Signs Your Septic Tank Needs Pumping

Every time you successfully flush your toilet or use the sink, you should be glad that your septic tank is in good condition. Your septic tank is an essential part of your home's plumbing system as it processes all the wastewater to keep your home clean and protect the environment.  

However, if you want your septic tank to serve you well for a long time, you need to perform some fundamental maintenance actions like cleaning and pumping. Below are some signs to look out for if you are unsure of when to pump your septic tank.

Slow or Clogged Drains

If your septic tank is full or blocked, water from your sinks and showers will not drain as fast as it should. In most cases, the wastewater will pool where it was dispensed, which can be irritating if you frequently use your bathtub and sinks.

Sudden Changes in Your Lawn 

If your septic tank is full or the pipes are blocked, you may notice a pool of water on the ground above your septic tank. The grass close to your septic tank may also look healthier compared to other areas of your lawn — the lush patches of grass result from the extra nutrients and water in the soil below.

Foul Odor Indoors or Outdoors

Since your septic tank contains dirty water from different sources, you should expect it to have an unpleasant smell. However, the odor should remain in the tanks unless you have opened the lid.

When a septic tank is full, the pressure inside pushes gases out through your toilet and drains. The odor can also escape through the drain field, causing a sewage smell outdoors. Moreover, the smell can worsen if the sewage backs up through toilets and sinks.

Sewage Backup

Sewage backup happens when you have a full or blocked septic tank. The first sign that you have a sewage backup is a strong sewage smell coming from your drains. The sewage can also overflow from your sink and toilet, causing damage to your property. Due to the hazardous nature of the raw sewage water, you should call a sanitation professional immediately you notice any sign of sewage backup.

Gurgling Water Sounds

An overfull septic tank could be the reason why you hear gurgling sounds every time you flush your toilet or use your sink. Since your septic system operates at a specific pressure level, a full septic tank may affect the flow of gray water from the tank into the drainfield.  

The gurgling noises in your drains could also signify that a sewage backup is about to happen. Therefore, to avoid such catastrophes, you should not hesitate to call a septic expert when you hear these sounds.

If you want your septic tank to perform optimally, you must ensure that the sludge level at the bottom does not get too high. Therefore, depending on the size of your family and size of your septic tank, you should have your septic tank pumped at least every three years. You should also use the signs above to determine when your septic tank needs pumping.

At Southern Sanitary Systems Inc, we offer a wide range of septic tank services, so you don't have to look for multiple experts. Contact us today for help solving any of your septic tank problems, whether residential or commercial.