Living in rural Maine comes with many perks – fresh air, privacy, and space to spread out. But it also comes with the responsibility of maintaining your own septic system. Failing to properly maintain your septic system can lead to major headaches, from bad odors to expensive repairs. That’s why regular septic inspections are so important for homeowners in the Lewiston area.

Why Septic Systems Matter

For homes not connected to city sewer lines, the septic system serves as the wastewater treatment system. All drains in the home connect to the septic tank, which provides primary treatment of the wastewater. The liquid effluent then drains from the tank to the leach field, or drain field, where it percolates into the soil and receives additional treatment and filtering.

When working properly, septic systems effectively treat household wastewater and return clean water to the environment. But when septic systems fail, they can become a source of pollution in lakes, rivers, and groundwater. Other problems include:

• Raw sewage surfacing in the yard
• Foul odors around the home
• Plumbing backups into the home
• Expensive repairs and replacement costs

By having your septic system inspected and pumped regularly, you can prevent failures and keep your home environment healthy.

How Often Should Inspections Occur?

Septic systems should be inspected at least every 3 years, according to the EPA. Annual inspections are recommended for older systems or systems with a history of problems.

In general, you should plan to have your septic tank pumped every 3-5 years. Systems that get heavy use may need to be pumped more frequently, while systems serving a single-family home may go 5-7 years between pump-outs.

Septic inspections and pumping schedules will depend on factors like:

• Age of the system
• Tank size vs household occupancy
• Volume of solids in the tank
• Type of system
• Water usage patterns

A qualified Septic Inspection Lewiston Maine specialist can assess your individual system and recommend an appropriate inspection and pumping schedule.

What Happens During a Septic Inspection?

A thorough septic inspection involves several checks to evaluate the health and performance of your system. The inspection should include:

Visual Checks

• Checking for signs of backups or surfacing sewage
• Looking for mushy areas or excessive green grass growth over the drain field
• Inspecting tanks and piping for leaks or cracks

Remaining Sludge/Scum Levels

• Measuring sludge and scum layer thickness inside the tank
• Checking the bottom of the outlet tee for submergence in solids
• Assessing if tank needs to be pumped based on solids accumulation

Bacteria Levels

• Taking effluent samples from the tank outlet to test for fecal coliform bacteria
• Elevated bacteria indicates the soil absorption system is overloaded

Drain Field Evaluation

• Probing the drain field to check for soggy soil or ponding water issues
• Dye tracing test to confirm distribution piping is functioning

The results of the inspection should be summarized in a written septic evaluation report. If any issues are discovered, the inspector can recommend corrective actions.

Why Professional Septic Inspections Are Worthwhile

While homeowners can conduct visual checks themselves, hiring a professional inspector for periodic septic system check-ups is highly recommended.

Specialized training and equipment allow septic professionals to conduct thorough inspections. For example, they can use remote camera systems to visually examine the interior components of the tank and pipes.

Professional inspectors like Septic Inspection Lewiston Maine also have the expertise to accurately identify any issues and suggest appropriate repairs if needed. Trying to diagnose and fix septic problems on your own without proper training can lead to delays, additional costs, and potential system failures.

Other key benefits of professional septic inspections include:

• Help avoid serious failures leading to costly repairs
• Extend the lifespan of the system through preventative maintenance
• Reduce the risk of sewage backups, contamination, and foul odors
• Provide documentation of system status for real estate transactions
• Help homeowners budget and plan for future septic expenses

While professional septic inspections require an upfront cost every few years, they provide invaluable preventative care for one of the most vital systems in your home. By keeping tabs on your septic system before problems mushroom, you can maintain a healthy household environment for your family – and keep thousands of dollars in emergency repairs at bay.

