Upgrading Your Septic System: When and How to Do It

When Should You Upgrade Your Septic System?

Here are some clear signs that it might be time for an upgrade:

Frequent Septic Tank Pumping

Calling a septic company more often than usual for septic tank pumping might signal your system isn’t functioning correctly. Most septic systems need to be pumped every 3 to 5 years, but if you're doing it more often, something is probably wrong. The tank may be too small for your household's needs, or the drain field may be clogged or worn out.

Bad Odors

Do you notice unpleasant smells coming from your drains or yard? When the system is overloaded or fails, waste can leak into the soil, which smells terrible and harms your health. If you smell something off, it’s time to call a septic company to evaluate your system. Depending on the issue, septic tank repair or installation might be needed.

Slow Drains and Backups

If water in your sinks, toilets, or bathtubs drains slowly, this could mean your septic system is overwhelmed. Worse, if sewage backs up into your home, that’s a serious issue. Slow drains and backups often indicate that the system needs more than just septic tank cleaning—it may need a complete upgrade. If cleaning doesn’t fix the problem, a new septic tank installation might be the best solution.

Pooling Water in Your Yard

When the septic system fails, wastewater can seep into your yard, creating pools of water or soggy patches. If you notice this, especially after septic tank pumping, the drain field isn’t absorbing water as it should. In this case, you must talk to a septic company about upgrading your system.

Your System is Old

Most septic systems are designed to last 20 to 30 years with proper care. If your system is approaching that age, it’s a good idea to start planning for an upgrade, even if it isn’t showing signs of failure yet. Older systems are more likely to develop problems that require septic tank repair or replacement. In some cases, a complete septic tank installation may be the best way to ensure your system continues functioning for years.

How to Upgrade Your Septic System

If you’ve noticed any of the signs above, or if your septic system is simply getting old, it’s time to think about an upgrade.

Step 1: Contact a Septic Company

You’ll first want to contact a trusted septic company in your area. Whether you need a minor septic tank repair or a complete installation, the professionals have the knowledge and tools to handle it. Make sure to choose a septic company with experience and good customer reviews so you can be confident the job will be done right.

Step 2: Get a Septic System Inspection

You'll need to inspect your system before any work is done. The septic company will check your tank, pipes, and drain field to see what condition everything is in. After the inspection, they can tell you whether your system needs a good septic tank cleaning, repair, or total replacement.

Step 3: Decide on the Best Solution

Once you have the inspection results, you and the septic company will discuss the best solution. If the system is in decent shape but needs minor fixes, septic tank repair may be all you need. You’ll likely need a new septic tank installation if the system is beyond repair.

Step 4: Plan the Work

After deciding on the right solution, the septic company will work with you to plan the upgrade. The work may only take a day or two if it's a simple repair. If it’s a complete septic tank installation, the process can take longer, especially if the drain field needs to be replaced.

Step 5: Maintain Your New System

Once your septic system has been upgraded, proper care is essential so it lasts as long as possible. Schedule pumping every 3 to 5 years, depending on your household’s water usage. You’ll also want to be careful about what goes down your drains. Avoid flushing non-biodegradable items or pouring grease down the sink, as these can clog the system and lead to the need for septic tank repair.

Septic Blue of Orlando

Upgrading your septic system might seem like a big task, but it doesn't have to be stressful with the correct information and help from Septic Blue of Orlando. Whether dealing with slow drains, foul odors, or an aging system, upgrading your septic system can prevent more significant problems.