Common Septic Tank Problems in Boulder

When you have a septic tank in Boulder Colorado, you want to know what the common problems are so that you can work to avoid them. Once you know what issues might occur, you can more easily keep up with the preventative maintenance. There are a number of issues that might affect a septic system, but the good news is that with a little work, most can be easily avoided.

Tree Root Damage

It is important that any plant with deep roots is not planted near a septic tank, and this includes trees. As the roots grow and penetrate the soil, they can harm the structures of your system, including the tank and the pipes.

Vehicle Damage

It is important that nothing heavy is ever placed in the area of your septic system and this includes vehicles. This could damage the tank and even cause it to crack or be crushed. If this happens, you will have to get a new system if this occurs.

Dip Pipe Damage

When getting your system emptied, it is possible for the dip pipe to accidentally get knocked off. This results in the soakaway system getting flooded with the wrong materials. The liquids in your system will either back up into your yard or sewage can start to back up into your home if this happens.

Ground Movement

It is possible for the ground that surrounds your Boulder County septic system to move just a little bit. The shift is often so minimal that you do not notice it. However, this puts pressure on the tank component of your system. As a result, it is possible for the tank to crack which could lead to sewage backup and your system no longer being able to separate the waste.

Intense Hydrostatic Pressure

There are times when your septic system gets pummeled with pressure from water collecting below the ground. This pressure can result in the tank and the attached pipe disconnecting. The drainage system will start to back up and can flood your properly, leaving excess water and waste throughout your yard.

Incorrect Installation

It is critical that all of the components of your Boulder County septic system are installed properly. If any part is not installed correctly, this can cause an array of problems. To ensure accurate installation, make sure to choose a reputable septic system company with extensive experience so that you can be confident that the work will be done right.

Poor Routine Maintenance

It is critical that your system get routine maintenance in order to keep it in good condition. You must make sure that it is emptied on a regular schedule and that the various components are inspected every one to two years.

You can see that there are a number of possible septic system problems to be aware of. Make sure to evaluate your system and determine if any of these issues could affect your system. If you need to make some changes or repairs, consult with a professional to ensure that the work is done correctly.

How to Deal With Septic System Backups and Blockages in Boulder

When you have a septic system in Boulder Colorado, there is a chance that backups and blockages might occur. You want to know how to deal with these so that you can resolve the issue as quickly as possible and in the most cost-effective manner. Keep in mind that with proper maintenance, you can significantly reduce the risk of backups and blockages occurring, so keep this in mind.

Determine if the Building is Safe

When sewage backs up into your home or business, there is a risk that it could pose a number of hazards, such as getting the electrical components wet or spewing bacteria throughout the building. If any of this is happening, you want to immediately call a professional since they will know how to take care of the problem with safety in mind. If you can do so safely, turn off your electricity and then leave your home or business. Make sure that all occupants, including pets, are safely removed from the premises.

Damage Control Methods to Utilize

If you can safely get into your home or business, you want to do everything possible to reduce the backup that is coming into your home. Shut off all water that goes into your Boulder County septic tank and make sure that no one is flushing any of the toilets in your home. If a pipe has burst or there is a similar issue occurring, shut off the main water valve so that all future leaking or flooding can be prevented. Once you get the issue under control, make sure to open doors and windows to ventilate your home.

Cleaning Up a Spill or Flood Issue

Once the primary backup or blockage issue has been resolved, it is time to start cleaning up your home or business. Since there is the potential for harmful bacteria and problems like mold, it is a good idea to have a professional come in and take care of the work. They will know what to clean and how to clean it. They will also be able to assess the damage accurately and will know what furniture and household items cannot be saved.

Prevent Another Episode of Sewage Blockage or Backup from Happening

Once your home or business has been restored, it is time to prevent it from happening again in the first place. You want to ensure that your system gets regular maintenance from a Boulder County septic system professional. You also want to make sure that you are not flushing items that could result in a system blockage. It is a good idea to have a plumber come in and do a complete inspection of your pipes to make sure they are all in good structural condition.

You can see that it is important that you handle this situation properly. It is always recommended that you speak with a professional and have them handle the work. This ensures that the backup or blockage is taken care of properly and that the work is done safely.

Tips for Planting On Your Leachfield or Drainfield in Boulder

When you have a Boulder Colorado septic system, you know that you have to be very careful about what you place around the area of the tank, as well as the leachfield or drainfield on your property. It is important that you are mindful or else there is a risk that you could cause some damage to your system. Many people like to put some plants in the area of their leachfield or drainfield and this is okay if you are making the right choices. Knowing which plants are safe will allow you to beautify your property without risking any damage to your septic system.

Why Certain Plants Are a Good Idea

While not all plants are safe for going around your leachfield or drainfield, when you choose the right options, having some plants in the area can be advantageous. First and foremost, they might help to prevent erosion, ensuring that the ground in the area is more stable for a longer period of time. Your leachfield or drainfield can also hold onto a lot of moisture and the right plants can help to soak up some of the excess, keeping the ground in the area more stable.