Signs It’s Time to Call for Septic Help

While professional inspections every 3-5 years are ideal, it’s also important for homeowners to monitor their septic systems in between visits. Call a septic specialist right away if you notice any of the following warning signs:

• Slow draining sinks, tubs or toilets
• Gurgling sounds from the plumbing
• Plumbing backups and clogs
• Patchy areas of lush, bright green grass over the drain field
• Standing water or soggy soil around the septic tank or drain field
• Strong sewage odors around the house or yard
• Visible surfacing of sewage on the ground

Catching minor septic issues quickly before they mushroom into major ones is the key to extending system lifespan and avoiding costly repairs. Never ignore symptoms that your septic system needs help. The specialists at Septic Inspection Lewiston Maine can troubleshoot any problems you’re experiencing and recommend solutions to restore normal operation.

Septic Pumping Tips

When it’s time to pump the septic tank based on an inspection, be sure to follow these tips for smooth service:

• Ask ahead what the pumping fee covers – some companies charge extra for full solids removal or add-on services like tank treatments. Get an all-inclusive written quote.
• Keep the tank access lids clear and accessible for the pump truck. Remove any shrubs or debris on top of the lids.
• Allow ample room for the pump truck to park close to the tank. Keep gates unlocked and pets indoors.
• Limit water use in the home on the day of pumping to allow the tank to be pumped down fully.
• After pumping, watch for signs of any issues like leaks in the piping connections. Make sure lids are securely resealed.
• Consider having the drain field flushed or rest treatments applied after the tank is emptied.

Following professional recommendations for pumping frequency and proper procedures is crucial for maximizing your septic system’s service life. Don’t take chances with do-it-yourself septic fixes. Leave it to the experts like Septic Inspection Lewiston Maine to keep your system running properly year after year.

Septic System Replacement Considerations

If your septic inspection reveals that your system is no longer adequately treating wastewater and repairs aren’t feasible, it may be time for a full replacement. Installing a brand new septic system is a major project, but it may be your only option to restore safe wastewater treatment for your home and protect the environment.

Here are some key factors to consider if faced with replacing your entire septic system:

Seek Input from Experts

Consult with septic specialists like Septic Inspection Lewiston Maine first before proceeding with replacement plans. Make sure you understand why your current system is failing and ask for a written evaluation. Get professional input on replacement options that will properly fit your property and needs.

Evaluate Installation Costs
Replacing the entire septic system for a home comes with a big price tag, often costing $5,000 to $20,000 or more. Get quotes from at least 3 reputable septic contractors and plan your budget accordingly. Also factor in permit fees and costs for any site preparations.

Look into Permit Requirements

In most cases, you’ll need approval and a permit from either local municipal offices or state environmental agencies before you can install a new septic system. This process can take weeks or months, so plan accordingly.

Decide on a Septic Design
You’ll need to work with experts to design a new septic system for your property. Key choices include the number of drainage lines, placement, and whether to install an advanced treatment system. Make sure the design accounts for factors like soil conditions, drainage, and local codes.

Leave Installation to the Pros
Proper septic system installation requires specialized heavy equipment and expertise. Have an experienced septic contractor handle all excavation, installation, inspection, and commissioning when putting in a new wastewater treatment system for your home.

Maintain Your Septic Safely

With proper care and maintenance, a septic system can reliably serve your home for decades. Follow these homeowner tips:

• Inspect the tank annually and pump it on schedule
• Avoid pouring harsh chemicals down drains
• Use water efficiently and repair any leaks
• Keep heavy objects off the drain field area
• Don’t drive or park vehicles on the drain field
• Plant only grass over and near the drain field

By taking care of your septic system, it will take care of your home’s wastewater needs for the long haul. Let the experts at Septic Inspection Lewiston Maine help maintain your system so it works properly for years to come.

Conclusion

Regular septic system inspections and maintenance, performed by qualified professionals like Septic Inspection Lewiston Maine, are absolutely essential for protecting your home’s environment and avoiding costly repair bills. Don’t take chances with your septic tank – make professional inspections a priority every 3 years or as recommended. Catching small problems quickly before they escalate into major headaches down the road is the smartest way to get long, trouble-free performance from your septic system.