Whether it’s because it’s hidden out of sight or because it’s not the most pleasant thing to think about, the cesspool or septic system is the last thing on most homeowner’s minds. No one really wants to think of where everything goes after the toilet is flushed or the plug is pulled on the drain. However, a cesspool is actually a crucial component of a home. Though the system works unnoticed in the background most of the times, when it malfunctions or gets plugged, it starts to release a foul odor and even toxic fumes.

How do problems occur?

The reasons for the system failure can be many: you may have used more water than the system could handle, flushed large solid objects such as diapers and sanitary pads or thrown solid food particles down the sink. Over time, all of these things can start to build up and the drain pipes can get plugged. The excessive effluent water may also be unable to seep into the lower layers of the soil quickly enough – so it will start oozing out into the drain field instead.

How can you avoid potential problems with your septic system?

One of the best ways to prevent problems from happening is to have the system pumped every three to five years. Apart from regular cesspool pumping, regular inspection and maintenance are also important. This includes not using harsh chemicals or bleach when cleaning the toilet, bathtubs, and sinks, as the chemicals can damage or destroy the natural chemical compounds used to break down waste.

When problems do occur, it is best to call a professional plumber. An experienced plumber will use professional tools to inspect the drain pipes without creating any damage to the surrounding drain field. They usually use long snake pipes and specially designed cameras to check everything out and ensure that there is nothing blocking the free passage of effluents. They also check that there are no tree roots that are growing into the pipes causing them to crack and also blocking the path.

Should they discover any problems, a professional plumber will take immediate action to minimize the damage and restore the efficient functioning of the system.

With proper maintenance and inspection, you will be able to identify problems with your cesspool early on. This will help you fix those before they lead to your system’s failure, potentially saving you thousands of dollars in replacement cost.