Exploring the Best Plants for the Area

The good news is that there are a variety of options that are a good choice when you want to add some plant life to the area around your septic system. You might consider an array of perennials, non-woody groundcovers that are small, annuals and grasses. These are typically best because the root systems are shallow. If you insist on a shrub or a tree in the area, you want to look for options that have root systems that are shallow and you still want to put a little distance between your septic system and them. These are best placed around the Boulder County system instead of on top of it:

·         Dogwood trees

·         Eastern redbud trees

·         Azalea shrubs

·         Holly shrubs

·         Japanese maple trees

·         Cherry trees

·         Boxwood shrubs

The Plants That You Want to Avoid

It is a good idea to avoid the plants that are large, such as big trees, especially those that tend to grow quickly. You want to avoid plants that have aggressive root systems that are constantly looking for water since they can see your septic system as a viable source and damage it to access the water. The following are generally considered bad for planting around your septic system:

·         Pussy willow shrubs

·         Aspen trees

·         Birch trees

·         Elm trees

·         American sweetgum trees

·         Tulip trees

·         Japanese willow trees

·         Lombardy poplar trees

·         Beech trees

·         Most maple trees

·         Ash trees

You also want to be aware of the existing trees on your property and where their roots are going. Make sure that your Boulder County septic system and leachfield or drainfield are not near any trees on your property.

You can see that plants can not only make the area look nicer, but there could be a few benefits too. Now you know about the best plants for the job and those that should never be planted near your septic tank. All you have to do now is head out and pick out the perfect plants and get them into the ground.

Important Maintenance for Your Leachfield or Drainfield in Boulder

When it comes to your Boulder Colorado septic system, it is important that you are taking the steps necessary to maintain all of its components. Most people focus on the tank and pipes, and while this is important, you also want to make sure that your leachfield or drainfield is in excellent condition. With the right information, you can ensure that your entire system remains in viable condition for years to come.

Keep the Area Clear of Heavy Objects

You want to make sure that you never put anything heavy over your Boulder County leachfield or drainfield. This means that you should avoid parking there and never build structures close to this area. The ground around the field can be moist and could sink easier. If a heavy object causes this to happen, it could result in damage to your septic system that could be very costly to repair.

Avoid Other Water-Based Objects in the Same Area

The ground around your leachfield or drainfield is already working to absorb a lot of water, so you do not want to add to it. You want to do what you can to help keep the space as dry as possible. Avoid putting any sump pumps, roof drains and rainwater drainage systems close to this area. You want to make sure that all of these are at a good distance and that they are directed away your leachfield or drainfield. When you add more water to the area than it is able to handle, this can negatively impact the wastewater treatment process.

Be Aware of What You Are Planting

While not all plants are bad when you put them in this area, certain ones can cause major problems for your total septic system. You want to avoid anything that can establish deep roots, such as the majority of trees. Now, certain plants that have shallow roots can actually be beneficial because they might help to absorb some of the excess water in the area. This could contribute to a more effective wastewater treatment process. A septic system professional can aid you in determining which plants are ideal and exactly where to place them for the most benefits.

Maintain Your Total System

Lastly, to ensure that your system is in good condition, you want to have all of the different components inspected on a regular basis. If one Boulder County septic system part starts to fail, there is a chance that all of the components could become faulty with time. You want to have a professional come out and check out the pipes, the tank, the leachfield or drainfield and everything else in between. If the professional recommends certain work that needs to be done, you want to attend to this in a timely manner.

You can see that it is not too difficult to keep your septic system’s leachfield or drainfield in good condition. Make sure to keep up with your maintenance efforts so that your system remains in excellent functional and structural condition.

How to Control Your Septic Effluent in Boulder

As your Boulder County septic system works, wastewater flows out of it into your drainfield or leachfield. This wastewater is referred to as the effluent. It is comprised of the water and other liquids produced in your home that make their way into your septic system. You want to make sure that you know how to control this to keep your septic system in good working order.

The Composition of a Boulder County Septic Tank

Your septic tank is comprised of two main parts that work to process waste from your home. The first is your actual septic tank and the third part is referred to as your leachfield or drainfield. The tank itself is waterproof and capable of holding a large volume of water. Both of these are located beneath the ground and a network of pipes is responsible for getting the effluent from your home into the tank and then from the tank out into your leachfield or drainfield.

Components of the Septic Tank Wastewater

The wastewater in your Boulder Colorado septic system is basically a combination of everything that is able to get into your septic system. These items can come from your sinks, toilets, washer, bathtubs or showers or your dishwasher. Basically, anything that uses water might add to the effluent in your septic tank. There could be a wide array of contaminants that are not safe for animals, plants and humans to be exposed to. Because of this, it is important that your system is pumped by a professional so that it is done both correctly and in a manner that is safe.

Three Main Parts of Wastewater

When you are learning more about wastewater, also known as effluent, you want to look at the three main parts that it breaks down into. Sludge is the first part and this is the solid form of waste that will eventually sink to the tank’s bottom. Scum is the second part and this is generally made up of foam particles that make their way to the surface of the water inside the tank. The third part is the partially treated water that is present between the sludge and scum layers in your tank.

Controlling Your Septic Tank Effluent

You want to make sure that you are only using exactly how much water you need in your Boulder County home. Using too much water can result in excessive effluent and your leachfield or drainfield having to work harder to handle it. It is also important to be aware of what is making its ways into your septic tank. For example, you want to avoid flushing solid items outside of stool since this can increase the risk of clogs developing in the different areas of your system.

You can see that controlling the effluent in your septic system is relatively simple. Just make sure that you are taking the steps necessary at the right times. You also need to ensure proper maintenance of your total system to keep everything in good working order.