Septic system repairs are often costly, but you can avoid them with routine maintenance. Signs that your septic tank needs repair include slow drains, foul odors, and standing water on the leach field.
The cost to repair septic system lines, which connect the tank and plumbing inside your home, averages $1,000 to $4,200. These costs can be reduced by having a working effluent filter and baffle in place.
Concrete Septic Tank Repairs
While concrete septic tanks are fairly durable, they can crack or develop other issues that require repair. The good news is that these problems are easily fixed before they lead to more costly septic system damage.
A crack in the tank’s lid is one of the most common issues. This is caused by a combination of pressure from the soil on the top of the tank and age-related expansion and contraction of the concrete. Depending on the size of the crack, it may be necessary to replace the lid completely.
Another common problem with septic tanks is cracking in the base. This can be caused by water infiltration or by corrosion. Both of these problems can be prevented by installing a septic tank liner. This will protect the septic tank from contamination and make it easier to clean and maintain.
The cost to replace the liner varies based on the size of the tank and the type of liner installed. For example, a plastic septic tank liner costs less than a concrete one.
Cracks in the septic tank base can be repaired by using a patching material. The patching process varies based on the material, so a plastic septic tank may only need to be plastic-welded in the damaged area, while a concrete septic tank will need to have concrete filler installed.
Many septic system issues are difficult for homeowners to identify without professional help. However, some symptoms that indicate a septic tank needs repairs include puddles around the septic system, a sunken area above the septic tank, gurgling in other drains of the home, and a strong sewage odor in the yard or near the septic system.
Leach Field Replacements
Your leach field, or drain field, is one of the largest components of your septic system. It helps return clean, filtered wastewater to the groundwater table, where it rejoins the natural water cycle. But, if your drain field is clogged or failing, you could end up with costly septic system repairs and even system failure.
As with septic tank repairs, hiring a professional service technician for leach field replacements is best to prevent future damage. Your service professional will inspect your leach field to determine the root cause of the problem and recommend the most effective solution.
Leach fields can fail for a variety of reasons, including heavy water use, frequent garbage disposal usage, and soil compaction. But the most common reason is simply poor maintenance. Having your septic system professionally inspected annually can help prevent these problems from occurring in the first place.
Restoring a failing drain field typically involves digging out the old leach field and installing a new one. Installing a new drain field requires clearing the area of trees, turf, and stones, which can increase the overall cost of your project.
Leach field replacement costs can vary significantly depending on your specific situation, but the type of leach field is also a significant factor. Anaerobic, mound, and aerobic leach fields all require different excavation processes that can drive up costs compared to traditional gravity-based systems. Your septic service professional can help you select the right drain field for your property to minimize replacement costs.
Sump Float Replacements
The float switch in your sump pump is what activates and deactivates the system based on the water level in your sump pit. This is how your sump system protects your home from flooding when the ground gets saturated and water comes seeping through the basement. However, the float switch can get stuck in the ‘on’ position, and the pump will continue to run without stopping.
This can be due to a variety of factors. For example, the float switch may be clogged with debris or tangled up with wires in your sump pump basin. In addition, the float switch can shift in the pit and become pressed against the side walls of the basin, causing it to stick in the on position.
Additionally, the float switch can wear out over time, which is why it’s important to clean the sump pit regularly and inspect it for signs of rust or other problems. You should also make sure that the discharge pipe is properly sized and slopes downward so that water is directed away from your foundation.
While preventive measures are an excellent way to help avoid costly repairs, there are times when a septic system repair is simply unavoidable. Thankfully, the team at AAA Standard Services is fully equipped to provide top-quality sump pump repair in the Toledo, Ohio, area. They take all necessary precautions to minimize interruptions to your home’s plumbing while ensuring the job is completed properly and efficiently. Contact them today to learn more about their expertise and commitment to customer satisfaction.
Damaged Line Repairs
If you notice signs of a damaged sewer line, such as sewage back-ups and yard erosion, it is important to contact a professional right away. A damaged sewer line can lead to extensive and costly damage to your home, property, and landscaping. On average, a sewer line replacement costs around $5,000. However, this estimate can vary depending on the type of pipe material used, the difficulty of accessing the existing pipe, excavation and backfill, and landscaping.
In addition to the repair cost, homeowners who have their power lines damaged must pay for accommodation if they need to temporarily evacuate during the repairs. You should consider getting “service line” coverage on your homeowner’s insurance policy to prevent future damage. This type of coverage will cover the cost of repairing or replacing exterior underground water and sewer pipes when the responsibility falls on the homeowner. This policy also covers any damage to landscaping and exterior properties incurred during the repair process. This type of coverage can save you thousands in repairs and inconvenience. Talking with your insurance broker about adding this policy before damage occurs is wise.
Septic Tank Backing Up into Your Bathtub
Sewage backup into a bathtub is a major concern for homeowners and should not be ignored. This is highly hazardous for your health and can also cause severe water damage to your home. Sewage contains dangerous bacteria, diseases,other microorganisms, and heavy metals such as lead. It can spread these contaminants throughout your house, including other drains and bathtubs.
The septic tank is a buried, watertight container that holds most of the wastewater leaving your home. The solid waste settles to the bottom, forming sludge, while oil and grease float to the top as scum. Compartments and a T-shaped outlet prevent these materials from exiting the septic tank into your drainfield area. A network of perforated pipes extends into the soil from this area, and the liquid wastewater (effluent) is filtered through the soil.
Keeping up with septic system maintenance is the best way to avoid backups and other costly repairs. This includes having the septic tank emptied periodically. A septic tank that’s too full can clog the outlet pipe and cause wastewater to back up into your sinks, tubs, and toilets. You may notice your sinks drain slower than usual or detect unpleasant odors when the septic tank is full.
A septic system is more environmentally friendly than a sewer system because it eliminates pathogens, toxins, and other pollutants from entering local waterways. It also reduces concentrations of organic matter, suspended solids, and nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen. These are harmful to plants, fish, and other organisms that live in the water. Moreover, excessive amounts of these substances can create algae blooms that consume oxygen, leading to the death of aquatic organisms.
