"The technician emptied the freezer, which was in the basement, to work on the part that needed repair. Then he neglected to put anything back into the freezer, including a turkey I had bought for Christmas and a rack of ribs. Two days after he left, I went out of town for two weeks. The turkey actually exploded and spewed its liquid all over everything, which had to be discarded. I let AHS know and they couldn't even bother to call me or follow up on this. I'm considering not renewing my contract with them because of the quality (or lack thereof) of many of the providers they send."
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.
The main difference between a mound septic system and a conventional one is that the drain field in a mound system is built up into a mound composed of sand and gravel to increase the filtration time the wastewater sees before it is returned to the aquifer. There’s also a significant cost difference, with mound systems typically costing far more than standard septic systems.
A leaking well pipe is quite different from if the well itself is leaking. To seal a leaking well, pour a cement mixture or bentonite into the space between the well casing and the borehole wall. The heavier cement collects at the bottom to form a solid seal, pushing lighter materials like mud and fluids up toward the surface. Professional well installation companies have the equipment to do this properly.
DIY is not recommended due to safety and technical requirements. Hire professionals for accurate diagnosis and repair.
Common signs that your well pump is failing include fluctuating or consistently poor water pressure, sputtering water from faucets, or a complete loss of water. Other indicators are unusual noises coming from the pump, the pump running continuously, dirty or cloudy water, or a sudden, unexplained spike in your utility bills. While some issues, especially after a power outage, might be resolved by simply restarting the power or priming the pump, persistent problems suggest a more serious issue. If you notice any of these red flags, it is recommended to call a professional well pump service to inspect the system and determine whether it needs to be repaired or replaced.
The Stephen, MN homeowners’ guide to septic tank services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
A damaged septic system can leak odors and sewage, so repairs are urgent. Find out how much septic tank repair costs based on repair type, tank size, and more.
It’s crucial to install a septic tank with the right volume to avoid wastewater backups. This guide will help you calculate the right septic tank volume.
Septic tank sizes vary depending on the size of your home, how many people live there, how much water you use, and more. Read on to learn how to determine the right size for you.
