It's easy to tell when there's something wrong with your Austin home or facility. But how can you tell what's causing the problem? If your home, office complex, school, park or power plant uses an on-site sewage facility (OSSF), your septic tank may be malfunctioning.
Signs of Septic Problems
Odor. If you notice a strong sewage odor around the facility, it probably means the wastewater isn't where it's supposed to be.
Sewage Inside. If the refuse backs up inside the building, the septic tank needs tending.
Wet Spot Outside. If an area of the lawn is moist and odorous, the wastewater disposal is defecting.
Unusual Lawn Growth. If a particular area appears different from the rest of the yard, the wastewater disposal may be acting incorrectly.
Common Causes of OSSF Failure
Faulty OSSF Construction/Design. If it was designed or built badly to begin with, the septic system is bound to function improperly.
Too Much Water. When water usage increases, often due to extra people in the facility, it can overload the septic tank. This results in sewage backup or soppy lawns.
Inconsistent Operation. Austin requires septic systems be monitored with periodic operations. When a sewage plant isn't pumped on schedule, for example, the solid waste keeps the wastewater from the septic field.
Solid Waste. Putting solid substances into your home wastewater treatment system can damage your OSSF, making waste water removal difficult and possibly unsanitary. Diapers, cigarettes, grease, feminine hygiene products and dental floss are on the list of items which should never find themselves in your sewage system.
Many people don't realize an on-site wastewater treatment plant requires regular maintenance. First, the OSSF requires design; second, the septic tank's construction begins; finally, regular OSSF operations and maintenance will be required intermittently throughout the wastewater plant's life.
You need a professional to know which OSSF permits require updating, which repairs require permits and which operation procedures your particular sewage system requires. For on-site sewage construction, operation and repair in Austin and the surrounding area, contact Waste Water Solutions. The professionals at WWS will help you get your wastewater treatment and disposal on track.
