Septic tanks keep the waste that comes through your pipes safe and contained. When you buy and install one, you need to choose a size that’s appropriate for your household and family unit. Tanks show some common signs when they’re running out of room. We’ll help you identify the warning signs your septic tank needs pumping so that you know when it’s time to give the professionals a call.

Slow Pipes

Slow pipes are one of the common signs your tank is nearing its capacity. When the tank has a lot of free space, water quickly moves when you flush the toilet or send it down the drain. As it fills, it forces some of the liquid and other waste back up. Even if the pipe doesn’t clog, it will come across obstacles that slow it down. There’s also a chance raw sewage will back up through the pipes.

Yard Puddles

Septic tanks shouldn’t overfill into your yard. When they’re too full though, they can. The water sent down the line needs to go somewhere. Your tank may release sewage and other waste along with clean water. A common sign this happened is when you see puddles around your yard when it didn’t rain recently. If you get close, you may smell a raw sewage odor coming off the water.

Green Spots

A septic tank that’s too full can also release waste around different parts of your yard. Many of the substances in the tank nourish your yard. You may find spots that are lush and a vibrant shade of green, along with other spots that don’t look quite as lush. It’s possible for the waste to kill parts of your lawn and leave behind dead or dying spots, too.

Gurgling Sounds

Listen for gurgling sounds if you think your septic tank needs pumping. These sounds often come from the toilet when you flush it and the pipes in your showers or tubs when you use them. They let you know that there’s some type of obstruction in the pipe that keeps the waste from moving.

Flushing Is Hard

Another sign you might notice is a toilet that either won’t flush or takes a lot of effort to flush. A full or almost full septic tank can’t collect anything you flush. Many homeowners notice that the water line inside their toilet rises and drops almost every time they use it. Others see water slowly filling back up inside the bowl, which can eventually spill over onto the floor.

Depending on the size of the tank and the number of people in your family, you’ll need to pump it every three years up to every five years. If you can’t remember the last time you tackled yours, call The Original Plumber in Atlanta, GA to schedule septic tank pumping today.