If you have a septic tank or are about to invest in one, it is important to understand how they work and what the signs are when they need maintenance.
If your home or business is not connected to a mains sewage system, an alternative method of taking away all your wastewater is by way of a septic tank. A septic tank collects all wastewater and sewage, it is then broken down by bacteria in the tank and is separated into water and sludge. Water is then drained into a drainage field and the remaining sludge sinks to the bottom of the tank.
Part of good maintenance for your septic tank is to ensure that it is cleaned and emptied regularly to remove all the sludge waste. This will help your tank’s health, the longevity of the tank, and ensure that it does not contaminate the surrounding environment.
How can you tell if your septic tank is full? Well, there are lots of obvious signs, read on to find out more.
How Can You Tell if Your Septic Tank is Full?
So, how can you tell if your septic tank is full? There are many signs and clues that your septic tank may need emptying.
1) Unpleasant Odour
Once the tank is becoming full of sludge and waste, your tank will not operate to the best of its ability, and you may start to smell strong unpleasant, pungent odours.
This could also be from the ventilation pipes, but it is important to get your tank checked to make sure it isn’t too full.
2) Pooling Water Around the Drain Field
How can you tell if your septic tank is full? A clear and visible sign is the pooling of water around the drainage area of your septic tank. This is a good indicator that your tank is overflowing and is likely to be full of sludge.
If you spot this, it is important that you urgently arrange for your tank to be emptied and cleaned. Pooling water is likely to be contaminated and can cause harm to the environment.
3) Slow Drains
If you notice that the drains within your home are slow, this can be a sign that your tank may need maintenance. It is important to call in the experts to check whether your tank is full.
If left untreated, you may experience pungent and unpleasant smells in your home. It could also potentially lead to sewage backup within the home which can be rather unpleasant!
4) Gurgling Sounds in The Plumbing System
Can you hear gurgling sounds from your drains? If so, this is a good indicator that your tank may be full and needs to be emptied and cleaned as soon as possible.
5) Sewage Backup in Drains, Toilets, Sinks etc
As your tank reaches capacity with sludge and waste, your drainage may become sluggish and slow. If left untreated, this can eventually lead to a backup within your home.
If you notice that your toilet is filling up when you flush it, and waste is not being taken back down, this is a clear sign that your septic tank needs maintenance. This is not something that will resolve on its own.
6) The Length of Time Since The Last Cleaning Or Maintenance
When did you last have your septic tank cleaned? If you don’t know the answer, or it seems like it was a long time ago – it may well be time to get it cleaned.
The most cost-effective and least risky way of knowing when it is time to get your tank cleaned is to keep a proper log and routine for cleaning and maintenance. Regular cleaning and emptying can improve your septic tank’s functionality and longevity which will save you money in the long run.
7) Exceptionally Green Grass Over The Tank
Whilst it may seem like an exceptionally green lawn may be a good thing, it can in fact indicate that your septic tank may be full and is leaking bacteria into the area.
Whilst this feeds the lawn, it does pose environmental and health risks. The groundwater is contaminated and can be harmful to both people and local wildlife.
8) Back Up In Plumbing Fixtures i.e. Flushing The Toilet Results In Water Appearing In The Bath!
How can you tell if your septic tank is full? Well, if you flush your toilet and water appears in your bath, this is a clear sign that there is an issue with your septic tank.
This kind of backup occurs when there is not enough space left in the tank for incoming water. As a result, you may notice flow back in your toilet, sinks, showers, and baths!
9) Increase in Flies and/or Midges
If you notice lots of flies and/or midges around your septic tank, this could be a clear sign that something isn’t right, and it may be time for cleaning.
Drain flies lay eggs in wet matter and midges tend to lay their eggs in standing water. As mentioned previously, standing water around the tank is a sign that your tank needs emptying, as is the presence of midges.
10) Alarm From Your Septic Tank
Some septic tanks have alarms fitted which will indicate when your septic tank’s water level is becoming too high or too low. These alarms may have an audible or visual indicator to let you know when it is time for repair or maintenance.
If you notice any of these signs, it is time to call in the experts to clean your septic tank.
A Better Service Professional Septic Tank Emptying
ABS offers a professional and thorough septic tank emptying service using pressure jetting units which allows us to clean the tank whilst emptying for a more efficient service.
Our drivers are highly experienced and take pride in completing the job safely and without disruption to you or your property.
At ABS, we offer our professional services at both competitive rates and availability.
Contact our friendly team today to find out more about our septic tank cleaning services.
