Like most other components of a building, residential septic tanks require regular maintenance to last for several years. A failing or malfunctioning septic tank puts human and animal health at risk and pollutes the atmosphere. When residential septic tank pumping takes too long, untreated sewage leaks and travels to locations where it shouldn't be; thus, water will surge above the tank or drain field or back up in the building's drains.
A responsible septic owner is mindful of how often their septic system needs pumping and is wary of warning signs of dysfunction; hence, reacts fast before the problem escalates. Below are the indicators your faulty septic tank needs immediate pumping.
Raw Sewage Backup
One of the most concerning signs of a failed septic tank is sewage backup. It's the most conspicuous symptom of a septic tank failure, and it's not something anyone wants to handle. When water and waste from showers drains and sinks back up into the building, it implies a clog or blockage in the drainage pipes.
When this happens, call a residential septic tank pumping service right away. While pumping your septic tank can solve the problem temporarily, your entire septic system would need a comprehensive inspection to find out the root cause of the issue.
Uneven Green Lawn Areas
When you find that some areas of your lawn are greener and rising at a faster rate than other areas around your drain zone, this indicates a problem with your septic drainage system. The dense green grass shows that the vegetation in that field collects additional fertilizer and nutrients from the runoff waste fluids at the roots. If you see this warning, your septic system needs urgent inspection and repair.
Slow Flashing and Draining
If water drains slowly from your kitchen sink, bathtub, or bathroom sink, this may only mean your septic tank is full. Typically, water backs up when flushing the toilet or bathroom water doesn't flow as well as it should. When this occurs, contact your residential septic tank pumping agent to assess the condition before it worsens.
Odor
If you detect an offensive odor emanating from your drain area, toilet, or sinks, there's indeed a problem with your septic tank. The smell is usually similar to that of rotting eggs or sulfur dioxide. When you find this, promptly contact your residential septic system providers to have your drainage system inspected.
Residential septic tank pumping is recommended every three to five years to ensure long-term effectiveness. To learn more about septic pumping, contact your local septic system plumber.