties. If your toilets flush more sluggishly than normal, for instance, it might indicate a problem, especially after a heavy rain or during periods when you’re using the toilet a lot. The toilets might overflow, or you may smell bad odors coming from your sink or shower. And of course, these concerns increase if these problems continue even after you’ve had the tank pumped.
If you spot signs of septic tank problems, don’t hesitate to call the professionals at Larry & Sons Inc. for help. We serve most communities around West Virgina, septic tanks are among our specialized service calls, and we’ll go the extra mile to make sure you’re happy with our work. Septic tank problems have a way of getting out of hand, and the sooner you can jump on them, the better. Give us a call today and let us show you what we can do!
