If you are buying a new home, you have likely checked out everything inside to ensure things are in good condition. You should also check the septic tank outside. The septic tank on the property may have either a single or a double compartment tank that is generally made of plastic, metal, or concrete. There is a lid for each compartment that allows access for the pump out. Each lid is covered by a few inches of soil. The septic tank company has to pump each compartment. Below is some information about what maintenance should have been done on the septic tank, as well as some signs that there are problems with it.

Proper Maintenance

Ask the current homeowner how often the tank has been maintained. Having the septic tank regularly inspected and periodically pumped is a good sign that it will have no problems. They should be able to show you paperwork proving this.

If the septic tank has not been periodically pumped, this can lead to problems. This is because solids and other debris, also known as sludge, accumulate at the bottom of the septic tank. Over time, these things will build up and if not removed the septic tank will clog up. When the tank is pumped, this sludge is removed.

Signs of Trouble

If the homeowner cannot provide proof that the septic tank has been properly maintained and pumped, there are things you can look for that signal there are problems. Walk outside and see if there is standing water in the drain field. The drain field is the area above the septic tank. If you see a lot of standing water or the ground looks muddy, this could be due to a problem with clogged or broken pipes. The drainage pipes may be broken or they may be clogged by nearby tree roots. The tank could simply need to be pumped.

The grass health in the drain field is also a sign. This grass should look just like the other grass on the lawn. If it appears to be healthier and greener, however, this means liquid from the septic tank is rising and the grass is getting more moisture, which will make it healthier.Once you move into your new home, only have your septic tank pumped by a licensed septic tank company to ensure it is done properly. You should never attempt to do this yourself, as you would cause a lot of damage if not done correctly.

When you live in a residential area, it is very important that you have your septic tank pumped out and cleaned every few years. This ensures that your septic tank doesn’t become too full and back up either onto your property or even into your house. Cleaning it also ensures that all of the different compartments within your septic tank are clean, thus allowing the sewage to properly flow into it. While doing this yourself is an option, it may not be the best idea. Handling waste is something that should likely be left up to the professionals because they have the experience and equipment needed to do so in a safe and effective manner. This article will discuss 2 excellent reasons to have a professional service clean your septic tank for you.

They Make Sure Your Waste Is Properly Disposed Of

When the professionals from the septic tank service are done pumping out your septic tank, there is going to be a lot of waste that needs to be disposed of. Thankfully, this is something that you aren’t going to have to worry about in the slightest because the septic tank service is going to take care of disposing of it. They will ensure that it is safely disposed of so that it doesn’t cause any harm to the environment and obeys all hazardous waste laws. They do this by taking the waste to an approved treatment facility that processes the waste. This allows some of the waste to be disposed of and allows other parts of it to be used for
things like fertilizer.

They Can Perform Any Repairs While They Are Pumping And Cleaning

While the professionals are there to pump out and clean your septic tank, they are also going to be looking for anything that needs to be repaired either inside or outside of your septic tank. This may include cracks on the interior or the exterior of the tank or bent, cracked, or other busted pipes. They will also look for rust and/or corrosion within the pipes and tank because this can mean that they are at risk for breaking. They will also look for any other issues that they may find during the process. Since you likely wouldn’t have found these issues on your own, knowing that the professionals caught them before they caused a huge problem can be very encouraging and comforting for you.

If you have a septic tank on your property, it means that the wastewater from your home is not serviced directly by a municipal sanitation center. The septic tank is essentially the device that holds the wastewater and uses pipes to channel it away from your home and to a waste management center. This makes the septic tank a very important appliance for your home and one that you need to pay close attention to. However, because the septic tank is usually buried in the rear or on the side of your home, it can be easy to neglect it. If you’re experiencing any of these issues, it may be time to have your septic tank pumped.

There Is a Foul Smell Around Your House

One of the telltale signs that it’s time to have your septic tank pumped is when you notice a foul smell around your home. The smell may be detected while you’re indoors or outdoors, but it is surely palpable.

When your septic tank fills up, there is essentially nowhere for the wastewater to go. Understand the muddled water comes from all of the sinks, toilets, bathtubs, and showers in your home. The waste could have accumulated to such an extent that there is now a blockage that prohibits any of the water from getting out of the tank and getting into the pipes so that it can leave your property. The stagnation is where the scent is likely coming from.

