Get matched with top septic tank pros in Sheldon, IA

There should be a red button or an on/off switch on or in your box. Press the button or flip the switch, then turn it back on by doing the same action again. If this doesn’t work, reset the breakers inside the box by flipping them off and back on again. After this, your alarm should stay off if there’s nothing wrong with your system. However, if the alarm is still sounding and there’s still a red light on, it’s time to call a pro for a diagnosis.

You can check your own septic tank, but take precautions. Locate the access lid, usually buried a few inches underground, and remove it carefully. Look for the sludge and scum levels, and if they’re high, that means pumping may be necessary. Check for odors, slow drains, or pooling water around the drain field, which could indicate issues. Never enter the tank, as toxic gases can be fatal. All of that being said, a professional inspection is safer and more thorough.

There are a couple of ways you can determine the depth of your well. One method is to use a device called a well sounder. This tool has a long measuring tape containing a sensor to alert you once the end reaches the water. 

Or you can DIY it by using a long tape measure with a half-filled bottle of water attached to it. Lower the tape measure into your well. Once you feel tension on the tape, you’ll know the bottle has reached your static water level. This will give you an approximate idea of your well’s depth.

The lifespan of your well casing depends mainly on the material it’s made from. Stainless steel and galvanized steel casings are designed to withstand the pressures and environment of deep-water wells but are susceptible to corrosion. Most steel casings last from 20 to 35 years, on average. PVC casing is highly durable and, if used correctly, can last up to 50 years.