If you have a septic tank installed in your home, it is essential that you are able to recognize some of the initial warning signs that your system is struggling and needs some help. In most cases what it needs is septic tank pumping, which should be done regularly on a 3-5 year periodic basis whether you have noticed signs that it is needed or not.
Having said that, it is not set in stone that your septic tank won’t need pumping more often than that and if you have recently moved into a new house you may not know when the tank was last pumped.
Many newer tanks have alarms integrated into the pump that flash red or beep to let you know that the tank is almost or already full and needs to be pumped or emptied. A smell coming from the tank is another good indication that you need to check what’s going on inside the system. It can also occur in the bathroom suggesting that the line is clogged or blocked somewhere. If your septic system does not have an alarm, then a septic tank inspection every other year will tell you when it’s time to have your septic tank pumped.
Unusual behavior from your drains is another of the early signs that your tank needs pumping. If you notice sewage backing up in the toilet or water draining slowly you should take this as a warning sign that something is not right.
Additionally there can be signs that occur around the tank and the ground where it is buried. For instance if the ground is wetter than usual and remains wet for an excessively long time and there is a bad smell to accompany it, then you will need to call in a sewer and septic specialist to see what’s going on and how it can be fixed.
