5 Signs Your Septic Tank Needs Attention
If you live in a home in a rural area or a property outside the city limits, there is likely a septic tank nearby. Over time, sewage and wastewater can build up in the tank. If you haven't had it serviced or cleaned or are unsure of the last time it was emptied, it could be full or faulty. Here are 5 signs that your septic tank may need attention.
Toilets Don't Flush Properly
One of the initial signs of a septic tank that is full or faulty is the toilets in the home don't work properly. They may have a slow drain, indicating there is a blockage somewhere. Sewage may creep back up into the toilet bowl after it's been flushed. Your initial response may be to use a chemical plumbing treatment to resolve a clog. But this is only a temporary fix or may not work at all.
Toilets may not flush at all or overflow when flushed. The result is raw sewage seeping into the bathroom. This is a sure sign that you need septic tank cleaning.
Wastewater Backing Up
In addition to toilet problems, wastewater or sewage may begin to creep into your basement. This could also be caused by too much pressure inside the drain pipes, causing them to burst and break.
Waste can also back up inside the shower, sinks, and drains. When this happens, it's important to call a septic services company to help resolve the issue.
Foul Smell In Drains
Noticing a strong gas odor or a foul sewage smell coming from the drains is a sign of a sewer flow backup. This is caused by the buildup of methane gas, hydrogen sulfide, and other gasses, which could potentially be harmful to humans.
According to the EPA, septic tanks should be drained every three to five years. If you are unsure when yours was emptied, calling a company that specializes in septic tank pump cleaning is a good idea.
Water Pooling In Yard
If there are suddenly large puddles or pooling of water in your yard, it could be a sign of a full septic tank. The drain field becomes saturated with waste, causing the breakdown of soil and sod above and near the tank. Over time, this can also lead to soil erosion and contamination.
Noisy Drains
If the house is quiet and, all of a sudden, you hear a gurgling noise, it can be cause for concern. Sewage that is building pressure and gas as it flows up past the inlet baffle can make a gurgling or whistling noise. If you are noticing a gurgling or slurping in the drains, it's time for a septic tank pumping cleaning.
Routine septic and drain field care is an essential part of homeownership. Don't wait until signs of a full septic tank occur. Call in a pro to come out and evaluate and drain your tank. It will help prolong the life of your septic tank and give you the peace of mind you deserve.
For more information about septic tank cleaning, contact a local company.