If you have a septic tank for your home, you’re one of just 21 million Americans who use this powerful sewage disposal system.
Out of sight and relatively easy to maintain, septic tanks are great options that allow you to discreetly and naturally process sewage from your home.
But because they’re almost invisible, small problems can fester and become emergencies quickly.
Learning to identify the signs of a tank that needs to be pumped is a crucial part of using a septic system. But what can you look for, and why is a full septic tank such a big deal?
Below, we break down everything you need to know about keeping your septic tank system healthy. Keep reading for six signs that it’s time for septic tank pumping services that you should never ignore.
Table of Contents
How Does A Septic Tank Work?
Your septic tank works by collecting and naturally processing the sewage from your home.
After waste from toilets, sinks, and drains enter the tank, they separate. The solids will sink to the bottom, while the liquids will sit on the top.
As time goes on, bacteria and microbes purify and break down the waste. As the liquid is processed, it passes into a secondary tank and eventually into the drain field.
Here, the liquid waste and continue to be broken down and distributed in the soil. Once in the soil, more bacteria and microbes will complete the purification process.
Why Do You Need Septic Tank Pumping Services?
Over time, the solids in your tank will build up. This means that eventually, your tank will become full or close to full.
When this happens, it’s important to have your septic tank pumped right away. If solids are allowed to accumulate for too long, you can quickly face septic emergencies.
If a septic tank is left unpumped for too long, sewage can begin to back up into your home. This is worse than just a clogged toilet, and the clean-up process can be frustrating. Imagine sewage water filling your tub or kitchen sink!
What’s worse is the possibility that a clogged tank can damage your drain field. Solids can be fatal to drain fields, and the cost to replace one runs in the thousands of dollars.
So if you want to keep your septic system functioning and save yourself time and money, regular pumping is the easiest solution. Let’s take a look at some common signs that you need to have your septic system pumped right away.
Sewage Smells
As your tank fills up, there is less room for the gasses that naturally accumulate there. Because of this, sewage odors can travel into your home through drains and the toilet.
A healthy septic system shouldn’t smell, either outside in your home. So, a foul odor can also be an indication that sewage may in backing up into your home soon.
Standing Water
If you see pooling water in the area of your septic tank, and it’s not from rain, it’s time to call your septic pumping company.
Standing water is an indication that your septic system has become overwhelmed and that sewage may be on its way into your home.
It can also be a sign that your drain field is not functioning properly, which can quickly turn into an emergency situation.
Slow Drains
Everyone deals with a slow drain once in a while. Kitchen scraps, hair, and toilet clogs are common household problems.
But if you’re experiencing slow drains all over your home that don’t respond to normal measures, it’s time to get your septic tank inspected.
Slow drains are a big sign that your tank is having trouble accepting more waste and that it’s becoming too full of solids.
Green, Spongey Grass
Lush grass is nice, but grass that seems to be far greener and spongey than the rest of your yard isn’t.
While your grass may be enjoying the extra fertilizer from a failing drain field, it can spell disaster for your septic system.
If you see very green grass, especially over your drain field, it’s time to get your septic tank inspected.
You Hear Gurgling Noises Often
A struggling septic tank can cause gurgling sounds to emit from your drains and sinks. This can be a sign of building clogs or that your tank is becoming overwhelmed.
Either way, it’s important that your contact your provider so they can diagnose and fix the problem.
You Don’t Know the Last Time Your Tank Was Inspected
If you buy a home that doesn’t come with a septic record, you should schedule an inspection as soon as possible.
You should also do so if you can’t remember the last time your tank was inspected, especially if it’s been at least two years.
While you may not feeling like paying a couple of hundred dollars to have your tank serviced, the alternative is repairs and replacements in the tens of thousands.
Don’t Ignore the Signs of a Clogged Septic Tank
When it comes to your septic system, it pays to be proactive. A clogged septic tank isn’t just another home project; it’s something that needs to be fixed as soon as possible.
To keep your septic tank maintained and your home healthy, it’s important to know the signs of a tank experiencing problems. Keep an eye out for these unmistakable signs, and contact your provider as soon as you can for septic tank pumping services.
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