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There are so many things that go into new construction that you need to think about. How complex is the electrical going to be? Where will the pipes need to go for your plumbing? What kind of roof will you put on the building? In what places will you need new concrete? With so many questions about what it takes, you will likely need help along the way. Our blog is designed to inform you about all the latest things related to construction. No matter how big or small your project may be, you'll find the guidance you're looking for to make informed decisions.

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Repair Or Replace: Do You Need A New Septic System?

by Robert Larson

A failed septic tank be a painful experience for many reasons. Not only are you facing a potentially expensive repair bill, but you may also have to deal with sewage on your lawn or backed-up drains in your home. Unfortunately, many people may put off addressing problems because they are afraid they will need to replace their entire system.

Fortunately, many septic problems don't require an entirely new tank. Instead, you can often repair issues before they progress to the point where replacement is necessary. Recognizing the signs of trouble early enough can help you seek help before it's too late. This article will discuss three common septic problems and solutions that don't require excavating your whole lawn to install a new tank.

1. Sewage Backups

If you can smell sewage from your drains or if you have sewage backing up from toilets or sinks, then you've got a situation that you'll need to address as soon as possible. These symptoms usually indicate an obstruction in the system, which may have multiple underlying causes. Just as with municipal sewer lines, clogs can develop in numerous places.

In some cases, you may have waited too long to pump your tank. While overfilled tanks can damage your leaching field, you can usually avoid this by acting quickly enough. In addition to pumping the tank, you may also need a contractor to clear your drain lines to remove solid waste that got stuck before reaching the tank.

2. Tank Cracks

A crack in your concrete tank does not always mean you need to replace your septic system. Concrete tanks most commonly crack on their covers. The top of your tank consists of one or more concrete slabs, and excess weight or other issues can cause these to crack. Repairing the problem usually means installing a new cover, a job that contractors can usually perform without removing or replacing the tank.

Fixing cracks along the walls or bottom may require more work, but you'll only need to replace the entire tank if the damage is especially severe. In all other cases, your contractor can drain the tank and use filler to seal the problem.

3. Saturated Drain Fields

Saturated drain fields can often be a severe problem, but newer technologies mean that you might still be able to salvage your septic system. A saturated drain field is too compacted and dense to drain properly effluent, leading to clogs and potentially damaging other parts of your septic system. You won't be able to continue to use your system so long as the drain field remains too saturated to operate.

Depending on the overall condition of your drain field, a contractor may be able to offer options for rejuvenation. These techniques typically involve aerating the existing soil to increase drainage and restore its ability to remove effluent. If you're suffering from this problem, be sure to discuss these options with your contractor before resorting to replacement.

For more information on septic tank repairs, contact a contractor near you, such as Stevee Excavation Inc.

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