Understanding Your Septic System: Signs It Is Time To Have Your Septic System Pumped

Posted on: 19 December 2022

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Your septic system takes care of all the wastewater that leaves your home, separating the solids from the wastewater itself. The solids remain in your septic tank where they decompose slowly, while the liquid waste goes out to your drain field. This is an excellent system when you don't have the ability to attach to the municipal sewer system in your area, and will take care of the wastewater from your home without issues if you know what to watch out for when it comes to system malfunctions. A heavily used septic system should be cleaned out about every three years, while the system itself should be inspected annually to ensure it's working properly.

Septic Tank Pumping for Optimal Performance

Over time, your septic tank will fill up with the solids collected from the wastewater in your home. It is important to avoid flushing harmful items down your toilet that can clog up your septic system faster. Feminine hygiene products, diapers, and wipes should not be flushed down the toilet, as they cause problems with your septic system. If you aren't sure when your septic tank has been pumped last, get your system inspected and cleaned to avoid any issues in the near future.

Signs Your Septic Tank is Getting Full

As your septic tank gets full, you may notice that your toilet waste goes down more slowly, or that the drains in your home take a long time to drain. This is because the wastewater is not able to leave your home quickly enough, and the tank needs to be pumped in order for the system to work better. If you have bubbles coming up when you flush your toilet, this is another indication that your septic tank is getting full. Any problems with your plumbing should be addressed immediately in order to prevent a septic system failure.

When Your Septic System is Failing

Once your septic system starts to fail, you may find puddles in your yard from wastewater, see bright green grass above the drain field, or smell an odor in your yard. If your septic tank is failing, you may need a new system installed in your home. This can occur because of a lack of septic system maintenance and pumping, so it's important to stay on top of cleaning out your septic tank.

Get your septic system pumped out on a routine basis to avoid an emergency system failure in your home. Contact a septic system pumping company near you to learn more.