What Are The Signs Of A Full Septic System?
Seldom pumped septic tanks can cause severe problems for your septic system. Septic tanks need to be emptied or pumped regularly or periodically to get rid of solid waste deposits or sludge that has formed at the bottom and top of the tank. If these wastes are not removed when the signs of a full septic system arise, they shorten the life of the tank and can stress the entire septic system.
Sometimes septic tank additives are sold to homeowners as a solution or substitute for pumping the septic tank. These materials have enzymes or bacteria that soften or breakdown waste. However, sometimes the bacteria in these additives cause more harm than good and add to the septic tank problems as they delay and mask problems.
Research has shown that there is no substitute for pumping the tank. If you have a septic tank in your home, maintenance of the septic system should be part of your home maintenance. You shouldn’t wait for the signs of a full septic system before you decide to have scheduled for maintenance.
However, most septic systems are not thought about by homeowners because they are not usually visible, and out from plain sight. If you have not had septic tank problems, it does not mean that you should neglect its maintenance schedule.
Signs of a full septic system that says it needs to be pumped.
1. Septic tanks need to be pumped every one to three years. If a year or three has passed after the tank has been pumped, it is highly recommended that you should have the tank pumped. A septic service provider is the best person to recommend a maintenance and pumping schedule that is right for your system. This can save you from stress, more septic system problem and, of course, money.
2. When there are sluggish flushing and draining of wastewater. If your tubs, washing machines, showers, or toilets are not as energetic as they should be, this might be an indication that you need your tank pumped. These are some of the mildest signs of a full septic system. Consider yourself lucky that you have a chance to fix the problem before something much worse happens if you neglect these issues.
3. Foul Odour. One of the most common signs of a full septic system is foul odour. When the septic tank is full, odour-causing gases have nowhere to go. Thus, they end up arising from your toilets, drains, outdoors where your septic tank is or on your drainfield. This kind of problem is not only gross but also unhealthy or hazardous to human health. Once you notice sulphurous or sewage odours around or in your house or property, it is best to call for septic tank service immediately.
4. Lush green grass over the drainfield. Grass above the drainfield should look similar to the grass around the rest of your lawn or yard. But if it suddenly looks more green and healthy than the rest of the grass around your property, it might mean that it has been getting some extra fertiliser from the excessive waste liquid coming from the septic system. This is a sure sign that the septic tank is full and you should it pumped.
5. Standing water. A full septic tank usually causes water to pool in a number of places around your property. This is one of the signs of a full septic system that you also need to look out for. Water pools especially around the tank itself and the drainfield. Pooling water is a clear indication that the tank is full and should be pumped, inspected or checked immediately.
6. Well water has high nitrate content. If you rely on well water for your home, it is important to see the nitrate content of the running water in your home. It is highly recommended that you have the well water tested at least once a year. If the nitrate content of the well water is higher than normal, this might be an indication that wastewater is overflowing from your septic system and leaking into your tap or drinking water.
7. Wastewater or sewage backup. Among the signs of a full septic system, this is the least want to experience. However, this has a strong possibility of happening if you do not have your tank pumped when needed and if you ignore the other signs mentioned. Raw sewage backing up into your home drains can be very messy and damaging to the property.
Once you see sewage backing up your home, call the septic service immediately and stay clear or away from the affected area. If you are in luck, pumping might be all that you need to make the system work properly again. If you have neglected the maintenance schedule, there might be more septic system problems or drainfield issues.
Make sure to keep the septic system well-functioning to avoid any of these problems. Always pump the system within one or three years to prevent awful signs of a full septic tank from arising. Save yourself money, the hassle, and headaches by keeping with scheduled maintenance. A well-maintained septic system can last up to 30 years.
If you need professional help on a blocked sewer or a blocked drain, contact the blocked drain experts on 0412 738 874 or leave a message.
Helpful details for a Blocked Drain and Emergency Plumber situation:
Triple zero – 000
City of Melbourne – Floods and Storms
VicWater
Yarra Valley Water
Victoria State Emergency Service
