Four Signs Of Septic Tank Damage
A septic tank is an essential part of any rural residential or commercial building's normal operation, as without it the entire plumbing system would be unable to function. However, since septic tanks are buried within the ground in the area around a building, they can be subjected to environmental and weather conditions which can cause structural damage to your septic tank. Understanding what some of the warning signs associated with septic tank damage are can allow you to contact a septic tank repair specialist as soon as possible before such damage can grow worse and cause further problems.
Excessive Plant Growth
One of the easiest to notice signs associated with a break or leak in your septic system is an increase in the rate of growth for plants in your yard. This is because the sewage that leaks out of your septic tank actually acts as a fertilizer, which can cause grass, bushes, and other plants to grow much quicker and bloom much more vibrantly, so keeping an eye out for patches of plant growth that is outstripping the surrounding plant life can be a hard to miss indicator that there is an issue with your septic tank.
Standing Water
In extreme cases, if the leak in your septic tank is causing a great deal of sewage and wastewater to exit the tank, you may find that there are multiple patches of standing water in areas of your yard, often around the aforementioned areas where plants are growing at an excessive rate. This pooling water usually points to damage that is severe enough to warrant replacing the septic tank or the drain lines attached to it, and should be addressed immediately, since standing sewage in your yard can pose a serious health hazard to you, your pets, and your family.
Backed Up Sewage
Another clear indication that there is an issue with your septic system that will require professional inspection and repair is if you notice that there is the smell of sewage coming back up the drains in your home. This can point to a blockage in your septic tank or one of the associated lines. In severe cases, this can actually result in sewage backing up into your home, which is a health hazard that should be addressed immediately. In either case, the smell of sewage or actual sewage backing up into your home points to an undue amount of stress on your septic tank and septic lines, which can make line breakages, tank cracks, and other types of damage that can require professional repair more likely.