Unless you’re an expert in septic tanks, you probably don’t know how to identify when there’s something wrong with it. Although septic tanks are generally low-maintenance, you should watch out for certain things, such as septic tank leaks, as they can be dangerous for the environment. For those of you that don’t know how to identify leaks, we’re going to discuss where they usually occur, what are the signs of a leak, and how to fix it.
Where it Occurs
To start, let’s take a look at where septic tank leaks usually occur. Although they can occur just about anywhere, here are some of the common places that it happens:
- At the sewer line entering the tank
- At the effluent line leaving the tank
- At any damaged sewer piping
- At the tank cover or cleanout port
- Through the cracks in a concrete tank
- In a damaged fiberglass or plastic septic tank
Signs of a Leak
The sooner that you notice some of the signs of a leaking tank, the better. That’s why it’s important to know how to identify when this happens. One of the common signs is standing water around the septic tank. If the standing water is left untreated, it can result in soil compaction, meaning the loose soil will settle.
Another factor that you should look out for (which is also hard to ignore) is a foul smell. That being said, a foul odor can also be caused by a displaced or damaged lid. If you check the lid and that’s not the case, then there’s a possibility that it’s because of a leak.
You should also look out for backed up toilets and drains. This is because when there’s a leak, groundwater will force its way through the open cracks, meaning that the tank will fill up faster. As a result, any waste coming through the drainage channels will be rejected.
How to Repair It
If you think that your tank has a leak, the best thing you can do is give us a call. When we inspect your tank, we’ll identify where the leak is coming from. By doing so, we’ll be able to fix any damage that has occurred to the structure of the tank. This is also a good time to get Poughkeepsie NY septic tank cleaning, as that can also be a factor as to why your tank is leaking.
