Signs Your Septic Tank Needs to Be Emptied

Are you noticing some, shall we say, undesirable changes happening with your septic system?  Is it starting to affect your everyday use?  Well, then it’s very likely that you’re experiencing septic failure, and trust us, you don’t want to wait to address this messy problem!  

Septic failure can be caused by any number of issues or habits, from flushing solid materials (like baby wipes and other non-flushable products) down a toilet to general overuse of your garbage disposal.  Even the use of certain water filtration systems can affect your septic system.  What all of this really adds up to, though, is that it’s time to have your septic tank inspected. That’s where our team of experienced professionals comes in.  

While many septic problems can be easily avoided through regular inspections and maintenance, the sad fact is that unavoidable issues sometimes pop up. When they do, it can be a very stressful experience.  Dealing with a full or overflowing septic tank is one of those problems that you’ll want to deal with, immediately!  

Get a quick rundown on signs your septic tank is full before exploring the details further below.

  • You’re smelling a foul or unpleasant odor coming from your drains or near your septic tank
  • You’re struggling with slow moving drains, whether with your sinks, toilets, or bathtubs
  • You’ve noticed pooling water around your septic tank or the grass in the area is greener
  • You’re dealing with potentially harmful wastewater backing up into your plumbing fixtures

Continue reading to learn more about each of the key signs your septic tank is full and needs to be emptied.

  • Odor – One of the first things that you’re likely to notice when it comes to septic tank failure and overflow, is that awful smell.  It’s a sign that is absolutely unmistakable and one that you should pay close attention to.  If you start to notice foul odors coming from your drains or from around the septic tank itself – call your plumber!  This is a sure sign that your tank is blocked and needs to be emptied.  
  • Slowing Drains – Are your toilets taking longer to flush?  Are your sink and bathtub drains suddenly slowing?  Are your pipes and drains starting to make a gurgling sound when you use them?  Have you already tried unclogging your drains but saw no results?  These are signs that your septic tank is full and needs immediate attention (that is, before things get worse).  
  • Water – We all know that signs of pooling water found in places where it doesn’t belong is never a good sign.  If you find pooling water or saturated areas around your septic tank, your tank likely has a leak.  You do not want this!  When you have a properly working and secure tank, the areas around its location should always remain untouched by wastewater.  If you find water start to pool or rise, or if you notice that the immediate area around your tank is unusually plush and green (a sign of increased moisture), call your plumber right away!  
  • Backup –  The most obvious, and yes, most worrisome sign of them all, is that of waste backup.  If wastewater is backing up into your toilets, bathtubs, sinks or basement areas, you most definitely have a septic tank problem.  But, whatever you do – do NOT try to clean this mess up yourself!  Wastewater can be incredibly harmful to your health.  In order to resolve these situations, it is absolutely essential that you call in a septic specialist as well as your water company, straight away, to remedy the situation.  

If you find yourself facing any of these signs, please, do not wait to call for help!  Septic tank failure and overflow can produce very real health hazards that, trust us, you don’t want to have to experience first-hand.  So, be aggressive when deciding on the proper actions to take, and take proactive measures by having your septic tank regularly inspected.  This can save you a ton of unnecessary stress in the long-run and will help to ensure that none of the above-mentioned problems happen to you.  

Do you believe you may be experiencing an issue with your septic tank? Give us a call at 630-473-6855, and one of our plumbing experts will help you determine the best course of action.

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