Signs That Septic Tank Service Is Needed
Living in a home with a septic tank means that the owner is ok with shouldering some of the responsibility of living away from amenities. In most cases, homes with septic tanks are located off-grid, where sewer service is impractical for local municipalities to provide. But that doesn’t mean that owners don’t need to know when to ask for help from local professionals.
Maintaining a septic tank is not a DIY job. Homeowners simply don’t have the equipment necessary to maintain a septic tank, so they will need to call on septic tank services from time to time to keep the plumbing system operating well. Here are some of the signs that a professional’s opinion will be needed to assess a septic tank's reliability.
Unpleasant Odors
Septic tanks are large cisterns designed to hold and treat sewage. It should come as no surprise that they are filled to the brim with some of the most horrific odors imaginable. However, when a septic system is operating correctly, owners should never be able to smell the odors. Between the vent stacks above the home and the sealed tank underground, owners should live their lives free from the odors of their home’s waste.
When a problem occurs in the system, one of the most noticeable symptoms is odor. Odors can escape from sewer lines and septic tanks for a few reasons. In some cases, clogs may be present that pull water from P traps, allowing gasses to slip past. In other cases, vent lines may be clogged. If the odors are apparent outside, then the tank has become compromised and is leaking gasses. Septic tank service professionals can discover the true source and make repairs quickly.
Drain Problems
The septic tank is the final stop for effluent from the home. All of the drains in the home converge into a single sewer line that feeds the septic tank so one of the major signs that septic tanks are having trouble is drain clogs. Clogged drains usually develop over time. They often start by exhibiting slow draining accompanied by noisy operation. If the clog worsens, backups may occur.
Often the source of drain problems is the septic tank itself. When sediment settles in the septic tank it impedes the flow of effluent. Eventually sewage will back up into the home. To prevent this problem, septic tank pumping should be scheduled at least every five years.
Sewer Backups
Sewer backups can occur due to clogged drains and a septic tank full of sediment but can also cause sewage floods on the lawn. If a tank isn’t pumped regularly, the sediment can slowly flow into the drain field. The fine silt will slowly fill in the gaps in the soil that allow for percolation so that effluent has nowhere to go. Evidence of sewer backups include:
- Lush lawn growth
- Wet spots in the lawn
- Insect problems
- Floods near the septic system
- Foul-smelling odors around the tank
Regular septic tank pumping prevents these problems and ensures the system stays reliable. Always partner with a reliable septic tank cleaning company for service.
About Capital City Septic Services
Capital City Septic Services ensures off-grid homeowners are never alone. With seven-day service, they are always available to handle septic system emergencies. Call today for personalized septic tank service in Tallahassee, FL.
