If you are a homeowner, chances are your septic tank is one of the most important parts of your home. It is also something that you don’t want to think about too often.
But even if it is not on your mind, there are certain warning signs that may indicate a problem with your septic tank and if it needs emptying sooner than later.
If you are not sure how to tell when your septic tank needs emptying, don’t worry! There are a few common signs that you can identify easily from your home. You just need to know what to look for.
Top 5 Signs Your Septic Tank Needs Emptying
Your septic tank is a vital component of your home, and it needs to be checked regularly for any signs that it may need emptying.
If you notice these tell-tale signs, then chances are good that your septic system is in need of attention. It is not always as obvious as an overflowing septic tank! Here are some of the most common warning signs that you have a full septic tank:
Your Drains Are Taking Forever
When you flush the toilet, is it taking longer than usual for your drains to move (slow drains)? Or do you have difficulty flushing? If this is consistent with all of your toilets and sinks in your house, not just one toilet, then it is likely more than just a clog.
Sluggish drains are one of the earlier indicators of a septic issue. Try using a septic-friendly drain cleaner. If that does not change anything and you notice everything is still draining slowly, chances are your septic tank is full. Give us a call.
Standing Water Over Your Septic Tank
Is there water pooled up over your septic tank? Pooling water is a telltale sign that your septic tank needs to be pumped. The excess water has nowhere else to go, so it pools in your yard.
A similar problem to look out for is the health of your lawn. If water is pooling out of your septic tank, you might notice the grass over your septic tank looks especially healthy. Perhaps you’ve noticed excess weeds or flowers growing out from the area. This is because of the extra water and nutrients feeding your lawn in this spot. This can happen prior to the water pooling.
Bad Smells Coming From Your Yard
Have you noticed any foul odors lately? Check if they are coming from your yard, specifically your drain field. You may be smelling sewage water! If you do get a whiff of sewage smell, give us a call for a septic tank inspection. Such a smell usually occurs when your septic tank is full. e
You Hear Gurgling Water
Gurgling water can be a warning sign of a backup waiting to happen. If you hear gurgling water sounds coming from your pipes, it could be a sign that your tank is getting backed up and needs to be emptied.
You Have A Sewage Backup
Sewage backing up can be a homeowner’s worst nightmare. If you have a sewage backup, then it is because your tank has not been emptied.
This happens when your waste water is struggling to drain away from home. If the wastewater makes its way to your home, it can come up through toilets, sinks, or even your shower.
Sewage backups are caused by blockages. Septic tanks can get blocked with too much food waste. Cooking grease, meat fats, oils, or other foods can accumulate at the bottom of the tank and cause blockages. Flushing the wrong items down your toilet, like feminine hygiene products or cat litter, can also result in a septic blockage.
We can detect blockages during routine septic maintenance. We can remove build-up during septic tank cleaning.
Read More:
How Do You Clean Out Your Septic Tank
How long will a septic tank last
Atlanta’s #1 Trusted Septic Company
The Original Plumber & Septic services Northern Georgia’s Atlanta metro area. We provide commercial and residential plumbing services. Our regular septic tank maintenance services can help you prevent costly issues down the road.
Our services include everything from drain cleaning to sewer line repair so we can take care of all your needs at once! We know what to look for and can help you avoid any unnecessary repairs or costs related to your tank.
If you need your septic tank pumped, you can rely on our licensed and insured septic team to take care of the job. We value integrity and honesty, so we provide upfront pricing so you don’t have any surprises. Contact us today if you need your septic tank emptied or for any of your septic system needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should you empty your septic tank?
We recommend scheduling routine septic tank pumping every three to five years. This is the standard set by the Environmental Protection Agency.
You may need to have your septic tank pumped more frequently depending on the size of your tank or if you use a garbage disposal.
Not only will this service help keep your septic tank clean and healthy, but can help us detect any issues before they become a major problem.
Keeping a schedule can help you determine when your tank needs to be emptied. You may not even see any of the above warning signs if you are able to determine proper emptying intervals.
If you just moved into the home and the previous homeowners don’t provide much information about your septic system, give us a call for our septic system inspection service. During an inspection, our team will examine the entire septic system. We can help you determine everything you need to know and let you know if you need maintenance.
What happens if you don’t empty your septic tank?
If you do not empty your septic tank, your waste will eventually begin to overwhelm your septic system. Solids build up over time, and your tank can only hold so much. This puts you at risk of a sewage backup.
Do all septic tanks need emptying?
No matter which type of septic system you use, you should have your tank emptied every three to five years. Septic tanks are designed to have heavier solids settle at the bottom of the tank. If this sludge layer gets too high, then the solid waste will make its way into your drain field or leach field. This can cause clogs, which then prevent the liquid from filtering into the drain field.
