The Impact of Soil pH on Septic System Functionality

Aug 14, 2024

The Impact of Soil pH on Septic System Functionality

You might not realize it, but your soil's pH level significantly impacts your septic system's performance. As septic system experts, we know that an imbalanced pH can lead to serious problems.

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At Septic Blue of Charlotte, we are renowned for offering quality septic services. From septic tank repair to drain field replacement and septic inspections, we do it all. Today, we’ll explore how your soil’s pH impacts the performance of your septic system.

How Can Soil pH Affect Your Septic System’s Functionality

  • Microbial activity

Drain fields are teeming with microbes, which are responsible for breaking down wastewater for easier absorption. An optimal pH level promotes healthy bacteria growth to ensure efficient treatment. Extreme pH levels can disrupt the delicate balance of these microbes, thereby causing a wide range of problems. Our experts recommend keeping the soil pH between 6.5 and 7.5.

  • Soil structure

The best soil for a drain field is loamy soil, as it provides excellent drainage and absorption. However, even with the best soil conditions, maintaining an optimal pH level is essential for a septic system to function efficiently and reliably. If your drain field soil is too acidic or too alkaline, it can alter the soil structure and impact its ability to filter wastewater.

Signs You Need to Call a Septic Company to Check Your Soil’s pH

  • Puddles around the drain field

If you’ve noticed blackish water puddling around the drain field when it hasn’t rained recently, this is a strong indication of drain field failure. The presence of pools of wastewater on the surface means the drain field is overwhelmed and unable to process wastewater. It’s advisable to schedule a drain field inspection with a reputable septic company to prevent more costly problems.

  • Sewage odors coming from the drain field

Have you noticed unpleasant odors emanating from the drain field or septic tank area? It is because something has gone wrong with the drain field. There’s a good chance wastewater can’t disperse properly, causing the release of unpleasant odors.

  • Slow drains

While slow-draining fixtures could result from a sewer line clog or a localized clog in the drain pipes, drain field issues might also be contributing to the problem. When a drain field is overwhelmed or failing, it can cause backups in the septic system. Our septic technicians recommend you schedule an inspection as soon as you notice the problem to prevent water damage. The experts may recommend septic tank cleaning if the tank is full of sludge or scum.

  • Well water contamination

A failing drain field can contaminate well water by allowing untreated wastewater to seep into the groundwater, which is the source of many private wells. It’s recommended to test your well water annually for contaminants. It’s also a good idea to schedule regular septic tank pumping and inspections to keep your septic system in tip-top shape and prevent contamination.

If you’ve noticed any of these issues, do not hesitate to contact experts specializing in drain field repair and septic tank repair for an inspection. Addressing these problems as soon as you notice them can prevent septic failure and save you money.

Professional Septic Services

Septic Blue of Charlotte is a top-rated septic company providing a comprehensive range of septic services to residential and commercial customers. If you’re ready for your drain field repair or septic tank installation, we are one phone call away. Our septic technicians will go the extra mile to exceed our customers’ expectations.