Signs That Your Septic Tank Needs To Be Pumped
If you own a home that has a septic tank rather than a connection to a local sewer system, it means that you are responsible for taking care of all the sewage within that tank. There will come a point where the tank needs to be emptied, and you'll need to determine when that time comes. Unfortunately, the tank is buried underground so you can't exactly look inside and check the sewage levels. That's why it helps to know the following signs of a full septic tank that needs to be pumped.
Wastewater Seepage
Check the ground around the drainfield where the septic tank is located. It's possible that your full tank is causing the drainfield to be overwhelmed with wastewater, which is causing it to seep upwards through the ground and create pooling on the grass. If you see this problem you definitely need to have your septic tank inspected. While it's possible the drainfield could need repair, it's also likely that the tank needs to be pumped because the wastewater has nowhere to go.
Inside Drain Problems
Pay attention to how the drains in your home work when you shower, flush toilets, or use your sinks. Do you notice the drains moving slower than how they typically drain water? This is a common problem associated with a full septic tank. The problem is that the water at the top is struggling to leave the tank faster than it is entering the tank, so you know it is nearing capacity.
Sewage Backup
A sewage backup is a clear indication that the tank is full. What is happening is all the wastewater flowing into the tank now has nowhere to go, potentially because the solid waste has filled up the bottom of the tank. The sewage is now flowing backward through your drains and coming up through sinks, showers, and toilets. Pumping the tank should fix the problem, but it also could be related to a damaged drainfield as well.
Bad Odors
You may start to smell a bad odor inside or outside your home. If you're outside, the odor is going to be near the drainfield because you now have solid waste entering the field due to having a full septic tank. If you're inside the home, it's because sewage is backing up, potentially getting into the water traps and allowing the odor to come up through drains. Pumping the tank will get the odors to go away.
For more information, contact a local company like Affordable Septic Service LLC.
Share