Regular inspections help prevent costly repairs and protect your property’s value. These inspections involve checking the tank, drain field, and all related components to ensure proper wastewater treatment and system function.
You should have your septic system inspected once a year and especially before selling your home. Homeowners can perform basic inspections themselves with the right guidance. This not only saves money but also helps you understand how your wastewater treatment system works.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps for a DIY septic inspection and explain when to call professionals. With accessible risers installed on your tank, regular monitoring becomes much easier. Proper maintenance extends your system’s life and protects your investment and the environment.
Understanding Septic Systems
Septic systems are decentralized wastewater treatment systems that treat household wastewater on-site. They work through natural processes and thoughtful engineering to disperse waste safely.
Types of Septic Systems
The conventional gravity system is the most common type of septic system, using gravity to move wastewater from the home to the tank and through the treatment process. No pumps are needed, making it cost-effective and simple to maintain. Alternative systems include pressure distribution systems, which use pumps to distribute effluent evenly throughout the drain field. These are useful in areas with poor soil conditions or limited space.
Aerobic treatment units introduce oxygen to the treatment process, which helps bacteria break down waste more efficiently. These systems can be more expensive but produce cleaner effluent. Meanwhile, mound systems are built above ground when soil conditions are poor, creating an artificial drain field using sand and other materials.
Components and Functionality
The septic tank is the primary component where wastewater first enters. This watertight container allows heavy solids to settle as sludge at the bottom while oils and greases float to the top as scum. Bacteria in the tank begin breaking down solid waste.
The middle layer of the tank contains partially clarified effluent that flows out to the leach field (also called a drain field). This network of perforated pipes allows effluent to slowly seep into the surrounding soil. The soil acts as a natural filter, removing harmful bacteria, viruses, and nutrients before the water reaches groundwater. This biological and physical filtration is essential for proper sewage treatment.
Baffles inside the tank prevent scum and sludge from leaving the tank and clogging the drain field. Regular pumping removes accumulated solids that bacteria cannot break down completely.
Regular Maintenance and Care
Maintaining your septic system is essential to prevent costly repairs and environmental damage. Regular care extends the life of your system and ensures it functions efficiently.
At Luna Environmental, we understand that a well-maintained septic system is essential for the health and functionality of your home or business. That’s why we offer comprehensive 4-month recurring preventative maintenance plans designed to keep your septic system operating at peak performance—year-round.
Regular maintenance is the key to avoiding costly repairs, backups, and system failures. Our expert team inspects and services your septic system every four months, ensuring early detection of potential issues before they become major problems. From checking sludge levels and assessing tank health to inspecting pumps, filters, and drainfields, we take a proactive approach to system care.
Our preventative plans are designed to give you peace of mind. With Luna Environmental on your side, you can rest easy knowing your septic system is in expert hands. We tailor our services to meet the specific needs of your system, whether it’s residential, commercial, or custom-engineered.
As environmental specialists, we not only prioritize your system’s performance but also its impact on the environment. Our maintenance practices follow sustainable standards, helping to protect groundwater and surrounding ecosystems.
Routine Inspection
Professional septic system inspections should be conducted at least every three years. However, the regularity of inspections depends on household size, water usage, and tank capacity. Frequent pumping prevents solids from entering the drainfield and causing system failure. Signs that your system needs immediate inspection include slow drains, gurgling pipes, sewage odors, and unusually lush grass over the drainfield area.
During these inspections, experts check for leaks, examine the scum and sludge layers, and verify all components are working. You should keep detailed records of all inspections, pumping services, and repairs. These records help track the system’s health over time and provide valuable information for future maintenance.
Protect Your Septic System
Be mindful of what goes down your drains, and avoid flushing non-biodegradable items like wipes, feminine products, and paper towels. These can clog your system and cause backups. Only use septic-safe cleaning products that won’t kill the beneficial bacteria in your tank. Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach, drain cleaners, and antibacterial soaps in large quantities.
Take steps to conserve water to reduce strain on your septic system by fixing any leaking faucets and installing high-efficiency toilets and appliances. Try to spread out laundry loads throughout the week instead of doing multiple loads in one day. Additionally, keep heavy vehicles and objects off your drainfield to prevent soil compaction.
