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When a home isn’t connected to a municipal waste line, it relies on a septic tank to process the waste generated in the house. It’s a helpful, self-contained system, but eventually, it experiences issues. For homeowners unfamiliar with septic systems, it’s difficult to understand whether repairs are enough or if it needs to be replaced outright.

When to Replace a Septic System

1. Drain Problems

A properly functioning septic system can drain waste quickly; when it starts to clog, it’s a clear sign that there’s an issue. Often, the problem is with a single blocked drain. However, if the issue is present in multiple drains throughout the home, it’s much more severe.

Septic TankEither the main drain line has become obstructed, or the septic tank is unable to process the waste due to being filled with solids or an imbalance in the bacteria inside. Regardless of the issue, if the system isn’t replaced, sewage can begin to back up into the home.

2. Leach Field Flooding

After the effluent has been processed, it is released from the tank into the surrounding drain field. When it’s working normally, the waste is unnoticeable, but certain issues can cause the tank to drain excessively. This happens when the installation bursts, or it’s filled with too many solids.

The first sign that this has happened is patches of greener landscaping that are receiving increased nutrients from the leaking tank. If it gets too bad, though, you’ll notice standing wastewater on the property. This is a health hazard and generates an unpleasant odor.

3. Age

Most systems are designed to last about 40 years. After that, problems with the drains and leach field become more common. That means you’ll be forced to spend more money on repairs.

If you’re experiencing issues, consult the inspection logs, documentation from the previous homeowner, or city permits to determine how old the system is. If it’s already served multiple decades, it might be more economical to replace the system.

 

If you’re experiencing these issues with your septic tank, contact the experts at Wilson & Roy Construction Inc. in Nancy, KY. For more than 50 years, this family-owned company has been helping local homeowners install and maintain their residential septic systems. Their team of insured and bonded technicians will perform a thorough inspection to diagnose your problems and recommend the best solution to get the system operating efficiently again. Schedule a consultation by calling (606) 636-6457 or learn more about their services online.

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