Signs Your Septic Tank Needs Pumping

It’s important that you pay attention to signs that your septic tank needs to be pumped out to clean out material and to ensure all components of the system are in good working order. Having regular maintenance services can prevent costly repairs by detecting septic system issues like cracks, holes, leaks, or clogs. Learn more about the five signs that your septic tank needs to be cleaned out so your system operates properly.

An overloaded septic tank can cause plumbing issues or break the system, which is why you should get septic tank pumping every three to four years. However, you might need to pump the septic tank more or less often depending on the household size, total wastewater generated, the volume of solids in wastewater, and septic tank size. Keep your eye out for these signs to know when it’s time for septic tank pumping.

Sewage backup in drains isn’t just unsightly, but it’s also a sign that there might be a clog in the pipes or your septic tank is at capacity. Never ignore sewage backup because it contains bacteria that can be hazardous to your health.

Lush grass over the drainfield area is another sign of septic tank overload. Grass that’s greener than normal can indicate that sewage is escaping and fertilizing the grass. Escaped sewage is also an environmental hazard as it can contaminate drinking water and cause toxic algal blooms in nearby ponds and lakes. 

Standing water or damp spots around the septic tank or drainfield can mean that the septic system is wearing out. Wet spots are typically caused by the excessive buildup of septic waste in the tank that affects the flow of water and pushes it up.

Smelling foul odors inside and outside the house might be from a clogged pipe or a full septic tank. When septic tanks are full, they can produce toxic sulfur which emits a rotten-egg smell through the pipes. If the foul odor intensifies when you walk outside by the septic tank, raw sewage has probably escaped.

Keeping a record of septic tank pumping can help make sure your system operates without any issue. That’s why Honey-Wagon offers customers a refrigerator magnet on which to write the month/year of the next recommended pumping to make it easier to remember.

Septic tank pumping is a key component of proper system maintenance. There are a variety of benefits of scheduling maintenance services such as:

• Saves money compared to repairs
• Protects your property value
• Keeps you and your neighbors healthy
• Protects the environment

Lastly, make sure to choose a reputable septic company that’s experienced, licensed, and insured so your septic system is in good hands.

Pay attention to these five signs to prevent costly repairs and avoid disruption in your home or business by getting your septic tank pumped right away. Honey-Wagon is a family-owned septic maintenance company that offers inspection, maintenance, and septic tank pumping. Our service area includes Miami, Wyandotte, and Johnson counties in Kansas, and Jackson and Cass counties in Missouri.

 

Contact us today at (913) 681-3563 or (816) 525-5100 to get a septic tank pumping estimate!