Blogs from February, 2019

Septic tanks are designed to be long-lasting, and generally require minimal maintenance. With septic tank plumbing from a qualified professional every 3 years or so, your system should stay in good condition for a very long time.

However, even the sturdiest systems do require replacement eventually. If you have recently experienced sewage issues or your larger plumbing system just isn’t functioning like it used to, it may be time to consider a septic tank upgrade. Read on for the top 8 signs it’s time to replace your septic tank, and contact our experienced Los Angeles pluming and HVAC experts at Moe Plumbing Services for professional work designed to improve your plumbing system.

Top 8 Signs You Need a New Septic Tank

1. There’s Sewage Backup in Your House: Sewage backup is probably the biggest indicator that there is something wrong with your septic tank. Take a look at your water levels before doing anything to see if they are low. If this is the case, you should schedule service to see if there is a clog causing the backup. If the water levels are high and you’re still experiencing sewage backup, you may have a bigger problem, which could require your whole system to be replaced.
2. There’s Stranding Water in Your Yard: While standing water isn’t always a sign your septic tank needs to be replaced, it’s a strong indicator that it at least requires maintenance. As is the case with sewage backup, standing water may just be the result of a clog. Other times, there may be a problem with your drain field—which is where septic tank runoff flows into your yard. In these cases, blockages can be corrected with chemical additives. While replacing a faulty drain field is an option, you should hire a professional to determine whether this is the best course of action, or whether your whole septic tank will need to be replaced.
3. There Are Odd Patches of Grass in Your Yard: While standing water is a strong indicator of a leak in your septic tank, random patches of healthy grass near where the tank is located is also a possible sign of a problem. Small leaks often work as a fertilizer, causing grass to grow faster. Hire a professional to tell you whether you have a leak or not, and if so, whether your system needs to be replaced.
4. There’s a Nasty Smell in Your House or Yard: Persistent bad odors, particularly ones of sewage, are a surefire sign you have a septic tank issue. While rotten smells are usually accompanied by standing water, sewage backup, and other problems, rotten smells can be enough of a reason to call a plumber on their own, depending on how often they occur. In some cases, bad smells may signify a simple problem, that can be fixed with repairs. Other times, they are the first alert that your septic tank needs to be replaced.
5. Your Drains Are Slow: Slow drains in your bathtub or sink are minor symptoms of plumbing issues such as clogs. However, if all your drains are moving slowly all the time, you may be dealing with a more severe problem, like sludge buildup at the bottom of your septic tank.
6. Your Toilets Are Slow: As is the case with slow drains, slow toilets may or may not indicate a significant problem. The cause from slow toilets can be anything from small clogs and leaks to major damage and overflowing. If it is the latter, your septic tank may be beyond repair.
7. Your Water Is Contaminated: If your water tastes off, it is a sign it may contain nitrate, nitrite, or coliform bacteria, which can seep into your water source during a septic tank leak.
8. Your Septic Tank Is No Longer Compatible with Your House: While there are many reasons a septic tank might break, occasionally, your system is just old, and suffering from natural wear and tear. While most septic tanks last over 40 years with regular maintenance and repairs, people with older homes should be particularly wary of septic tank issues, as there’s a good chance their equipment has been in use for several decades or longer. When septic tanks age, and require more plumbing, it’s often a good idea just to upgrade the system entirely. This also applies for homes that have been outfitted with new additions and which require more water usage, forcing the old septic tank to work twice as hard to keep up.

For Septic Tanks and Beyond, Call Moe Plumbing Services Today

At Moe Plumbing Services, we just want to make sure you get the most out of your system, no matter what kind of plumbing equipment you are using. From garbage disposals, to sewer services, our Los Angeles pluming and HVAC experts offer all the services you need. For repairs, installations, maintenance and more, call Moe Plumbing Services today.

We are available by phone 24/7 at (818) 396-8002, or you can contact us online at your convenience.