Is Your Septic Tank Lid Broken?
It is a crucial question- is your septic tank lid broken? Your answer is probably, “I don’t know.” If it is, it is a hazard that must be dealt with immediately.
How Can I Tell If My Septic Tank Lid Is Broken?
Here are some of the signs that indicate a broken septic tank lid:
Strange Sounds
If you hear gurgling sounds or other noises from your pipes, this could indicate a problem with your septic system, including a broken lid.
Foul Smell
One of the most obvious signs of a broken septic tank lid is a foul smell around your property, especially near the septic tank. The scent is what you would expect, like sewage or rotten eggs.
Pooling Sewage
If sewage is pooling around the area of your septic tank, this is a clear sign your septic tank’s lid is broken or not sealed correctly. Pooling sewage is a biohazard, be sure to keep family and pets away from the area until a professional septic service has performed repairs and sewage on the ground has been removed.
Unusually Healthy Grass
The title of Erma Bombeck’s book is “The Grass is Always Greener Over the Septic Tank,” while she was referring to an incident where the wrong area was dug up, there is truth in the statement. If the grass or plants over your septic tank are significantly greener or healthier-looking than the rest of your yard, this could indicate that wastewater is leaking from your septic system, possibly due to a broken lid.
Sewage Backup
If you notice sewage backing up into your drains or toilets, this could suggest a severe issue with your septic system, including a broken or improperly sealed lid.
Ground Depressions
If the ground above your septic tank is sinking or has depressions, it may be due to a broken septic tank lid that is not properly supporting the earth above it.
What Do I Do About a Broken Septic Tank Lid?
If you suspect your septic tank lid is broken, it’s vital to get it fixed by a professional septic service as soon as possible; they will inspect it to determine if your septic tank’s lid is broken. The inspection will involve locating the septic tank, then the lid, and assessing the damage. The septic techs will check for cracks, signs of wear and tear, and structural integrity issues. They might also look for signs of previous repairs that may have compromised the septic tank lid. Once the septic techs determine the lid is indeed broken, they will recommend a course of action, either a repair or a replacement, depending on the severity of the damage.
If a repair can be made, the septic techs will use industrial-grade sealants and other materials to fix the cracks or holes. They will ensure the repair provides a tight, secure seal to prevent leaks or children or pets falling into the septic tank. The area surrounding the lid will also be inspected to ensure that the ground surface does not direct runoff water toward the lid, which could cause future damage. If the damage is too extensive or the lid has reached the end of its lifespan, a replacement will be the most viable option. The septic techs will carefully remove the damaged lid to prevent the septic tank from shifting. They will then fit a new lid, ensuring it is securely fastened and sealed in order to avoid leakage and odors.
The new lid’s integrity will be checked and fit by performing pressure tests, ensuring it is adequately sealed and safe. They’ll make sure the lid is easy to locate and access for future inspections and maintenance. A good septic service will also comply with applicable regulations and codes, with which they should understand and have experience. Once the repair or replacement is completed, the area will be cleaned up, and any landscaping disturbed during the process will be restored as much as possible.
Lakeland Septic Can Determine if Your Septic Tank’s Lid is Broken
If you see any of the signs your septic tank’s lid is broken, call us- In the Polk County area at 863-738-0504 or fill out our easy contact form. It is a hazardous situation that needs to be dealt with immediately. One of our septic system experts will set up a time for our septic techs to inspect your septic tank’s lid. A damaged septic tank lid can’t be ignored; get in touch right away.