How can you tell if your septic tank is full?

The most common misconception homeowners have about owning a septic tank is that it shouldn’t have to be pumped if it’s working correctly. While this isn’t necessarily wrong, owning a septic tank requires proper maintenance to ensure longer tank lifespans. Part of this is knowing when your septic tank is getting full, and the key is spotting the warning signs. We’re here to share what they are, so you know when it’s time to call the professionals.

What a full septic tank can mean

Before we go into the signs that your septic tank may already be full, let’s look into what a full septic tank means. There are three ways to define a “full tank.”

1. Filled to normal levels– This means the water level is at the amount that your tank is designed to hold water. It also means the intake and outtake valve is allowing waste and wastewater to flow without any issues. When your tank is pumped and emptied, it will return to this level as it is used.
2. Sludge accumulation– Paper and waste can get trapped in the tank when tanks are full and aren’t being pumped properly. This leads to wastewater flowing out to the drainage area.
3. Overfilled tank– In this case, the drainage field stops accepting water, so the water backs up and rises to the very top of the tank.

Now you know what a full tank can include, here’s how you can spot the warning signs so you can remedy these issues early on.

Slow draining water

If you’re noticing slow drains in your home, it may indicate that your septic tank is full. Drains should flow quickly and easily. If they’re not doing this, there may be a problem. However, take note that this warning sign may also be caused by other plumbing issues. That’s why it’s helpful to determine if the slow draining of water is only a specific drain, or if it occurs at multiple drains. If only one drain is slow, then there could be a clog in that pipe, but if drains are slow all over the house, it’s a good indication that your septic tank is full, and needs to be emptied.

Bad odour

Unpleasant odours can be a telling sign that your septic tank needs to be emptied too. This is because properly working septic tank systems should not emit smells when processing and disposing of your sewage. If you have had your tank pumped recently, there can be a good chance that the odour is a sign of another problem, such as downdraft from your sewer vent pipes.

Gurgling pipes

If you notice gurgling sounds coming from your toilets or drain pipes, it may be because your septic tank is full. It’s time to call in the professionals so you can investigate the issue further.

Sewage backup

One of the most obvious signs that your tank is full is a back-up of sewage. As far as warning signs can go, this is a serious indication that you have a big problem that needs immediate attention, as raw sewage can cause health problems to those within the household. Don’t try to clean the mess up yourself, instead, call a septic tank company right away.

You may be overdue for a pump

It’s possible there are no clear warning signs, but you’re still due for a pump in order to avoid problems later on. Generally, septic tanks need to pumped every three to five years. The exact interval will depend on your septic tank’s size, household size, the amount of wastewater generated, and the volume of your solid waste. If you’re moving into a new home and can’t determine the last time a septic tank was pumped, it’s best to have professional inspect your current system and get it pumped right away to start a new schedule of pumping.

Regular pumping is key

Though it’s useful to know what the signs are to signify your septic tank is full, it’s better not to wait for these signs to manifest. Call Streamline to have our team of experts get your septic tanks inspected and pumped regularly. We offer septic tank cleaning to the highest standard at a cost-effective price. Call us today!

Imagine that you made it home from a great day of shopping and errands. You park the car in the driveway so that you can get all of your packages into the house. As you are walking up to the front door to take everything in, you begin to smell an awful stench.

You hurry into the house to drop the bags and immediately pick up the phone to call your local septic tank service company. How to tell a septic tank is full? Pooling water, slow drainage of pipes, plush lawns, and smells are the most telling signs.

Let’s take a look below at some more details regarding a septic tank and when the pumping should be done.

What Is A Septic Tank

Simply put, a septic tank is an area that collects all of your solid waste that is disposed of via the toilet, kitchen sink, and garbage disposal.

The septic tank is part of a system that allows homes that are not connected to city water and sewer to have the same comfort as those homes that are connected. Additionally, it is big in size but the septic tank can become full so you will want to be able to tell when this happens.

How Do I Know There Is A Problem

Believe it or not, there are many telling signs as to when you need to pump your septic tank and have an inspection. If you continue to ignore the signs or handle the issue, you can incur high costs of repair and damage clean-up.

Let’s take a look below at the most well-known issues when it comes to a septic tank.

Pooling Water

This is highly noticeable as your drain field in the yard is puddling up with water. Also, blockage or a full tank creates an overflow of water that ends up above the ground and is visible to the homeowner.

Drains Slowly

This is noticeable when all areas where water flows is just not draining as it should. Showers, sinks, and toilets are constantly seeming clogged or have a slow flow of water so try a solid waste cleaner that might loosen up the waste and create a better flow again.

Stinky

Smelling a foul stench near the septic system or even around your home gives this away. Wastewater is very easily detected and you know that there is a problem with your septic system so call on your local septic system company to assist.

Lawn is Plush

Due to the nutrients in wastewater, if it leaks or overflows a bit, the wastewater naturally cultivates the yard and your lawn is greener than the rest of the areas of your yard.

Backup

Keeping an eye on how fast your drains go down is vital also a slow shower or sink drain is a clear indicator of a potential issue. The tank might be full and need draining so do not let this go unattended. This is because you have the potential to have wastewater come back into your home via the drain pipes.

Flushing Does Not Work

There are two things that may be going on if your toilets are struggling to flush or show a weak flush. The septic tank is either filling up quickly and needs to be pumped down or there is a clog. Get this checked immediately.

Water Gurgles or Bubbles

Sounds in your pipes are trying to tell you something, it is time to empty the septic tank.

How Much Does It Cost

Living in the south there are a few options for your waste. Many homes are on city water connections and never think twice about their waste flowing to a wastewater plant for cleaning and return. However, there are also homes that are placed on septic systems to contain the waste.

It is imperative that if you have a septic system, the tank is pumped out regularly. The average cost to have your septic tank pumped is around $380. There are some areas in the country where septic tank pumping could go as high as $885. Be sure to save and include this expense in your budget.

Other Recommended Maintenance

It is important to maintain the septic system as it can be very expensive to repair. Septic maintenance includes inspecting and cleaning frequently, using the water in your home efficiently, only flushing human waste and toilet paper, and not using the garbage disposal.

You may also have a well in your yard if you have septic so it is important to notice if there is any air in the water pipes. Also, you will want to turn off the main water supply to the home. Then, open every faucet and let the water run out. Lastly, turn on the main water supply and let the water flow out for about 10-15 minutes.

Lastly, when you are selling a home with septic or buying or maybe refinancing, you want to make sure it passes the septic inspection. This can be done by emptying the sludge, leaving no evidence of scum, and everything flows naturally.

When Do I Call A Professional

Emptying your septic tank is very important. You will be able to tell when your septic tank is full and ready to overflow. The smells and puddling of water in your yard are going to be just a couple of indicators. Calling on your local Septic System service company to maintain your system is vital to your health and safety.

Conclusion

As with anything in our outside of the home, maintenance is needed. Taking care of the septic can make sure it lasts a long time. Also, following a maintenance schedule and having a professional empty the tank is very important. All Coast Home Inspections can help with your septic and well needs in the Houston, TX. area.

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