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Many homeowners in Cleveland, TN don’t spend an extra second thinking about where their waste goes. While some homes do not rely on a septic tank, other homes do. If you live in a home that does rely on a septic tank, you must make sure that you get all of the proper maintenance services that are needed. You also want to periodically check and inspect the septic tank in order to ensure that it does not need any septic tank repairs at all. You want to catch minor problems early on, so they’re easy to fix.

Like with all things, septic tank repairs will become much more costly if you wait to fix them. In fact, in some situations, you might not even be able to fix the problem with a simple repair. You might have to install a new septic tank system altogether, and this can be quite costly.

Although most homeowners do not think about their septic tank often, the truth of the matter is that they do require some effort to maintain. It’s important that you get your septic tanks serviced regularly. During the service, the professionals will be able to take a look and see whether any septic tank repair services are needed. In this article, we will look at five of the most common problems that you will face with your septic tank.

#1. Tree Root Intrusions

One of the most common septic tank problems that homeowners run into is tree root intrusions. It’s very common for roots from trees and plants that are near your home to enter the septic tank. This is because the septic tank exudes a lot of moisture. The tree roots are drawn to this moisture. Although tree roots aren’t very strong, they will eventually break into the septic tank.

This is one of the trickiest issues to deal with. This is because you never really know where the tree roots are going to grow. A tree that’s on your neighboring property can easily start to intrude into your septic tank, especially as it gets older. The roots will need to grow further and further away from the tree to get the nutrients that the tree needs.

The septic tank repair that’s needed for this problem will usually include patching up the septic tank and also getting rid of the tree roots. This includes not only the tree roots that have already entered the septic tank, but also any tree roots that are growing nearby. If you have a lot of trees or plants nearby, you might want to relocate them. If not, get a professional to come in and take a look at the tree root growth every several years. This is to ensure that the tree roots do not enter the septic tank and wreak havoc.

#2. Ground Movement

Although it’s difficult for you to notice on the surface, the ground does shift quite a lot over the years. Even the smallest nudge can have a huge impact on your septic tank. In fact, ground movements place a tremendous amount of pressure on your septic tank. The pressure can be so intense that it may crack or break. Depending on the severity of the ground movement, you might be able to get away with some simple septic tank repairs or you might have to replace your septic tank with a new one completely. It really depends on the amount of fractures or cracks that appear on the septic tank wall.

Ground movement can cause your septic tank to also back up more often. This is actually the simplest thing to deal with. All you have to do is to get the septic tank emptied much more often. It will have an impact on your emptying schedule, and may result in increased costs. The groundwater can also squeeze through the cracks of the tank and will prevent it from being able to separate the liquid and solid waste in an effective manner.

If you are concerned about ground movement, you should speak with a septic tank repair service as soon as possible. They may be able to prevent a lot of the problems with simple maintenance. It’s important to also get regular maintenance in order to check on the condition of the septic tank. Like with everything else, minor problems are much easier to deal with, and the septic tank repair that you’ll need will also be much cheaper.

#3. Improper Installation

If your septic tank was improperly installed, it would’ve been doomed from the start. Septic tanks that are not properly installed will require more septic tank repairs. You’ll spend a lot of money throughout the years trying to make sure that your septic tank is running as efficiently as possible. It’s important to note that human error during the installation may create some of the issues that you face, and it’s actually a lot easier than you’d think to install a septic tank improperly. To avoid the scenario, you should look for a reputable septic tank installation company in Cleveland, TN. A reputable company will be able to offer you some type of warranty or guarantee on their work. You’ll need fewer septic tank repairs in the future.

The biggest issue that you can run into is if the system does not comply with the legislation. If this is the case, you can be prosecuted by the city. Two of the things that you should ensure when you were getting a septic tank installed is:

• Making sure that the installation company does a percolation test. This ensures the ground conditions are suitable.
• Complies with city laws.

The easiest way to ensure that everything will be installed properly is to find an installation company that is licensed and insured. It’s always a good idea to speak with references as well. It never hurts to do extra research. Don’t forget to also take a look at the company’s standing with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You want to make sure that everything checks out.

