If you live in a rural area, it's more than likely that your home has a septic tank. The purpose of a septic tank is to separate solids from wastewater and break them down as much as possible. Regular septic tank pumping is required to maintain the functionality of your system. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, septic tank pumping should be performed if the top of the sludge layer is within 12 inches of the outlet, the bottom of the scum layer is within six inches of the bottom of the outlet, or if more than 25% of the liquid depth is sludge and scum. How do you know when you have an urgent situation requiring immediate septic tank pumping services? Read on to learn about key warning signs.

1. Your Toilet Is Having Issues

If your toilet suddenly starts having problems flushing correctly or it's backing up consistently, this could be an indication that there's an issue with your septic system. If you plunge your toilet and you're still having trouble, this could be a signal that your tank is full. Another potential sign is if all the toilets in your house are affected by this problem and not just one.

2. Your Pipes Are Noisy and Slow

If you hear gurgling noises from your pipes, it's worth looking into. Gurgling water could be a sign that your pipes have blockages due to your septic system being full. Another indication of septic problems could be pipes that are draining very slowly. If you've tried using drain cleaner and the pipes are still not draining normally, you should check to see when your septic tank was last pumped.

3. You Notice Foul Odors

If your septic tank is full, it can start emitting foul odors, either in your house or outside around the drain field area. When this occurs, there is less space for odor-causing gases in the tank. These gases need somewhere to go and will radiate from openings such as toilets, drains, or drain field outlets.

4. You See Sewage Backup

This is one of the more alarming indicators that can arise when your septic system is full. Sewage can back up into sinks, toilets, and bathtubs. This would constitute a definite septic emergency that you need to take care of immediately. Sewage backups typically happen when there is a blockage. Blockages can be caused by too much food waste entering your system, such as cooking grease. They can also occur from flushing the wrong items down your toilet.

5. You Find Warnings in Your Yard

If there's pooling water in your yard in or near the drain field area, this could be another sign that your septic tank is full and needs to be pumped. When your system is working as it should, water remains underground. Another signal of excessive waste liquid is lush, green grass that doesn't match the rest of your lawn around the drain field.

6. Your System Is Overdue for Maintenance

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, your standard household septic tank will need to be pumped every three to five years. There are alternative systems that may need to be checked more frequently. Additionally, if you use a garbage disposal, this will require more frequent septic tank pumping. If you're not sure what type of system you have or what it requires, it's best to consult with a professional. There are additional variables that determine how often your septic tank needs to be pumped, such as tank size and household water use. A professional will be able to give you a good idea of what your system needs. In order to prevent problems from occurring, it's good to have your septic system regularly inspected.

Don't make things worse by putting these issues off. If you experience any of these problems, it's important to take action and call a professional immediately. If you properly maintain your system with regular septic tank pumping, it should last for many years. Every system is different and it's important to have your system evaluated by a professional in order to determine your septic tank pumping needs. Call our team at ProSeptic to get started with our services today. We would love to assist you!