When was the last time that you thought about replacing your wastewater tanks?
Like most people, you probably don’t stop to consider whether or not they’re working properly until there’s a problem. In addition to just being nasty, overflowing tanks and failed septic systems are a serious threat to public health.
In fact, especially within the United States, there is a very real crisis when it comes to proper wastewater management.
Do you know the main signs that it’s time to replace your tank?
From puddles around the drain field to gurgling and clanging noises coming from your pipes, read on to learn what to look out for.
1. You’re Starting To See Puddles
Of course, one of the biggest signs that wastewater tanks need replacement or repair?
If you’ve spotted a few larger puddles where the tank is buried underground. The same goes if you see patches of standing water throughout the drain field itself.
Not only is standing wastewater incredibly disgusting — not to mention smelly! — it’s also a serious threat to public health.
Standing water can spread disease and bacteria, while the nitrate in wastewater could potentially endanger the lives of children. Bacteria in wastewater may impact the blood’s capability of getting oxygen to the rest of the body. It also carries risks for things like typhoid fever, dysentery, and even hepatitis.
In short, if you see puddles around your wastewater tanks, it’s something to be taken seriously. Contact a professional as soon as you can.
2. Your Toilets Won’t Properly Flush
Another big giveaway that it’s time to start taking wastewater management seriously?
Toilets that back up and don’t fully flush. If your system is working properly, the water from your toilet should be flushed directly through the pipes and into your larger septic tanks.
However, if the toilets aren’t flushing or if the water level inside the bowl continues to rise you’ve likely got problems with backup.
First, ensure that your water valve hasn’t been turned off accidentally. This should help water levels to rise within the tank, which may also be the issue.
If you still have an issue after checking the water valve, it’s time to get in touch with a professional.
3. You Can Hear Your Pipes
Another sign of a backup in wastewater tanks?
If you’re constantly annoyed by the clanging and gurgling of your pipes, then there’s a good chance you have an issue with your tank and wastewater drainage system as a whole.
You may also notice that things smell pretty vile around the pipes. You may notice that water isn’t disappearing down your drains as fast as it should. That could get stinky and nasty pretty fast.
Likely, the pipes have become clogged and backed up, as well as your tank. Depending on the severity of the clogging, you may need to have your tank replaced. In most cases, however, having a professional clean and drain your pipes will do the trick.
4. Your Grass Has Gotten Greener
Though you might be thrilled to see the overall health of your grass improving, this is one time where it doesn’t always mean good news.
Have you realized that the spot of grass that’s greener than the rest of the property is right around the drain field, or where the wastewater tanks are located?
If so, then it’s because your drain field has become wet thanks to the overflow of your septic system. While this is a wonderful fertilizer, it’s also a serious health risk.
You could be putting people at risk for salmonellosis, diarrhea, trachoma, and even a hookworm or threadworm infection.
It’s just not worth it — call a professional as soon as you can.
5. A Professional Inspection Identifies An Issue
Of course, the best way to know for sure whether or not there’s a problem with your wastewater tanks and overall septic system?
Hire a professional to inspect and examine it.
Especially to the naked and untrained eye, there are some warning signs that you just won’t be able to spot on your own. You should always know when to call a professional.
Click on this link for more info about how a professional tank service can help to identify potential problems.
You’ll also learn how a commercial installer of industrial water tanks and wastewater tanks can save you from having to replace the tank altogether, and much more.
6. Your Tank Is Old
In general, you can expect your tank to last you for about twenty years.
So, in some cases, it might just be time to replace your tank.
However, especially if your tank hasn’t been properly designed or maintained, you’ll likely need to replace them as soon as you can.
To extend the life of your tank, we recommend that you hire a professional to pump and to inspect your system about once every two or three years. If you are using the tank for an industrial space, however, you may need to have it pumped once a year for best results.
Looking For Professional Help With Your Wastewater Tanks?
We hope that this post has helped to properly educate you on the importance of both maintaining your wastewater tanks and knowing what to look for if you suspect there may be a problem.
Keep in mind that it’s important to make checking the drain field and area surrounding the tank a regular part of your maintenance routine. If there is a problem, we urge you to seek the help of a professional as soon as you can.
Remember, standing sewage is a threat to the health of anyone who comes into contact with it.
Looking for a wastewater management company? Need a contractor to replace or repair your tank?
If so, rely on our online business directory and listings to help to connect you with the services you need. With our help, you can get the issue taken care of before it gets out of control.