Septic Tank Work in Pomona, CA, Requires a Special Skill Set

While not common, many homeowners in the Inland Valley area depend on a septic tank system to treat their home’s wastewater. When their septic tank systems develop problems, they call Hank & Sons Plumbing. The Pomona plumbing contractors at Hank & Sons Plumbing possess the special skill set and knowledge to address any septic tank problems.

How Do Septic Tank Systems Work?

In a septic tank system, wastewater flows out of the home through a main drainage pipe into the septic tank, a buried, watertight chamber specially designed to receive and treat wastewater. Bacteria in the septic tank digest the wastewater and waste materials. Heavier materials that can’t be digested sink to the bottom of the tank; oils, grease, and fats float to the top, forming a layer of scum.

The treated water is called effluent. The effluent exits the septic tank into the drainfield, a shallow, covered excavation next to the septic tank, where it is absorbed into the soil. Compartments and a T-shaped outlet prevent solid materials and scum from leaving the tank.

The effluent is filtered and dispersed as it percolates through the soil of the drainfield. Full of nutrients, the effluent provides excellent fertilizer for the soil.

Common Septic Tank Problems

Over time, septic tank systems can experience a variety of problems that affect their function and efficiency. These problems can be caused by:

• Excessive water use that oversaturates the soil in the drainfield
• Ground movement
• Root infiltration
• Collapsed baffles
• Lack of maintenance
• Nearby excavation work
• Hydrostatic pressure
• Age
• Using harmful cleaning products
• Improper installation
• Soil conditions

Warning Signs That There’s Something Wrong with Your Septic Tank

Some of the red flags that indicate your septic tank is in trouble include:

• Water and sewage are backing up into toilets, drains, and sinks.
• Slow-draining sinks, showers, and bathtubs.
• You smell the odors of raw sewage coming from your drains and septic tank.
• Gurgling sounds in your plumbing system.
• Standing water or wet spots above or near the septic tank location.
• Lush grass and vegetation growth around the septic tank, even in dry weather.
• Untreated wastewater from the septic tank is being discharged to the surface.

Regular Inspection and Maintenance is the Key to Avoiding Septic Tank Problems

Most septic tank problems are the result of misuse or poor maintenance. For instance, only human waste and toilet paper should be flushed down a toilet that empties into a septic tank. You should have your septic tank inspected every one to five years; maintenance includes pumping the tank every three to five years, or as needed.

Call Hank & Sons Plumbing When You Experience Septic Tank Problems

Hank & Sons Plumbing has been providing reliable, affordable plumbing services to home and business owners throughout the Pomona area since 1999. Our areas of expertise include septic tank system inspection, maintenance, and repairs. We can also replace and install a new septic tank system on your property.

Ignoring a septic tank problem could cause the entire system to fail. If you’re experiencing issues with your septic tank system, get in touch with Hank & Sons Plumbing ASAP. You can reach us by phone at 909-524-2906 or use our online contact form to schedule a service call from an experienced Pomona, CA, plumbing professional.