A septic tank can hold up to 1,250 gallons of waste. While this capacity is quite significant, you eventually have to have your septic tank cleaned or pumped to release the build-up of waste in it. How often you need to pump your septic tank depends on its size, the volume of solid and liquid waste generated, and the size of your household. Here are some signs that indicate it is time to pump your septic tank. 

1. Overdue Pumping



According to the Environmental Protection Agency, residential septic tanks require pumping every three to five years. Regularly pumping your septic tank will ensure it does not fill up, which often causes other plumbing problems. Consider pumping your septic tank more frequently if you have a large household or a smaller tank. 

A septic system specialist can inspect your septic tank and advise how frequently you should have it pumped. If it has been more than five years since you last pumped your septic tank, schedule this service immediately. 

2. Slow Drains

Drains typically empty quickly, so if you notice that your bathtub or kitchen sink drains slowly empty when you are using them, you may have a full septic tank. Slow drains do not necessarily indicate a septic tank issue. Sometimes, you may have clogs in your pipework. But, if a plumbing inspection reveals no issues in your plumbing system and using a plunger or unblocking chemicals does not resolve the issue, call a septic tank specialist. 

3. Standing Water 

When a septic tank is full, gray water may overflow onto the areas around the drain field. If it is not raining in your area and there are puddles on the ground around the drain field, then it means your septic tank can no longer accommodate the wastes generated in your home. 

An overflowing septic tank may also have a blockage. Either way, you must schedule pumping or cleaning services immediately. 

4. Overgrown Lawn Grass 

Sewage water is rich in nutrients that promote plant growth. Therefore, when waste starts overflowing from your septic tank and leaking onto the ground around your septic tank, the grass in that area has access to nutrients that promote growth. You will observe tall patches of grass in areas with sewage leaks. 

5. Bad Odors

Septic tanks collect all the wastes generated in your house that go down the drains and toilets. This includes gray water from your laundry room, showers, and kitchen. If your septic tank is full or almost full, all the smells from the waste will be more apparent. 

You will notice that the nearer you get to the septic tank, the stronger the bad odor will be. The foul odor will also be noticeable around your drains. The smell of raw sewage may also indicate a leak in your septic tank. 

6. Gurgling Pipes

When your septic tank needs pumping, you may hear gurgling sounds whenever you flush the toilet or pour water down the drain. Although gurgling pipes may indicate other plumbing issues, your septic tank needs emptying if your pipes gurgle, and you have observed the other signs mentioned in this post. 

7. Sewage Backup

A sewage backup is the most obvious sign of a full septic tank. When your septic tank cannot accommodate more waste, the waste has nowhere else to go but back up your drains. Not only do sewage backups make a mess, but they also force you to deal with a smelly house and may harm your health. 

A sewage backup is usually a worst-case scenario, and it constitutes a septic system emergency. Before sewage starts to back up your pipes, you may have likely observed the other signs of a full tank and ignored them. 

If you have observed most of the above signs, schedule an appointment with a septic tank service company to pump your septic tank. Contact Upstate Septic Tank, LLC, for expert septic tank services in South Carolina.