Landscape Smells Like The Loo – Septic Tank Leaks!

Key Takeaways:

• Septic tank leaks can occur due to overloading, poor maintenance, and worn-out parts.
• Leaks can cause various issues, including odors in the landscape and groundwater contamination.
• Excavation professionals are essential for adequately inspecting, repairing, and maintaining a septic tank leak.
• They are knowledgeable about industry standards and safety protocols for septic tanks.
• Investing in regular maintenance with excavation professionals is critical to avoiding costly repairs down the line.

The last thing anybody wants is the stench of a septic tank leak in their yard. The distinctive, unpleasant smell can quickly turn your landscaping into an unwelcoming environment and hinder outdoor activities.

Many property owners experience this at some point due to septic system malfunctions or blocked sewers. If you’re a property owner who faces such issues, contact excavation experts at the earliest to get your septic tank maintenance done on time.

However, knowing the causes behind this stinky mess and taking preventative steps will keep your landscapes fresh and help you avoid unpleasant smells. This blog post discusses why leaks occur and shares tips on identifying them before they become severe problems.

What Are Septic Tanks, And Why Are They Used?

Septic tanks are large, underground holding tanks that contain wastewater from homes and businesses. Natural biological processes break down the wastewater inside the septic tank.

These tanks are commonly used when a property does not have access to municipal sewer systems or if the homeowner wishes to keep their sewage onsite.

Causes And Effects of Septic Tank Leaks

Septic tank leaks can occur for various reasons, including broken pipes, tank failure, cracked lids or bases, and the accumulation of sludge inside the tank.

Leaking septic tanks can cause serious environmental problems. In addition to releasing noxious odors into your home or yard, leaking septic tanks can contaminate soil and groundwater with potentially hazardous chemicals and bacteria.

Related: Is your septic tank harming or helping the environment?

Where Do Septic Tank Leaks Occur?

At Damaged Sewer Piping Points

Leaks can occur in septic tanks and the drain field. This includes the area where wastewater is dispersed or at any spot along the underground piping used to transport sewage from your home.

At The Sewer Line Entrance or The Effluent Line Leaving the Tank

The most common septic tank leakage occurs at the entrance or effluent line leaving the tank. This type of leak often comes from a crack in the pipe or a joint that has come apart.

Septic Tank Cover or Clean-Out Port

Another common place for septic tank leakage occurs at the cover or clean-out port. This leak can be caused by corrosion of the cover or pipe, leaks from a damaged seal, or even increased water pressure in the tank.

Damaged Plastic Septic Tanks or Fiberglass Tanks

Septic tanks made of plastic or fiberglass can also be prone to leakage. These tanks are typically much thinner and more brittle than concrete septic tanks, so they can quickly become cracked or warped over time.

Cracks In a Concrete Septic Tank

Concrete septic tanks can also be damaged, leading to septic tank leakage. Over time, the concrete in a septic tank will gradually break down and become weaker, allowing cracks to form. These cracks can allow sewage and water to escape from the tank and contaminate nearby soil or groundwater.

Excavation experts can inspect a septic tank for signs of damage and help to determine whether repairs are needed. If excavation is required, experts can safely dig around the septic tank and make necessary repairs or replacements. They will also be able to check for leaks in a septic tank using specialized leak test standards.

What Are Septic Tank Leak Test Standards?

Septic tank leak test standards are a set of measurements used to determine if a septic tank is leaking.

Excavation experts measure the water level inside the tank and compare it to standard measurements. If the water levels exceed these standards, further excavation may be necessary to identify cracks or openings in the septic tank that allow water leakage.

Once any cracks or holes have been identified, excavation experts can seal or repair them, thereby preventing future leaks. In addition to locating and repairing cracks in a septic tank, excavation professionals can help with septic tank maintenance. They can do this by cleaning out debris and residue that can accumulate over time and cause clogs or backups in the system.

If not repaired promptly, septic tank leaks can cause various issues, such as soil erosion, contamination of drinking water, and damage to areas around the septic tank. Therefore, it is essential to take proper care and conduct regular septic system inspections to prevent these unwanted problems.

How Often Do Septic Tanks Leak?

The frequency of septic tank leaks depends on the age and condition and how often it is serviced. Generally speaking, septic tanks should be inspected every 3-5 years by professionals to identify any existing or potential problems. In addition, many municipalities require an annual leak test to ensure that all regulations are met.

What Can You Do to Fix the Issue?

Diagnose The Flooded Septic Tank

Diagnose the tank to determine the exact cause of the leak. Excavation professionals can help you repair and patch up the septic tank if it’s a crack. They can also use special tools like water pressure sensors to detect other septic tank leaks properly.

Reasons To Hire Excavation Experts

Suppose your septic tank needs excavation services. In that case, excavation experts can safely and efficiently carry out all the necessary septic tank maintenance tasks. These are required to keep your entire septic system functioning correctly.

Furthermore, they know industry standards for septic tanks, including proper testing procedures and leak test standards. This ensures that the repairs are performed correctly and meet safety protocols.

By having an excavation expert inspect and maintain your septic tank, you can help avoid costly repairs in the long run. With their expertise and knowledge, excavation professionals can adequately repair any leaks in the septic system and prevent future damage caused by a leaking tank.

Dirt Werx LLC offers a vast range of excavation-related services in Nazareth, PA. With our vision, we will turn your construction vision into a reality. Get a free estimate today!

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