What septic repairs usually involve
Many septic problems come down to a few parts: a clogged or broken pipe between the house and the tank, a damaged baffle, a failed pump or float switch, a cracked lid or riser, or an air pump that's quit on an aerobic system. A provider can usually pin down the cause by checking the tank level, running water through the system, and sometimes running a camera down the line.
Repair vs. replacement
A single failed part is often a fairly quick fix. A failing drain field or a tank that's cracked and taking in groundwater can be a bigger job. Repairs that change the system usually need a permit. In Bell County, septic permits are handled by the Bell County Public Health District, and your provider should know what your job requires.
Signs you need a repair, not just a pumping
- Backups that come back soon after the tank was pumped
- An alarm that keeps returning
- Water standing over the tank or field when it hasn't rained
- Sewage odor that doesn't go away
- Pipes you can hear gurgling every time a toilet flushes
Questions to ask
- What exactly failed, and can you show me?
- Is this a repair or does it need a permit?
- What does the part and labor cost, and is there a warranty?
- Will this change my maintenance schedule?