It is important to have your septic tank pumped if it is full. The recommended duration between septic tank pumps is every three to five years. It depends on how quickly your tank fills up. Failing to pump the tank will leave you with an environmental nightmare because human waste is an environmental hazard. If you are overdue for a tank pump service. Call us right away.
1. Clogged Drains
If your drains clog easily or back up frequently, your septic tank is probably full. The tank stores water as well as waste and sludge. The water is released into the drain field, but this doesn’t happen right away. Your tank has water in it all the time. Consequently, this water can back up into the sinks and tubs.
2. Clogged Main Line
You will also have water and sewage back up out of the drains if your main line is clogged. If the septic tank is full, the waste will back up into the main line. In addition, new waste will be introduced into the main line. This can leave you with a clogged mess that regurgitates out of your household drains.
3. Pooling Water
If the ground above your septic tank is always wet, the tank is full. Water will pool around the septic tank if it is full. This can be water coming into the tank from the main line and/or water that is already in the tank. The pooling water will saturate the ground above the septic tank and create messy puddles.
4. Flora Overgrowth
Another sign that the septic tank is full is flora overgrowth above the tank. This can also be a sign that the drain field is leaking. The reason why you will have an overgrowth of grass, plants, and weeds above the tank is that the tank is leaking excess water and natural fertilizer, i.e., your waste from the toilet.
5. Sewage Odors
A full septic tank will also release sewage odors. You will smell them in your yard if the tank is overflowing. You will also smell them in your drains if the sewage is backing up through the main line. Do not ignore these odors. Have them inspected right away to avoid an environmental catastrophe.
6. You See Sewage
Finally, your septic tank is usually buried, so you should not be able to see the sewage. Normally, you will only be able to smell it. This being said, if the tank is overflowing and the sewage makes its way upward, you may be able to see it above and around the tank.
Call us right away if your septic tank is acting as if it is full. The sooner we pump the tank the better.