So, you’ve recently purchased a home – congratulations! Buying a new house is an exciting time in anyone’s life. Unfortunately, though, the process can also come with some unsuspected surprises, like finding an abandoned septic tank on your new property, for example.
If you discover an old septic system around your new yard, you’re probably feeling confused about what you need to. Well, luckily for you, All Septic & Sewer is here to help.
While some people might assume the best choice is to simply ignore the old tank, this isn’t always the safest option. Our team of septic system professionals will help you determine what steps need to be taken to protect your home and family from possible problems down the road.
Why Would You Find An Abandoned Septic Tank On Your Property?
The first question many people have after finding an abandoned septic tank is, “Why is this old tank here to begin with?”
It’s a good question.
After all, most people would assume that it would still be in use if there’s a tank on the property. That’s not always the case, though.
When a home receives a new septic tank or is allowed to hook up to a municipal water supply, the homeowner should have decommissioned the old tank. Unfortunately, though, there’s no way to prove whether this was done correctly without an inspection.
This is where qualified septic system companies like All Septic & Sewer come in. They can provide the services and information required to ensure everything has been handled correctly.
What’s Involved With Decommissioning A Septic Tank?
The first step in evaluating the condition of the abandoned septic tank on your property is scheduling an inspection. This will determine whether the tank still needs to be decommissioned or not. If this process was not handled previously, the best course of action is to take care of it yourself.
When septic tanks are left unused but still operable, it can lead to significant issues around your home, including sinkholes.
Thankfully, though, the decommissioning process doesn’t have to be as complicated as it might seem.
While some people will choose to have old tanks removed, this can be costly. In many circumstances, homeowners will elect to simply remove the tank from service and have it sealed off. This involves a six-step process:
- Your septic system technician will dig up the tank and remove its lid.
- Any remaining liquid inside the tank will be pumped out.
- The tank will then be filled with sand, gravel, or concrete.
- Your tech will seal off the lid.
- The soil in the tank’s area will be replaced.
- You will receive a certificate from your septic system company that proves they rendered the tank inoperable.
Can You Build Over A Decommissioned Septic Tank?
Even if you’ve gone through the steps of decommissioning your septic tank, it’s still not advisable to build over the area where the tank remains. For starters, it’s possible that methane gas and other toxins could still be in the area – even if all effluent was carefully pumped out of the tank.
You could also face problems with a weak foundation if the area wasn’t filled in properly. If this were the case, whatever you build would be at risk of sinking. In the event you really need to utilize this land, the best course of action is to remove your septic tank.
Understanding The Importance Of Handling An Old Septic Tank
When you’ve just moved into a new home, the last thing you probably want to do is deal with an abandoned septic tank. Regretfully, though, ignoring the problem is not the best decision.
Sure, there’s a chance you could never have any issues with the old tank. On the other hand, though, it could lead to significant property damage and complications for your family and home down the road. The only right choice is to figure out the state of the existing tank.
That’s where All Septic & Sewer come in.
Not only can our expert technicians evaluate the current condition of the abandoned tank, but we can help you handle any steps to guarantee the unit has been properly decommissioned.
Handling a septic tank that’s been left by previous homeowners is not something you want to be done incorrectly. If you want the trustworthy service you deserve, you won’t find a more reliable crew of septic system technicians than All Septic & Sewer.
Give us a call today at 888-541-6680 or fill out our online form to speak with one of our valued team members.
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