According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, you should have your septic tank pumped regularly, generally every 3 to 5 years. But if you’ve recently purchased a home with a septic tank or if you’re renting one, you might not necessarily know when the last one was done or when the next one is due.
Here are some clear signals it’s time to pump:
Alarms – If a red light flashes or an alarm beeps inside or outside, it could be an indication your tank is full and needs emptying.
Odor – If you smell a foul odor coming from the area around the tank, or in your bathroom, it is a definite sign you need to examine the septic system. It could mean that you have a break or clog in the line, or it could be time to have your septic tank pumped. In any case, you want to call your sewer septic contractor.
Toilet, Tub or Sink Backups – If your toilets or sinks back up with sewage and you have tried to remedy the situation by running a snake into the line to no avail, chances are you need septic tank pumping.
Slow Draining Fixtures – If your tubs, sinks or toilet take a long time to drain, especially after it rains, it could be a sign your septic needs to be pumped.
Overflow – If you notice the ground around the septic tank has become exceptionally wet and foul-smelling, this may be another clue that it’s time for a pump. Again, this could be due to a line break or blockage, but only a septic sewer contractor will be able to assess the situation.
When in doubt, it is always a good idea to have an inspection done just to ease your mind. A professional will be able to pinpoint any problems, and also tell you when and how often you should have your tank pumped.
