Regular septic tank pumping is an integral part of maintaining your septic system. Having your septic tank pumped by a licensed septic installer near you is one of the most effective ways of ensuring that solid waste deposits at the bottom and top of your tank are removed in a timely manner.
Many homeowners know the importance of having their septic tanks pumped regularly. However, they are unable to figure out the right time to schedule the activity. Here are some signs that it is time to have your septic tank pumped.
Sewage Backup
A telltale sign that your septic tank is overfilled and must be pumped immediately is sewage backing up into your drains. More often than not, homeowners with overfilled tanks will notice backups first in their lower bathrooms and sinks.
Do not ignore signs of sewer backups. A septic tank is home to billions of harmful bacteria and viruses. Stay safe! Instead of cleaning the backed-up water yourself, ask your plumber to look into the matter and fix the issue at its source.
Foul Odor
When a septic tank gets filled up, there is no space for gases to escape. When this happens, gases seep into the house through the toilets and drains. If you notice a sewage smell from your drains, there is a good chance that sewage has passed the P-trap below the sink, but is yet to exit the drain.
In some cases, a plumbing issue can give rise to the problem. Consider consulting with a plumber to inspect your plumbing system before concluding that your septic tank needs to be pumped.
With that said, 9 out of 10 times a foul odor in the lawn can be attributed to an overfilled tank. This is an indicator that excess waste has escaped the tank and is in need of pumping.
Time Since the Tank Was Last Pumped
Most plumbers recommend having household septic tanks pumped every three to five years. Exactly how frequently you should have your tank flushed will depend on several factors, such as the age and size of your system, the number of people in your home, and the septic tank material.
Larger tanks usually do not need to be pumped as frequently as their average-sized counterparts. Certain materials are more resistant to overfilling than others. Also, if you have fewer people in your home, your tank will fill slowly and you do not have to worry about having it pumped frequently.
Noticeable Changes in Your Lawn
In some cases, changes due to an overfilled tank are observed outside the home before changes appear inside. If you notice standing water in your lawn, there is a good chance that the drain field is oversaturated. Another sign of a backed-up tank is lush patches of grass, which indicates areas where there is water leakage.
Is your septic tank overflowing? Let Just-in Time Septic Pumping Services help. We are one of the best local septic tank installers and offer cost-effective and sustainable solutions. We do the job right the first time, every time. To schedule an inspection, call us at (707) 824-2837.
