4 Distinct Signs You Need Septic Tank Pumping As A New Homeowner
After moving houses and settling, it might have just hit you that you didn't request the seller for septic tank pumping records. Homeownership requires you to inspect your home and seek relevant services to keep it in good shape. Septic systems are designed to process waste from your home for years. But since you don't know when the tank was last emptied, you might want to learn about the telltale signs of a system that needs to be pumped. These are the warning signs you should not ignore.
1. Poorly Functioning Toilets
Your drainage and sewer systems greatly rely on gravity and pressure to push waste down the drains. You'll know your septic tank has enough space if it flushes seamlessly. However, if you notice loud gurgling noises, slow flushing, backflow issues, or unusual water levels in the bowl, there's a high chance your tank is full and needs to be emptied.
2. Traces of Raw Sewage on Your Property
An overflowing septic tank will push raw waste out of the system via the leach field. You will likely notice traces of untreated solid waste around the drain field. This not only shows that your tank is full, but the leach field could also be defective. Professionals often recommend inspecting the pipes, tank, and drain field to check for damage that needs to be fixed immediately after the cleaning is done. If left unattended, the waste could pose severe safety hazards.
3. A Stench You Can't Ignore
A well-functioning septic tank will not generate an unpleasant smell. The stench of the decaying waste stays locked in the tank. However, if the tank is full, the gases can accumulate and escape the system. They could flow back into your home through the drain pipes into your house. Whichever the case, a stench is a cause for concern, and you should address the issue as soon as possible.
4. Pools of Water
Unless you left the sprinklers open all night long, standing water in your lawn should be a warning sign. An overflowing tank becomes too overwhelmed to hold all the effluent. Therefore, it pushes the waste out of the tank, posing various environmental and safety hazards. Therefore, you should seek emergency septic services to protect your family.
As a new homeowner, you should not ignore any of these warning signs. The sooner you respond, the less money you'll use to remedy the issue and the less damage you'll be left to resolve. The experts will also guide you in determining the pumping schedules and maintaining your tank.
Contact a local company to learn more about septic tank cleaning.
