5 Signs You May Be In Need Of A Septic Tank Pumping
Septic tank pumping is a dirty job, but one that one in every five households has to contend with.
Pumping your septic tank does not only get rid of the sewage waste in your home, but it also ensures that you don't have any septic problems. To keep things running smoothly and avoid costly repairs later, it's important to give your septic system an occasional check-up and pump out when necessary.
Here are 5 signs that you may need a septic tank pumping:
1. There’s a Funny Smell in Your Yard
You want to go outside for some fresh air, but instead, you catch wind of something that doesn’t smell quite right. We all know that putrid sewage smell; it’s hard to miss it, especially if it’s coming from your backyard. A foul smell in your yard means that your septic tank is full and can’t hold any more waste.
You can either choose to live with the smell or call a septic tank pumping near me and have them pump your septic pump. The latter seems like the more reasonable option, especially if you’re planning on having any guests over.
2. Standing Water
If you notice water pools in various places around your yard, then it’s a sign that you need to pump your septic tank. These water pools are mostly found around the septic tank or near the drain field. This indicates that your septic tank is full to the brim and needs immediate pumping.
If you don’t take care of the problem soon enough, sewage will back up into the household. Sewage backup poses a serious health hazard to the house’s occupants since it contains several pathogens that could lead to potentially life-threatening conditions.
3. Your Drains Flow Slower
Drains that flow a little slower mean that your septic system is stressed and requires immediate pumping. Try flushing your toilets, and if they take a little too long to flush, then something’s wrong with the septic system. If your sinks also take longer to drain with no apparent obstruction, it’s a sign that your septic system is overwhelmed.
Apart from pumping your septic tank, you should also arrange for septic tank inspection and maintenance to keep it in tip-top shape. Failure to do so may result in the problem escalating into something much worse and costlier to address.
4. Sewage Backup
Nothing says it’s time to pump your septic tank than raw sewage backing up into your home. This could happen to you if you don’t maintain a regular sewage pumping schedule. Sewage backing up into your home will stink up the place and could lead to various water-borne diseases.
If you notice even the slightest hint of sewage backup in your home, contact septic tank pumping services as soon as you can. Also, avoid using the entire system for a while until the pros get to the root of the problem.
5. Patches of Dark Green Grass/Vegetation
If you notice patches of grass that are way darker than the rest, it could mean that your septic system has a spill. These patches of dark grass or vegetation indicate that there’s a leak within the system. Remember, sewage is rich in nutrients and is, in fact, a “fertilizer.”
If you can’t notice actual pools of water in your yard, the patches of green grass will give it away. Arrange for septic tank pumping as soon as you can to prevent the problem from worsening.
Septic Tank Maintenance Tips
As mentioned above, septic systems require your utmost care and attention to last as long as you’d want them to. Apart from regular pumping your septic tank, here are a few other septic system maintenance tips to keep in mind.
Use the Right Cleaning Chemicals
Avoid using chemicals like bleach that can harm the good bacteria in your septic system. Instead, try using plant-based and organic cleaning products for your sinks and toilets. Steer clear from toilet bowl cleaners and products with quaternary ammonia like antibacterial soaps and the likes.
Keep an Eye on Your Drain field
You need to keep a close eye on what goes into your septic system, which starts by protecting your drain field. Don’t park your car over the drain field and ensure your gutters and sump pumps drain water away from the drain field.
Watch What You Flush Down the Toilet
Remember, your toilet isn’t a trash can. Don’t flush anything you can down the toilet because you might end up clogging and damaging your septic system. Apart from fecal matter, only flush toilet paper down your toilet.
That’s right, that means no flushing diapers, tampons, tissue, or anything else down the toilet. You have a trash can where you can dump these things.
Spread Your Dishwashing and Laundry Days
Most of us have designated one day of the week for doing all our laundry and dishes. It seems logical, but we unknowingly put excessive stress on our septic systems. The septic tank needs adequate time to treat the wastewater before it can be ready for another run.
That’s why you need to spread your washing machine usage all through the week to avoid overloading the septic system. This will also help you cut down on water usage.
Arrange for Septic Tank Pumping Today
Now is the perfect time to compare septic tank pumping prices and choose a septic tank pumping company to do your bidding. Remember, septic tank pumping should be done regularly to keep the septic system in pristine shape.
Make sure you contact us today if you need professional and expedient septic tank pumping today.