If you own a home with a septic system, you may not think much about it until something goes wrong. A septic system is a self-contained wastewater treatment system that collects, treats and disposes of the wastewater from your home. It consists of a septic tank, where the solid waste is separated from the liquid waste, and a drain field, where the liquid waste is dispersed and filtered by the soil.

A septic system is designed to last for decades, but it requires regular maintenance and cleaning to function properly and avoid problems. If you neglect your septic system, you may face clogs, backups, leaks, odors, and even environmental and health hazards. That’s why it’s important to know the signs that your septic tank needs cleaning service and why you should not delay it.

How Often Should You Clean Your Septic Tank?

The frequency of septic tank cleaning depends on several factors, such as the size of the tank, the number of people in the household, the amount and type of wastewater generated, and the condition of the system. However, as a general rule, septic tanks should be inspected at least every three years by a septic service professional who will maintain, service, and clean your septic tank efficiently. Household septic tanks are typically pumped every three to five years. Alternative systems with electrical or mechanical components should be inspected more often, generally once a year.

To keep track of when to pump out your tank, you should keep a record of the sludge and scum levels measured by the septic professional during the inspection. The service provider should also note any repairs completed and the tank condition in your system’s service report.

What Are the Signs That Your Septic Tank Needs Cleaning Service?

Sometimes, your septic tank may need cleaning service sooner than the recommended schedule, especially if you notice any of the following signs:

• Drainage Problems: You may need to clean your septic tank if your sinks, toilets, showers, or bathtubs are draining slowly. This can happen when your septic tank is full and the wastewater backs up in the pipes, creating a pressure that slows down the drainage. Do not use any chemical drain cleaners, as they can harm your septic system and the environment. Call a septic service professional to check and clean your tank instead.

• Foul Odors: You may need to clean your septic tank if you smell a bad odor from your drains or outside near the septic tank or drain field. This can happen when your septic tank is full and the gases from the decomposing waste build-up, producing a strong and unpleasant smell. The smell can be like rotten eggs, sulfur, and sewage. You may notice the odor more in the area around the septic tank or drain field, but it can also come up through your drains and into your home. Call a septic service professional to check and clean your tank as soon as possible to avoid further problems.
• Water Puddles: You may need to clean your septic tank if you see standing water or wet spots in your lawn near the septic tank or drain field. This can happen when your septic tank is full and the wastewater overflows into the drain field, which is the area around the septic tank where the wastewater is spread and treated by the soil. If the drain field is soaked with wastewater, it can cause standing water to form around the septic tank. This standing water can also mean that the tank is leaking or cracked, which can be a serious risk to the environment and your health. Call a septic service professional to check and clean your tank as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
• Gurgling Sounds: You may need to clean your septic tank if you hear gurgling sounds from your drains or toilets. This can happen when your septic tank is full and the air bubbles in the pipes make a gurgling noise when the water flows through them. This noise can also mean that there is a clog or a blockage in the pipes, causing backups and overflows. Call a septic service professional to check and clean your tank as soon as possible to prevent further problems.
• Sewage Overflow: You may need to clean your septic tank if you see sewage or black water coming out of your drains or toilets. This can happen when your septic tank is full and the wastewater backs up into your home, which can be a very nasty and dangerous situation. Sewage backup can ruin your property, pollute your water supply, and expose you and your family to harmful bacteria and pathogens. If you have sewage backup, you should stop using water in your home, get out of the affected area, and call a septic service professional right away to check and clean your tank.
• Excessive Lawn Growth: You may need to clean your septic tank if your lawn is unusually green or lush near the septic tank or drain field. This can happen when your septic tank is full and the nutrients from the wastewater saturate the soil, which can boost the growth of grass and plants. However, this can also mean that the wastewater is not being treated properly by the soil, which can be a threat to the environment and the groundwater. Call a septic service professional to check and clean your tank as soon as possible to prevent further problems.

Why Is It Important to Maintain Your Septic System?

Maintaining your septic system is not only important to avoid the problems mentioned above, but also to protect your health, your property, and the environment. A well-maintained septic system can provide you with the following benefits:

• Save Money: Regular septic tank cleaning and maintenance can save you money in the long run by preventing costly repairs and replacements. A septic system that is not properly maintained can fail prematurely, which can cost you thousands of dollars to fix or replace. A septic system failure can also damage your property and lower its value. By keeping your septic system in good condition, you can extend its lifespan and avoid unnecessary expenses.
• Protect Health: Regular septic tank cleaning and maintenance can protect your health and the health of your family by preventing exposure to harmful contaminants. A septic system that is not properly maintained can leak or overflow, which can contaminate your water supply and the surrounding environment. This can expose you and your family to bacteria, viruses, parasites, and chemicals that can cause diseases and infections. By keeping your septic system in good condition, you can ensure that your water is safe and clean.
• Preserve Environment: Regular septic tank cleaning and maintenance can preserve the environment by preventing pollution and degradation. A septic system that is not properly maintained can leak or overflow, which can pollute the soil, the groundwater, and the nearby water bodies. This can harm the plants, animals, and ecosystems that depend on them. By keeping your septic system in good condition, you can prevent environmental damage and conserve natural resources.

Conclusion

A septic system is a valuable asset that provides you with a convenient and efficient way to treat and dispose of your wastewater. However, it also requires regular maintenance and cleaning to function properly and avoid problems. If you notice any of the signs that your septic tank needs cleaning service, you should not ignore them or delay them. You should contact a septic service professional as soon as possible to inspect and clean your tank. By doing so, you can save money, protect your health, and preserve the environment. You can also enjoy the peace of mind that comes with having a well-maintained septic system.