Superior Plumbing & Heating performs numerous services for residential households and commercial locations across rural areas of Chatham. In particular, we have vast and robust experience in maintaining septic systems of any kind. If you assume that your septic tank requires repairs or replacement – call us now, and let’s sort out the situation together.

What are the signs of a septic tank malfunction?

Septic systems are primarily complicated and rather expensive, but at the same time durable and long-lasting. With proper maintenance, your septic system shall not bother you for 20 to 30 years. Unfortunately, emergencies and unexpected troubles happen from time to time, like with any other fixtures and appliance. When the problem comes up, it is critically important to determine its origin and figure out a plan for further actions.

If we separate the wheat from the chaff, it could be stated that the only reason for urgent replacement is a tank crack. A damaged tank will unavoidably drain your waste into the soil before the digestion happens, polluting the groundwater, and that’s no joke.

The common signs that your septic tank is damaged critically are the damp spots and foul odour in your tank location area. Fast-growing and greener grass can also be considered as a reason for concern.

How to prevent your tank from cracking

  • If you are planning a septic tank replacement and have no wish to return to this process in the near future, choosing the modern fibreglass tank is recommended instead of old concrete or cheap plastic ones. This material is much less prone to damage and will definitely last longer than analogs.
  • Avoid heavy machinery impact. Mark your tank location and do not allow heavy trucks or other vehicles to cross it.
  • Pump the sludge layer regularly. As your septic tank is functioning, it breaks the wastewater into two fractions – solid and liquid. The liquid part travels to the leach field and is drained into the soil, while solid waste drowns to the bottom of the tank and forms a sludge layer. This waste should be removed once in a couple of years (depending on your tank and your family size). If you let the layer grow, it will increase the pressure inside the tank, reduce its pass-through capacity and lead to leaking.

How much does the septic tank replacement cost

There are too many different septic systems technologies and septic tank materials and sizes to state the firm figure on the costs. However, our experience tells us that replacement may probably cost you from 10 to 30 thousand on average.

To conclude the exact estimate, it is necessary to arrange an appointment with a licensed plumber at your location to pre-inspect the whole system and determine what kinds of tanks are suitable.

You also shall not forget to get a permit for septic tank replacement before proceeding to the plumbing works.

Septic tank alternatives – does it worth it?

Septic systems are being used in case there’s no opportunity to connect the household with the municipal sewer line. The only existing alternative for them is their predecessors – the cesspools. But that obsolete technology can hardly be called an alternative to septic systems – it’s a rudiment.

If you construct a new dwelling in a rural area with no reach for the main sewer line – a septic system is your only appropriate option.

So if you have decided to replace your septic tank, we will be pleased to help you. Contact our phone support experts to receive a consultation on the subject and get the job done nice and clean!