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If your septic tank has a leak or fault, you should seek the help of a septic tank plumbing technician as soon as possible. Faulty septic tanks are a lot more than minor inconveniences. They can lead to major problems. Some of the biggest dangers of poor septic tank plumbing include;
1. Lack of Oxygen
If there is a sewage leak in your home, you may have a shortage of oxygen. Even though you might not notice it at first, bad leaks can reduce oxygen levels leading to many other problems. It creates a buildup of gases that may affect oxygen levels. It may be dangerous for both pets and human beings. To prevent this problem, you should take care of leaks as soon as possible.
2. Contamination of Water
Drinking water should be clean and safe. However, bad septic plumbing can compromise the quality of your water. If your sewage isn’t treated properly, the leakage could find its way into your underground water and contaminate it. It can lead to the spread of water-borne diseases. If there is a leak, do not drink the water in your home until you are certain that the leak has been fixed.
3. The Spread of Diseases
Exposure to sewer gas may lead to symptoms such as;
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Poor memory
- Reduced concentration
- Lightheadedness
In severe cases, it may lead to symptoms such as;
- Seizures
- Lung irritation
- Pink eye or general eye irritation
- Coma
4. Structural Damage
Septic tank leaks can damage the structures of your home. If you have septic tank plumbing problems, seek the help of a technician to protect your home. If there is a severe leak, it may damage your walls or floors. Flooding is possible even when you have a large septic tank.
It is not only water that may damage your home structures. Septic tanks also contain hazards that may be difficult or impossible to treat.
5. Driving Hazard
In severe cases, septic tank leaks may be driving hazards. The fumes are dangerous but the liquids can be even more dangerous. The liquid is sticky and your tires can easily get stuck in them. The liquid may also be slippery causing your car to slide. Driving in an area where there has been a leak can be dangerous for drivers. Seek the help of Cleveland, TN septic tank plumbing experts as soon as possible to promote safe driving.
Caring for Septic Systems
Even though septic systems are almost maintenance-free, you should put in some effort to keep them in good condition for a long time. The following are a few tips to maintain your septic system.
1. Use Water Efficiently
On average, a single-family home uses about 70 gallons of water per individual per day. A small leak can waste up to 200 gallons every day. Since all the water goes down the pipes, it can put a lot of strain on your septic system. Households that spend water efficiently are likely to keep their septic tanks in good condition for a long time. Some of the simplest ways to conserve water include;
- Using efficient toilets
- Avoiding large loads of laundry when using your washing machine
- Using high-efficiency showerheads
- Fixing leaks as soon as you notice them
2. Frequent Inspection and Pumping
Your septic system should be inspected at least once every three years. Hire a professional septic tank plumbing technician to inspect the system for you. If your system has electrical float switches or mechanical components, it should be inspected at least once a year. Factors that may influence how often you pump your septic system include;
- Your household size
- The size of your septic tank
- The amount of waste generated
- The volume of solids in your wastewater
3. Proper Waste Disposal
Anything you pour down the sink or flush down your toilet ends up in the septic system. Proper waste disposal may protect your septic system for a long time. Do not treat your toilets as trash cans. Anything that isn’t toilet paper or human waste does not belong in a toilet. Avoid flushing items such as;
- Condoms
- Dental floss
- Grease
- Feminine hygiene items
- Coffee grounds
- Paper towels
- Household chemicals
- Diapers
- Baby wipes
Your septic system has lots of living organisms that may treat your household waste. Pouring chemicals or toxins down the sink kills the organisms. If you have a clogged drain, use hot water rather than harsh chemicals to unblock it.
4. Maintain Your Drain Field
The drain field is the part of your septic system that eliminates contaminants from the liquid in your septic tank. The following are a few ways to keep your drain field in good condition;
- Avoid parking or driving on your drain field
- Keep your roof drains and rain drainage systems away from the drain field. If there is excess water close to the drain field, it may interfere with the process of treating wastewater.
Do not plant trees on or close to the drain field as they may grow into your system. If you have any questions about the right distance for your trees, consult a septic tank plumbing technician and ask for their opinion.
Proper septic tank plumbing has lots of benefits. It may help you save money, keep members of your household healthy, and protect the environment. Get the help of a reliable septic tank plumbing technician to get the best results.
If you are looking for a Cleveland, TN septic tank plumbing expert, consider seeking the help of Metro Plumbing, Heating and Air. Plumbing problems are common and they can be inconvenient. We are happy to help you take care of emergencies. Our technicians offer a full line of plumbing installations, repairs, and maintenance. We are licensed, insured, and bonded.
We have served Chattanooga and the surrounding areas since 1989. We are a reliable partner in both commercial and residential plumbing. We are committed to delivering exceptional results at all times. Contact us at Metro Plumbing, Heating & Air today and enjoy affordable and reliable septic tank plumbing services.