How To Know That It Is Time To Have Your Home's Septic Tank Pumped
Posted on: 13 October 2020
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If you have recently moved into your first home with a septic tank, you may have some questions. The good news is that a septic system works just as well for waste management as long as it is maintained. However, when you have a septic system, you will need to make sure to have the solid waste pumped out of the septic tank before it reaches capacity. How frequently you will need to have your septic tank pumped will depend on the size of the tank, as well as the number of people in your household. Continue reading to learn more about how to know that it is time to have your home's septic tank pumped.
Regular Septic System Inspections
If you have never lived in a home with a septic system, you may not know that septic system inspections are recommended on an annual basis. When it comes to determining the waste level in your septic tank and knowing that it is time to schedule a septic tank pumping, an inspection is the easiest way to go. During a septic tank inspection, all aspects of your septic system will be carefully examined, and the waste level in the septic tank will be measured. In the event that you're told that your septic tank is nearing capacity, it is best to hire a septic tank pumping service as soon as possible.
Foul Smells
When a septic tank has acceptable waste levels, you will never detect any odors from the waste. However, as the waste level in the tank rises and nears capacity, foul odors may waft into your home from the drains. You may also notice a bad smell when outside your home in the vicinity of where the septic tank is located. Never ignore the smell of sewage if your home has a septic tank — it is often a sign that your septic tank is almost full and needs to be pumped.
Problems With Drains and Toilets
In order for a septic system to function properly, all waste needs to be able to flow into the septic tank. Solid waste remains in the tank, while liquid waste is processed through drain field lines. When a septic tank gets too full, you may notice that you have issues with the drains in your home, and the toilets may not flush properly. When one drain or toilet is acting up, it may be a localized plumbing problem, but issues throughout the home typically indicate that septic tank pumping is needed.