4 Signs You Need to Have Your Septic Tank Pumped

Read about four signs that will let you know when your septic tank needs to be pumped.

The most noticeable and most severe sign of an overfilled septic tank is sewage backing up into your home's drains. You are likely to notice this problem first in the lower bathrooms and sinks in your home, as these are closest to the tank. 

Sewage backup is a dangerous problem that you should never ignore. Septic tanks contain a wide variety of bacteria that can be hazardous to your health. You should contact a plumber immediately when you notice this problem and avoid trying to clean the backed up water yourself.

In some cases, a backed up septic tank may cause changes outside your home before changes begin inside. The drain field is an area below your lawn where liquid waste known as effluent is released to remove impurities in the tank and slow the rate at which it fills. If you see standing water in your lawn, the drain field is likely oversaturated and waste is floating to the surface. This occurs when the tank is overfilled and releasing more liquid than the drain field can support.

Even if you don't see water in your lawn, lush patches of grass can also be a sign of a backed up tank. This occurs when waste water has oversaturated the drain field but hasn't yet reached the surface. The water will linger in the soil under the surface, where it will fertilize the grass and cause accelerated growth in these areas.

An overfilled septic tank will eventually cause foul odors both inside and outside your home. If you notice a sewage smell from your drains, sewage may have backed up to pass the P-trap below the sink but hasn't yet exited the drain.

This is not a foolproof sign of septic problems, however, as plumbing clogs can also cause your drains to smell. Hire a plumber to inspect your plumbing for clogs before you conclude that your septic tank needs to be pumped.

Unlike drain smells, a foul odor in your lawn around the drain field can almost always be attributed to an overfilled tank. The only cause of this problem is an excess of waste escaping from the tank, even if you haven't yet noticed any visible changes in your lawn.

Make sure your septic tank is well-maintained before any problems develop. Keeping a record of how often your septic tank is pumped is the best way to ensure that it lasts for decades without issues. Likewise, neglecting your septic tank can greatly shorten its lifespan.

Exactly how often you should have your septic tank pumped will vary based on a number of factors. Larger septic tanks do not need to be pumped as often, and tanks made of certain materials will be more resistant to leaks from overfilling. If you have fewer people in your home, your septic tank will fill more slowly and will not require pumping as frequently.

Knowing the signs of a backed up septic tank is the best way to avoid expensive tank replacement and plumbing repairs. Contact us at Walters Environmental Services if you suspect a problem with your septic tank for a professional and cost-effective solution.