Is It Time To Pump Your Septic Tank?

Many residential properties rely on septic tanks to dispose of waste. While a septic system can be effective, you could find yourself in a predicament if you fail to pump out the septic tank when it approaches the fill level.

A septic tank that gets too full can cause raw sewage to back up into your home. Letting your septic tank get too full could also cause serious damage to your septic system, requiring costly repairs to restore the function of the system once again.

Learn to recognize the signs that your septic tank needs to be pumped so that you can better maintain your septic system in the future.

Pooling Water

Take a look at the area where your drainfield is located. When your septic system is functioning properly, wastewater remains underground and out of sight. If your septic tank is getting too full, solid waste particles can move from the tank into the drainfield pipes.

These solid particles can clog up the pipes and cause wastewater to collect on the surface of the drainfield. If you spot pooling water in the vicinity of your drainfield, it's time to have your septic tank pumped out.

Slow-Moving Drains

It's important to monitor the speed at which water and waste move through the drains in your home if you have a septic system. As waste levels in the tank rise, incoming waste has a harder time being processed into the tank. This results in a delay in drainage times.

If you have tried using a plunger or commercial drain cleaner to improve drain speed but your drains continue to move slowly, then it's probably time to contact a septic professional to service your septic tank.

Foul Odors

You can use your sense of smell to help you keep tabs on waste levels inside your septic tank. All of the wastewater in your home drains into the septic tank. This means that the tank will be filled with excrement, food particles, dirty laundry water, and other types of waste.

When wastewater accumulates, it can start to emit a foul odor. You will probably notice a foul smell outside your home in the vicinity of your septic tank or drainfield when it's time for your tank to be pumped out. 

Pumping out your septic tank before it gets too full can be a simple way to prevent a major sewage problem. Keep watch for pooling water, slow-moving drains, and foul odors so that you can schedule septic tank pumping services.

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