Septic systems in San Carlos Park, FL, may be out of sight, buried somewhere, but that doesn’t mean they should be far from thought. They can be surprisingly complicated, and there’s really no limit to the number of environmental conditions that can cut short the lifespan of a septic system, which should be around 30-40 years.
That’s why it’s so important for property owners to perform regular maintenance and service inspections. In this blog post, we’ll explore some common tips and tricks to easily and efficiently extend the life and health of your overall septic system.
Signs of a Struggling Septic System San Carlos Park, FL
Top septic system pumping, maintenance, and repair professionals in San Carlos Park, FL, reveal that a struggling septic system usually gives off the following signs:
- Wastewater from toilets, sinks, and drains backing up into the property.
- Bathtubs, showers, and sinks drain very slowly.
- Foul, strange odors around the drainfield or septic system.
- Gurgling sounds in the plumbing system.
- Standing/pooling water or damp spots near the drainfield or septic tank.
- Algal blooms in surrounding water bodies.
- Bright green, lush, spongy grass over the leach field or septic tank, even during dry weather.
- High levels of nitrates or coliform bacteria in water wells.
- The toilets won’t flush easily.
Tips To Extend The Lifespan of Your Septic System
1. Inspect Your System Regularly
One of the easiest ways to extend the life of your septic system is to inspect and pump out your tank regularly. Most septic experts in San Carlos Park, FL, suggest scheduling a professional system inspection at least every two to five years. However, if your home has several occupants, you can shorten that time frame.
Additionally, you should have your tank pumped out regularly by a credible septic service like Crews Environmental to avoid sewage sludge buildup in the bottom of the tank that can overflow, seep into your leach field, and back up your pipes. On average, you need to schedule septic tank pumping every three to five years.
2. Ensure It’s Properly Installed
A septic system is only as good as its installation, and if it isn’t installed properly, it won’t function correctly, and you’ll likely experience major problems down the road. As a responsible property owner, it’s important to ensure you’re working with a credible septic service like Crews Environmental that understands how to size and install your septic system for optimal performance.
Our qualified team of septic professionals will also recommend sustainable septic practices that will prolong the life of your septic system.
3. Practice Water Conservation
Every septic system has a certain volume of sewage that it can handle safely. The specific volume depends on its size, age, and condition, but for most residential septic systems, it’s somewhere between 600 and 2,000 gallons of wastewater.
Professional septic inspectors in San Carlos Park, FL, reveal that less wastewater means more life for the system. You can conserve water by practicing the following measures,
- Keep an eye out for signs of leakage from pipes and fixtures, and get them fixed quickly.
- Take quicker showers.
- Install low-flow showerheads and toilets.
- Spread laundry loads throughout the week instead of one day.
- Ensure you’ve got a full load of dishes or clothes before washing them.
Reducing the rate of wastewater entering your system can enhance sewage processing efficiency and prolong the operational lifespan of your septic system.
4. Maintain Your Drain Field Properly
The drain field of your septic system enhances the filtration of contaminants from the wastewater originating from your septic tank. For proper drain field care and to keep the entire system healthy and operating at optimal levels, consider following these best practices:
- Don’t drive or park any heavy vehicle on your leach field. The weight of trucks, bikes, cars, campers, and other automobiles can damage the site and make it harder to drain.
- To avoid root intrusion, plant trees, and other items strategically. Over time, root systems can grow into the drain field area, causing extensive damage. Local septic experts in San Carlos Park, FL, recommend consulting a qualified septic service like Crews Environmental to ensure proper spacing between plantings and the drain field.
- Keep your drain field free of any unnecessary obstructions so that if a problem arises, your septic system contractor can easily access the area.
- Ensure all your rainwater disposal system elements, including roof drains and downspouts, are away from the drain field. Professional septic pumping and maintenance contractors in San Carlos Park, FL, reveal that excess water can exploit the field, leading to clogs, blockages, and backups in your landscape.
How can I prevent a septic failure?
Routine inspection, pumping, repair, maintenance, and proper operation will help your septic system in San Carlos Park, FL, have a long and trouble-free life. Inspect your system annually and pump when needed (usually every 3-5 years) or as your septic professional advises. Avoid excessive water use and watch what you flush down the toilet or put down the drain.
However, if you do notice backed-up toilets and sinks, a disgusting septic odor, or sluggish drainage, schedule a consultation with one of our septic professionals at Crews Environmental. We’re a full-service company offering septic tank pumping, repairs, inspections, maintenance, and installations that help prolong the life of your residential or commercial septic system in San Carlos Park, FL.
Final Takeaway
Founded in 1982, at Crews Environmental we strive hard to provide our customers with the best service, safety, and integrity. Our certified team is licensed, bonded, and insured and performs to the highest safety standards with the utmost integrity to provide our clients with the best possible grease trap cleaning, drain field repair, and septic-related services in San Carlos Park, FL, all while protecting the environment simultaneously.
Our professional team of experts is there for you 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Contact us at 239-356-1727 to schedule an appointment with our team today.
