Knowing when it is time to have your septic tank pumped is an important part of ensuring your septic system is able to function properly, avoid unnecessary wear and tear on this system, and prevent an overflow that can result in backup sewage into both your home and your drainfield. The problem is the frequency with which septic tanks need to be pumped can vary from home to home. In fact, the frequency with which your septic tank needs to be pumped can vary from one pumping to the next based on a wide variety of factors. This can make it a bit difficult to know exactly when it is time to call on a plumber to get the job done. Thankfully there are a few warning signs that you can look for to let you know that the time has come to get your septic tank pumped.
Your Yard Looks Extra Green Or Smells Awful
The look and smell of your drainfield can often provide clues as to when the time has come to have your septic tank pumped. This is because as your tank gets fuller, some solid waste or sludge that is typically housed within the tank itself can be drained along with wastewater into your drainfield in order to make room for the new wastewater your home produces on a daily basis. This solid waste or excess wastewater will provide extra nutrients for the grass in your drainfield and can result in this area of your yard being extremely lush and green. Unfortunately, the presence of this solid waste can also leave this same area of your yard smelling like sewage or sulfur.
Drains Throughout Your Home Run Slowly
Your septic tank has a finite amount of waste that it can hold at any given time. If your tank is getting full, it will need to rid itself of some of the wastewater it is currently holding in order to accommodate any new waste. This is done by releasing gray water into the drainfield.
When the level of solid waste in the tank is low enough, your septic system will be able to release wastewater at a relatively slow and steady pace and still have enough room to accommodate new wastewater. However, when the tank begins to overfill with solid waste and sludge, the amount of room that is left to accommodate water is greatly reduced. This means that the tank must try to push out larger amounts of water each time new water is introduced to the system. The higher the groundwater levels around your tank become, the more difficult it will be for the soil to absorb more water. This can result in your tank draining slower and ultimately translate to the drains inside your home running slower as well.
Keep these tips in mind if you think it's time to hire a septic tank pumping service for your home.