It’s not always easy to stay on top of things at home, especially when it comes to your plumbing and septic system. While your home’s health may not always be the top priority, it’s important to make sure that everything inside is in good working order before there are serious problems. These common sewer and septic issues may not bother you at first, but ignoring them can lead to much bigger problems down the road, so pay attention to these simple tips on how to prevent and fix them!
Sewer backups
Some homeowners rely on septic systems, while others have city sewer systems. In either case, both sewage and wastewater need to go somewhere—and so sewage backups are all too common. To prevent backups, replace older toilets with low-flow models. Seal cracks or gaps around toilets with caulk or silicone; ensure that drain pipes aren’t leaking by putting food coloring in them overnight (food coloring will reveal leaks if they exist). If you see any discoloration around drains or pipe work, call a plumber right away. Finally, don’t flush items like soiled diapers or sanitary napkins in the toilet; doing so prevents problems and increases odds of clogs. A sound piece of advice is to never put anything down your toilet except water and toilet paper.
Leaky toilets
One of the most common problems plaguing American homes is leakage from leaking or overflowing toilets. A leaking toilet can waste more than 10,000 gallons of water per year. If the leak goes unnoticed for an extended period of time it can cause major water damage to your home so identifying and fixing a leak should be priority for any homeowner. The good news is that most leaks are easy to spot: look for water trickling out from under your toilet or running into your pipes. You’ll also want to check behind your toilet; if you see water pooling there, then it’s very likely that something inside the tank (like a rubber flapper) is broken. These repairs aren’t terribly difficult—they just require tools like wrenches and pliers—and they cost next to nothing when done at home as opposed to hiring a professional. But always remember that if you need any parts replaced (or even a new toilet), these simple fixes might turn into serious projects: do your research before purchasing new parts.
Rusty water from your faucet
You should regularly run water through your faucets in order to clear out built up sediment from pipes. If you see rusty or discolored water coming from your faucet, however, it means that there is some corrosion happening within your plumbing system. This could be caused by sediment buildup, mineral deposits from previous piping systems, or rust from metal components failing due to age. In any case, you’ll need a plumber for help with cleaning out and replacing all of these components for smooth running again.
Tree roots coming up through drains
Not all tree roots are bad—in fact, most of them are good for your home. But if they find their way into sewer lines or septic tanks, they can wreak havoc on your home’s plumbing system. Roots that work their way into drains can cause backups, poor drainage and worse. Take steps to keep those roots at bay with a root killer or by wrapping your pipes in protective covers that prevent tree roots from growing in. If you catch tree roots early enough, you may be able to save a lot of money over time.
Other odors coming from drain
If there’s an odor coming from your drain, chances are that it’s human waste from either your toilet or kitchen sink. Unpleasant? Yes. But not necessarily cause for concern. Sewer gas odors are usually harmless; if you smell something funky coming from your drain, it’s probably just a natural result of what happens when you flush waste down a pipe. A high quality septic tank system will ensure any unwanted smells stay in place while keeping you and your family safe. Over time though, home maintenance (from using harsh chemicals to cleaning hair off of razors) can compromise the protective elements of your plumbing system and lead to sewer backups that damage property and soil. These events can occur quickly leading most homeowners to believe they have a major problem on their hands—when actually all they may need is professional help getting things running smoothly again.
The importance of regular maintenance
Unfortunately, while most people know they should have their septic tank inspected every few years or so, many don’t realize there are a number of other routine things they can do to extend its life. One of these is having a plumber check for cracks in your pipes once a year. Not only does that keep you from potential sewage backups into your home but it will also help you catch those issues early on before they become major problems. This can save you thousands of dollars over time; even small leaks can be costly if left unchecked because it adds up quickly over time.
