If you’re like most homeowners, you probably don’t spend a lot of time thinking about your septic tank. It sits under your front yard and does its thing. Just like it’s supposed to… until it doesn’t.
And when your septic tank overflows you’ll end up with some expensive repairs on your hands.
That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you learn when you should get a septic tank pump-out so you’re never late. We’ve also included a list of septic tank warning signs so you know when to call a professional before it’s too late.
Make sure you keep reading below to learn some helpful tips!
How Often Should You Hire Septic Tank Pumping Services?
As a general rule of thumb, you should hire a professional to pump out your septic tank once every three to five years. However, this time frame might change depending on the size of your septic tank and the number of people living in your home.
If you aren’t sure how often you should pump your tank, ask a septic company for advice. They’ll be able to take a look at your tank and let you know how long you should wait between pumps.
But what happens if you…
Pump Too Late
Waiting too long to pump your tank can leave you with some serious consequences. For example, your septic tank’s drainfeild might fail, and replacing it is an expensive job.
On top of that, any sewage that doesn’t fit in the tank might backup into your bathtubs and sinks. Not only does this smell and look unpleasant, but a sewage backup can also be dangerous for your health. It’s always better to pump your tank early rather than wait for it to overflow.
Pump Too Often
There is no real problem with pumping your septic tank too often. It won’t cause any problems, but it will waste money. Pumping your tank too often can get expensive, which is why it’s a smart idea to wait a few years between septic services.
Signs You Need to Call Septic Tank Services
Did you recently move into a house with a septic tank and don’t know the state of it? Did you simply forget when you last pumped the tank? There are a few telltale signs you can look for that mean it’s time to call a septic company.
1. Slow Drains
If water is draining out of your sinks, bathtubs, and toilets slower than normal, your septic tank might be at the start of a backup. Waiting any longer to pump your tank after this stage can make the problem much worse, so call a professional right away.
Keep in mind, a single slow drain might simply indicate a clog. If all your drains are equally slow, however, it’s probably because of your septic tank.
2. Bad Odor
Can you smell the scent of sewage anywhere inside or outside your home? The most likely place that scent is coming from is your septic tank, and your tank shouldn’t smell like that. As your tank fills up, it pushes the gases back up through your drains, so if you notice an odd odor, it’s time to start pumping!
3. Strange Noises
Listen to your sinks and toilets every time they drain. Do they make a strange gurgling sound? Your drains aren’t supposed to make that sound, and if they do, it could indicate a full septic tank.
Once you empty the tank, that annoying sound should go away. Again, a single drain making this sound might not be because of your septic tank, but if all your drains make that sound, you should take it as a sign.
4. An Overly Healthy Lawn
A full, green lawn is usually good news, but if your lawn doesn’t usually look like that, it might be cause for concern. It could be getting a lot of extra fertilizer from your full septic tank.
Keep in mind, you might see a few patches of healthy grass in various spots in your yard. This definitely means something fishy is going on under the dirt, so you should turn to a professional septic service.
5. Standing Water
Have you noticed a few puddles of standing water in your yard even though it hasn’t rained recently? That water is coming from your septic tank, and it means the septic tank is close to overflowing. You might notice these puddles on top of your drainfield or the tank itself.
6. Sewage Backup
If you ever find yourself at the point of a sewage backup, you need to pump your tank right away. Remember, a sewage backup can be dangerous, so you should do your best to prevent your tank from getting to this point. Keep your eyes open for other signs, and always stick to your septic tank pumping schedule.
Schedule Your Septic Tank Pump-Out Today!
Whether you have noticed some of these warning signs on your property or just think the time is right, you shouldn’t wait to schedule your septic tank pump-out today! Give our team at Goebel a call to schedule your appointment. If you aren’t sure when you should pump your tank, we can also give you an inspection and let you know.
No matter what septic service you need, we’ll take a look at your tank and make sure you get the right solution for your needs. Let us take care of the hard work for you so you don’t have to worry about any expensive complications popping up later.