#4. A Collapsed Baffle

Another thing that can happen with your septic tank is a collapsed baffle. This is another septic tank problem that will require immediate repair services. You definitely do not want to wait around because it will only cause a problem to worsen significantly. If you do it, you’ll be faced with much costlier septic tank repairs.

A baffle is a barrier within the septic tank. It makes sure that none of the solid waste is able to escape into the septic tank soakaway system. If the baffle collapses. The solid waste can get into the system and cause blockage. In some of the worst-case scenarios, this could cause the sewage to back up from the plumbing.

Trust us. Backed-up sewage is one of the last things that you want to deal with. Not only do you have to clear the septic tank, but you also need to hire a professional cleaning company in order to get rid of the solid waste. This is one of the most costly septic tank repairs in Cleveland, TN that you will have to deal with.

This type of problem is also incredibly difficult to fix. Even if you are able to clean up the waste, you’ll be left with a stinky mess. If the sewage seeps into the foundation of your home or into the drywall, you’re going to have a really hard time cleaning up the mess. In short, you won’t be dealing with just septic tank repair services. You’ll likely need to hire a contractor as well to rebuild the foundation of your home.

#5. Vehicle Damage

You’d be surprised by how many homeowners do not have an idea where the septic tank is installed. There’s going to be a really big problem. If you constantly park your vehicle on top of the septic tank, it could really damage the tank. The extra weight put a tremendous amount of pressure on the tank. In worst case scenarios, it can even cause the septic tank to collapse.

There are several solutions to this. In order to avoid costly septic tank repair services, you should have the area where the septic tank is installed clearly marked out. You should then avoid placing anything heavy on top of that area. In short, you should find another place to park your vehicle. You might even want to avoid placing heavy furniture in that area.

This is also one of the reasons why you should get your septic tank maintained fairly often. The Cleveland, TN repair company will be able to take a look at the condition of the septic tank in order to ensure that you do not need any costly septic tank repair services. If you have parked your car on top of the septic tank, you should get the septic tank inspected immediately. There is a chance that it might be cracked or damaged. Although the damage may not be very noticeable at the current moment, you should still repair it as soon as possible. Once the damage becomes noticeable, you’ll be dealing with a much bigger headache. The worst-case scenario is that the septic tank has been damaged to the point of no repair.

How Often Do Septic Tanks Need to Be Serviced?

Before we dive into the most common septic tank problems, let’s first consider how often you should get your septic tank serviced in order to avoid the cost of septic tank repair services. In general, most experts recommend getting your septic tank serviced every year. However, it really depends on how much waste your household produces as well as the capacity and size of the tank. If you have a fairly large septic tank and you live alone, you probably do not need to get your septic tank emptied or serviced as often as someone with a large family and a smaller septic tank.

If you’re not sure how often your septic tank should be serviced or emptied, speak with a septic tank repair company as soon as possible. To give you an accurate estimate, they’ll usually send someone out to your home for an in-person consultation. They’ll need to look at the current condition of the septic tank, its capacity, and size, as well as the surrounding environment before they can make any recommendations at all. By following their recommendations, you’ll be able to avoid some costly repair bills in the future.

Call Us for Septic Tank Repair Services in Cleveland, TN

Septic tank problems are notoriously difficult to fix. You really need to catch the problems while they are still minor in order to avoid large headaches in the future. It’s important that you know how to identify signs that your septic tank needs repair services. The sooner that you’re able to catch these problems, the cheaper the septic tanks repair services will be. The septic tank repair services will also be much more minor, so they will not interrupt your day-to-day life.

Finding a company that offers reputable repair services is important. A good company will not only be able to tell you what type of problems your septic tank or more likely to run into, but they will also be able to implement preventative measures to keep your septic tank in the best shape possible, so you don’t have to deal with any headaches. Even if the septic tank is in good shape, you want to make sure that the sewage won’t back up into your home or that you won’t need to deal with any other types of issues that require septic tank repair services.

Metro Plumbing, Heating and Air is one of the most reputable companies in Cleveland, TN. We have many years of experience in repairing all types of septic tanks. We can help you figure out what types of problems plague your septic tank, as well as which solutions may be the most feasible. For more information, give us a call at 423-668-0507.