Troubleshooting and Solving Problems
Even well-maintained septic systems can develop issues. Recognizing problems early and taking appropriate action can prevent costly repairs and protect your property and the environment.
Signs of Septic System Failure
Foul odors around your property often indicate a septic problem, as the smell might come from vents, drains, or the drainfield area. This usually means your tank needs pumping, or there’s a leak. Slow drains throughout your home suggest a potential clog or that your tank is reaching capacity. If multiple fixtures drain slowly, schedule an inspection right away.
Standing water or soggy spots near your drainfield point to potential system failure. This happens when waste isn’t properly treated and rises to the surface. Look out for bright green, spongy grass over your drainfield, especially during dry periods, which suggests leaking effluent. While it fertilizes the grass, it indicates your system isn’t functioning correctly.
Visual indicators include:
- Standing water over the drain field
- Unusually lush, green grass above the septic area
- Sewage backup in household drains
- Wet, spongy ground near the septic tank
These signs require immediate attention to prevent complete system failure and potential health hazards.
Addressing Backups and Blockages
For minor backups, try using a plunger or drain snake to clear the affected fixture, avoiding using chemical drain cleaners as they can damage your septic system and kill beneficial bacteria. Reducing water usage immediately can help prevent overloading your system.
Check your tank’s water level during a backup. If it’s abnormally high, the problem might be in your drain field rather than the tank itself. Locate your distribution box and check for root intrusions or blockages. Sometimes, a simple clearing of outlets can resolve drainage issues.
Prevention steps include:
- Regular pumping every 3-5 years
- Installing effluent filters
- Avoiding disposal of grease, oils, and non-biodegradable items
- Being mindful of water conservation
Professional Repairs and Solutions
When DIY troubleshooting doesn’t resolve the issue, it’s time to call professionals. Licensed septic contractors can perform comprehensive evaluations to pinpoint exact problems. Repair options vary based on the specific issue. Sometimes, hydro-jetting can clear stubborn blockages in pipes. For drain field problems, aeration or replacement might be necessary.
Prices can vary significantly between contractors, and some may propose different solutions. Ask potential contractors about their experience with your specific type of septic system. Some systems (aerobic, mound, etc.) require specialized knowledge.
Questions to ask professionals:
- Is the issue repairable, or does the system need replacement?
- What caused the problem?
- What measures can prevent recurrence?
- How long will repairs last?
- Are there permits required for the work?
Key Considerations for Installation and Upgrades
When installing or upgrading a septic system, several critical factors need careful attention to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
Choosing the Right Septic Tank
The size of your septic tank is crucial for proper function, so carefully select a tank that accommodates your household size and water usage patterns. For a typical four-bedroom home, a 1,250-gallon tank is usually sufficient. Consider your property value when making this decision. A well-designed septic system can enhance your property’s worth, while an undersized or poorly installed one can decrease it.
Concrete septic tanks offer durability and longevity (30-40 years) but cost more upfront, while plastic and fiberglass alternatives are lighter and easier to install but may not last as long. Don’t forget to account for all plumbing fixtures in your home. Each toilet, shower, and washing machine contributes to the daily flow your system must handle.
Planning Your Drainfield
The drainfield is where wastewater treatment happens, and proper soil testing is essential before installation to determine percolation rates and soil composition. Keep the drainfield area clear of structures, vehicles, and deep-rooted vegetation. Trees and shrubs can damage pipes with their roots and should be planted at least 30 feet away.
The water table level at your property is also critical, and your drainfield must be positioned well above the groundwater to prevent contamination and system failure.
Size your drainfield based on:
- Number of bedrooms
- Soil percolation rate
- Daily water usage
- Local climate conditions
We strongly recommend creating a secondary drainfield area during installation as a backup for future needs.
Navigating Local Regulations
Local permits are mandatory before beginning any septic system installation, and you must work with your county health department early in the planning process. Professional installation is often required by code. Even if not mandated, we recommend hiring certified installers who are familiar with local regulations.
Many jurisdictions require:
- Detailed site plans
- Soil evaluation reports
- Minimum setbacks from wells, property lines, and water bodies
- Specific inspection schedules during installation
Some areas offer tax incentives for environmentally friendly septic systems. Ask your local environmental agency about possible rebates or credits for advanced treatment systems.
Contact us to arrange an inspection of your septic tank or to discuss the installation of a new one.
