Failure of your septic system could potentially spell out disaster if not properly treated. Anything from a broken pipe to a blockage in the septic tank requires professional help. Luckily for home and business owners, this does mean the end of the world. With a fully qualified team, replacing a septic tank should be routine and cost-effective.
A septic tank is an underground sewage collector that is designed to break down and decompose waste before eventually being drained. The system is a set of tubes that run from the inside of a building, eventually leading out and channeling all of the waste to one large tank.
On average most septic tank systems will last anywhere between 20 and 40 years if they are properly maintained. When a septic system needs to be replaced you will either notice:
- A backup of waste from inside your home or
- An odor coming from outside where the pipes and tank are buried.
If you are experiencing either of the two issues, then you need to immediately call a professional to prevent any bio-hazard risks.
Call a Plumber
Calling a plumber is the first step anyone should take if an issue with a septic system arises. A plumber will be able to pump your tank to alleviate some of the issues for now. It will also give them a chance to determine the main problem with the system.
In some cases, the problem can be as simple as a clogged screen which is relatively easy for a plumber to fix. However, if they determine the problem is more severe, you should take the necessary steps to have the system fixed as soon as possible. This could range anywhere from pipe replacement all of the way to replacing the system as a whole.
Issues in the Drainage Field
If the issue is determined to be located somewhere along the drainage field replacement costs will increase since you must dig up the underground system. There could be a number of issues ranging from a pipe bursting to sludge and scum layers growing too thick to be broken down effectively. These issues can arise naturally, although they tend to be due to not pumping a tank often enough. According to Mass Gov a septic tank should be pumped about every three to five years. This will ensure that any sludge and scum attempting to clog the system will be removed before any real damages occur.
Systems Available for Replacement
When the time has come to replace a septic tank you should first understand the process and the types of tanks available in the market. When replacing a septic tank, the designated area must be dug up completely. This is to ensure that the piping and desired tank will fit properly. Once that is complete then comes the installation process. There are three different kinds of tanks available today for installation which include:
Concrete Tanks:
Concrete tanks are the most commonly used form of septic tanks. They are the most durable out of the three although overtime can undergo some cracking. Concrete tanks are priced fairly and just require the typical maintenance to ensure there is no extra build up or leaks.
Fiberglass Tanks:
Fiberglass tanks are a lightweight alternative to the concrete tank. They will not rust and should not crack. Careful installation is required with these types of tanks. Heavy objects should never be placed on top of a tank when it is fully installed. If a fiberglass tank is experiencing too much pressure it can easily shift positions and burst the pipes leading to it. This can also occur during periods of heavy rain if the soil becomes too wet.
Steel Tanks:
Steel tanks are the least popular tanks because they are not durable and usually last no longer than 20 years. A steel tank can rust and requires the most inspection out of the rest of the tanks. These tanks can typically be found in older homes. They can present a lot of problems if you are not regularly on top of their maintenance.
New England Enterprises is dedicated to providing the best service around when it comes to big projects like these. We offer complete excavating, drainage, and grading services to handle all your drain field installation needs. We can help you develop the most cost effective solution for your specific excavating project, ensuring your project is done with the utmost of quality and care. Feel free to Request a Consultation today!