6 Major Signs Your Septic Tank Needs Emptying
As a homeowner, you are responsible for maintaining your property, including the septic system. Therefore, it is vital to empty the septic tank every two or three years to prevent damage.
A few signs will indicate a sooner emptying of your tank is needed. If you have these six signs, it is time to call an expert plumber right away.
Bad odour
If you find that your bathroom sinks and shower are giving off a foul odour, it might be time to empty your septic tank. This is primarily the result of backup from your drainpipe into the tank. You will know when this happens if you notice a strong foul odour, particularly at night when there isn’t much running water.
Sluggish Drains
Another sign is if your drains are sluggish and not working as smoothly as possible. When the septic tank is full, it affects the drainage of your entire property, resulting in longer showers and wastewater sitting in bathtubs before it goes down the drain.
There might be instances where flushing more will clear the pipes and drains, but it is time to empty your septic tank if this is not the case.
Stains on your patio or yard
Over time, waste can accumulate underneath your home near the drain field and leak into the surrounding dirt. It can be a greenish or black runoff that will leave stains on your patio and yard. In addition, it means that soil microbes are not working as they should, which will force you to have an emptying of your septic tank sooner than average.
When this happens, it is a good idea to call an expert. However, you should not dig around or attempt to repair the problem yourself. It can just make matters worse and lead to disastrous results.
Low water flow from faucets
Another sign of a septic tank that needs emptying is if you notice a significant decrease in water pressure from your faucets. Again, it is caused by the waste in your septic tank not moving through the drainage system efficiently.
Once you notice issues with your water flow, it is time to call an expert to investigate and determine if there is a blockage.
Sewage backup
It is frustrating to have a raw sewage backup in your home. You will experience foul odours, the water not getting to your sinks or showers, and even the smell of sewage coming from the septic tank. This may also render your home uninhabitable until you call an expert.
What causes this scenario? Although this could be a disgusting comparison, imagine what will happen to your toilet if you don’t use it like you should and instead use it as a trash can. Eventually, this will go back up into your bathroom floor, onto the walls, and out the bathroom sink.
This is how a septic tank works. It takes in everything that goes down the drain and breaks it down so that it does not back up into your home. However, when too much waste is in the septic tank, it will eventually back up your home and cause a sewage backup.
The first thing you should do is call a professional to make sure there isn’t a blockage in the line. If the problem persists, it is time to empty the septic tank.
Moisture on a lawn
Green grass is a sign of a healthy and working septic system, but if you notice a watered lawn, it is time to check on your tank. In some rare cases, homeowners have reported seeing puddles of water on their properties. This is because raw sewage leaks from your septic tank into the ground and doesn’t drain properly.
Conclusion
If you have seen any of the signs mentioned above, don’t hesitate to call us. We at RMS Waste Disposal & Drain Services have the right equipment and properly trained people to fix your septic tank problems. Visit our website to find out more about our service.