There Is Standing Water on Your Property

Another sign that your septic tank may need to be pumped out is when there is standing water on your property. You may attribute the water to recent rains, but the issue could be much deeper than that.

The water may be there because your tank is flooding. This means that the water within the tank has accumulated so much that it is now starting to seep out into the soil. When the point of saturation is reached, the water will inevitably start to pool up around your property. It may even contain unpleasant bits of debris that can be a bit of an eyesore.

Paying attention to the signs is the key to ensuring that you know when to have your septic tank serviced. The moment any one of these issues crops up, bring in a septic tank contractor so they can perform a thorough evaluation of your unit.

If you know that it is an old septic tank on your property that you know very little about, it is important for you to be aware that you need to proceed carefully when arranging for septic tank services under those special circumstances. Therefore, it will be a good idea to consider the following information if you have questions about pumping and removing the old septic tank when the situation for doing so is atypical.

Understanding The Risks Of The Old, Unknown Septic Tank On Your Property

Over the years, there have been many homeowners who discovered an old, abandoned septic tank on their property that they knew very little about. While it may be tempting to just call a septic tank expert and have it pumped, then removed, doing so is not always a good idea. Old septic tanks can be fragile and some very old and abandoned units, many of which featured cesspools as part of their construction, can increase the possibility of a sinkhole forming.

When organic solid waste enters your septic tank, beneficial bacteria and enzymes go to work breaking down and consuming the solid waste. These microorganisms eventually transform most of the solid waste into a combination of gases and liquids, while leaving indigestible solids to join the bottom of the septic tank as sludge.

Due to the fragility of older septic tanks and since their leaks during pumping can lead to environmental concerns, you should first make sure to have the tank inspected by an expert.

What To Expect During The Expert’s Inspection

One common way to examine the condition of an old septic tank is the use of digital photographs from a remote-controlled camera. Those photos will determine the type of septic tank that is present, its condition and whether or not it can be safely removed and pumped. It will also let you know what material it is made of, as that can impact the method with which it will be removed. Alternatively, your septic tank expert may recommend for the tank to be pumped, but left in its original space in the ground so that video cameras, mirrors, and fiber optics can determine more information about the newly cleaned tank.

Once that information has been obtained, your septic tank expert will try to establish a safe, hygienic way to pump and remove the unit from your property. If doing so is not feasible, he or she may suggest taking the necessary steps to legally abandon the unit. Abandoning the unit often requires pumping and cleaning it, before damaging it so that it can longer function and covering it with sand or concrete. It should be pointed out that many cities or counties require permits for doing so and there is frequently a time limit attached to that permit.

In conclusion, having your septic tank pumped is a common occurrence in many areas and is something that every septic tank will eventually need. Unfortunately, doing so when you cannot be sure of the age of the unit can be challenging. As a result, it is best to consider the information discussed above when making decisions about having your septic tank pumped.

If you’ve inherited an old property that is out in the country and lacking modern or city utilities, there are some things you want to do before living in the property or doing renovations. You want to make sure that the property and the home is safe and that the utilities are usable. Since the property isn’t connected to gas and sewer lines, here are some of the inspections and services you need to look into..

Septic Pump and Cleaning

If there are no records that show when the septic tank was last inspected or pumped, you want to find out before you have an overflowing sewer system that is pumping waste into your home or the property around it. Have a septic tank pumping service come so they can empty the tank, clean it, and then inspect it for any damages or issues that need addressed. If you live in the property, you’ll be able to keep track for when the next cleaning is needed, and if you want to sell, it can be a selling feature to list.

Well Water Testing and Inspection

The well water in the house should be tested to make sure that it’s safe to drink and to see if there are any mineral concerns that could affect the function of the well. A water testing company can come and inspect the well and the water lines, and they could also flush your appliances like the hot water tank to remove any mineral buildup.

Petroleum Levels Checked

When there is a petroleum tank on the property to heat the water and the home, it’s important to make sure you have enough in there for your own personal use. Have a company in the area that fills tanks come to see how much is in there and to add some if needed. If you want to sell the house, make sure there is enough so the appliances can be tested when people come through for showings.

If you have inherited an older property and you would like to live in it or fix it up to be sold, these are some of the things that have to be completed so you can make sure that the house is livable and functioning as needed. Talk with the experts that provide these services to get more information and to get these different projects completed for your home.