Septic System Repair Information Page

 

A septic system repair can often run from $5,000 to $20,000 or more and a large number of systems are failing throughout the country. For news stories related to failing septic systems and tightening regulations you can go to: http://www.laundry-alternative.com//failingseptic.htm Fortunately, in many cases you can prevent septic system repair work by properly maintaining your system. According to the US EPA, 95% of all septic systems fail because the drainfield gets plugged with solids. These solids include things like washing machine lint, grease and human waste. If you use too much water in a short period of time or don't get your tank pumped on a regular basis, larger solids can get flushed out to the drainfield. You can prevent these problems by getting your tank pumped, installing a washing machine filter, installing an effluent filter (to prevent large solids from exiting the tank), managing your water usage...For more information on how to properly maintain your septic system, go to: http://www.laundry-alternative.com/septic_system_maintenance.htm If Your drain field fails Drain field rejuvenation can save you a great deal of money, compared with the cost of septic system repair. In quite a few cases, a tune-up can fix your system and you can avoid the high costs of replacing the drain field. This tuneup includes properly pumping the tank, cleaning (jetting) the drain field lines, and installing washing machine and effluent filters. If these measures are not sufficient, some failed systems can be rejuvenated by fracturing the soil. This process utilizes a hollow tube inserted into the soil, then a 300 pound blast or air is injected into the soil creating thousands of tiny fissures. These fissures allow the drainfield to drain, creating an oxygen atmosphere and the aerobic bacterial colonies to repopulate. Aerobic bacteria, which require oxygen, typically live in the top 26 inches of the drainfield and process waste much more quickly than anaerobic bacteria. This process can be performed in a matter of hours with no digging or damage to the yard. One company which performs this service is Terralift International (http://www.terraliftinternational.com). If you have a drain field with clay soil which has become plugged due to sodium from wastewater binding with the clay, Septic Seep can help. These product releases sodium bonded clays and reopens soil, restoring passages air and water. It also has the benefit of dispersing greases and scums that clog the soil.  Finally, in some cases it will be too late and you will need septic system repair work. Sometimes, the system itself was built incorrectly, i.e. on too high of a water table, or the system could simply not be salvageable due to many years of misuse. In this case, the best advice is to make sure you find a contractor that will build you a high-quality septic system and maintain it properly from the beginning.