According to the Environmental Protection Agency, more than 60 million people in the U.S. utilize septic systems. It's a trusted method of safely storing and removing waste from your home. However, no plumbing method comes without occasional problems. It's important to get a septic tank company to your home to avoid costly repairs and unsafe living conditions. Let's cover some early warning signs that your septic system is in trouble.

Backups in the Home

Wastewater backups are an obvious sign that your septic system is not working properly. After all, the septic system is meant to carry wastewater away from the home. If your septic system is backed up, it may be due to a couple of issues.

• The tank or drain field is full: The wastewater from your home is carried through pipes to a septic tank that separates the solids from the liquids. The liquids are then sent through secondary pipes to a drain field further away from the home. If either the septic tank or the drain field is full, the wastewater from your home will have nowhere to go other than back into the home.
• There's a blocked pipe: Sometimes the septic tank and drain field are totally fine, but the pipes that transport wastewater and effluent are damaged or blocked. If materials other than toilet paper and human waste are flushed down drains, there's a high probability they will clog the pipes and prevent proper drainage.

If you have wastewater backing up into your home, call a septic tank company immediately. They will be able to diagnose the problem and get your septic system running smoothly again. It's even better to regularly empty your tank and have maintenance checkups to prevent the issue.

Bright Green and Spongy Grass

If you notice spots of bright green and spongy grass above your septic tank or drain field, call your local septic service. Fluid leaking out of your septic tank is full of bacteria and can act as fertilizer for the soil above. However, the leaking fluid is extremely unhygienic and can cause serious health issues for nearby people and animals. It can also contaminate water sources in the area. Get preventative maintenance at least once a year to protect yourself from surprises like a leaking septic tank.

Rotten Egg Smell

A rotten odor can signify a few different problems. It may be caused by a worn out seal on one of your toilets or a dry trap in a floor drain. The floor drains are filled with water to prevent this problem. If you start to smell rotten eggs, check all of your plumbing fixtures first. If the seals look good, call a septic tank company to run a few tests. There's likely a leak or imminent backup.

Slow Drains

Keep in mind that slow drains often point to clogs building up. To prevent wastewater backups, you may be tempted to use a harsh chemical cleaner. If used occasionally, this solution will probably cause no harm. However, overuse will lead to the deterioration of your plumbing pipes and septic tank. Leaks will occur and require expensive repairs that involve tearing up walls, floors, and your yard to replace the worn out pipes. Avoid a costly repair and use natural products to clear the drain. You can also invest in a drain snake to avoid using cleaners at all. Simply drive the drain snake into the pipe and pull out the blockage. A septic pumping service will often have high-end drain snakes with lights, cameras, and remote controls if you fail to eliminate the blockage on your own.

Trees and Shrubs Near Your Septic System

If you like keeping a yard full of trees and shrubs, you may need to relocate them to protect your septic tank and plumbing lines. Plant roots are attracted to water. If there's ever a leak, even a small one, the roots will start to move in that direction. The roots can end up growing around and into the pipes, creating clogs and worsening the leak. A septic tank company can help you identify potential problem plants. A landscaper or tree professional can help you figure out what to do with them.

Catching septic tank problems early will save you a lot of money in the long run, which is why it's so important to have an expert inspect your septic system on a regular basis. If you're looking for septic tank installation, maintenance, or repairs in Poughkeepsie, NY or the surrounding areas, you can count on ProSeptic for reliable service.