Any plumbing leak in your home is a cause for concern, but septic leaks are especially serious. Your septic system processes wastewater that is considered to be an environmental hazard, so leaks are a cause for immediate action.
Leaking septic tanks, broken or cracked pipes, or malfunctioning drainfields can all allow toxic materials to seep into not only your property, but also to nearby properties and sources of water. Because of this, it is vital that any septic system leak be addressed quickly and correctly.
Is My Septic Tank Leaking?
Plumbing leak detection can be tricky business, since a substantial portion of a home’s plumbing is behind walls. Septic leak detection can be even more difficult, since septic tanks and the associated pipes are buried below ground.
An indoor leak might result in visible damage, like water pooling or staining on walls or ceilings, fairly quickly. Signs of a leaking septic system could also be caused by many other factors, such as weather conditions.
Here are a few things that could indicate a leak in your septic system:
- A foul odor around the septic tank or drainfield. This is a sign that the system is not functioning properly, which could be caused by a leak.
- Backups inside the home, especially when doing water-intensive chores like laundry or running the dishwasher.
- Overly lush vegetation near the septic tank or drainfield could be a result of wastewater “feeding” the plants.
- A soggy yard that is not a result of precipitation or irrigation.
- Toilets or sinks in the home draining slowly or backing up.
What Causes a Septic Leak?
Septic tanks can be made of different materials, primarily concrete, plastic, or fiberglass. Each has pros and cons, but one thing they all have in common is that damage is possible. Pipes leading from the home to the septic tank, or pipes that carry effluent from the tank to the drainfield can also become damaged.
There are many causes for septic leaks; here are just a few:
Driving or parking over the tank, pipes, or drainfield
This can compact the soil in the drainfield, which prevents it from functioning properly. The weight of heavy vehicles can also cause septic tanks to crack.
Septic tank deterioration
Concrete, especially, can deteriorate over time, especially with continuous exposure to water.
Roots from nearby trees or large plants
Vegetation is naturally drawn to sources of water, which makes septic systems attractive. Large tree roots can exert tremendous pressure on tanks and pipes, but even smaller plant roots can squeeze into crevasses to cause damage.
Improper installation
Lighter septic tanks like plastic or fiberglass need to be installed so that they do not move. Failing to do so can result in shifting of the tank, which can lead to cracks or other damage.
Finding a Water Leak Detector
For many homeowners, finding the source of a septic leak can be nearly impossible, since the source is most likely below ground. In some cases, homeowners who purchased a home with a septic system already installed may not even know where the tank or pipes are located.
Professional leak detection services have the equipment and knowledge to find the area where a leak originates. Sewer video cameras and equipment can be helpful to locate blocks in drains or sewer lines, septic leaks, and tree or plant roots growing into the sewer line or septic tank.
Sewer video equipment consists of a small camera attached to a flexible line that can be inserted into a drain and extend through pipes and sewer lines. The best water leak detector can use the sewer video equipment to perform a visual inspection of drainpipes and sewer lines that would be impossible to do otherwise.
As a water leak detection system, this type of equipment is among the most accurate at locating leaks and pinpointing problems with the septic system.
Avoid Leaks With Regular Septic Maintenance
Residential septic systems need regular maintenance, like septic tank pumping. Most should be pumped every three years or so to maintain a healthy system, but the specifics depend on the size of the household, the amount of waste produced, the size of the septic tank, and the type of septic system.
More frequent septic tank pumping might be needed for homes with larger households that use more water and produce more waste.
Septic inspections can also be done during septic pumping and cleaning, and these inspections can be useful in spotting leaks early before they become more significant problems.
Lakeland’s Most Trusted Septic Service Company
If you need water leak detection or water leak repair in central Florida, contact Septic and Drainfield Depot. We are available 24/7 to help resolve any emergency septic system issues.
We offer free estimates, and we can help you with septic financing that offers affordable monthly payments without tapping into your home’s equity.
Septic and Drainfield Depot is a fully insured and licensed septic contractor in the state of Florida. Our experienced septic professionals have hundreds of hours of hands-on training, and they are always up to date with the current industry knowledge and techniques.
Our services include:
- Septic tank installation
- Drainfield installation
- Lift station installation
- Septic tank inspection
- Drainfield inspection
- Septic tank repair
- Drainfield repair
- Lift station maintenance
- Residential and commercial septic tank pumping
- Residential and commercial septic tank cleaning
We provide septic, drainfield, and lift station services in and around Lakeland, including Winter Haven, Plant City, and more.
Scheduling a septic repair with Septic and Drainfield Depot is a simple, four-step process:
- Call us.
- Get a free estimate on an inspection.
- Schedule a time for the inspection.
- Make an appointment for the repair if it cannot be completed on the same day.
Most importantly, Septic and Drainfield Depot guarantees your satisfaction. We are committed to upholding our exceptional reputation as one of Lakeland and central Florida’s top septic contractors, and we look forward to having you join our list of satisfied customers.
