How do you know when to pump a septic tank? While there are several visual cues that indicate it’s time for a pump-out, did you know that there are also noises that may let you know it’s time to call Acme?
The EPA recommends that septic owners have their septic tanks pumped out at least once every 3-5 years. If you’ve kept up with your septic pump-out schedule, it’s not as likely that you will need emergency pump-out services. However, there are times when a homeowner may not know the date of their last septic pump-out, or when other events, such as heavy rains and flooding, create the need for a pump-out before you thought you might need one. Visual signs that indicate you may need a pump-out include:
Extremely lush, green grass growing over your septic tank or drain field
Pooling water in your yard
Toilets and drains that work more slowly than they should
If you see any of these signs, it’s well worth your time to get in touch with one of our septic care professionals, but your septic system may also be speaking to you in other ways. Read on to find out what to listen for.
Gurgling Sounds
Where: drains, toilets, or pipes
Gurgling noises often occur when your septic tank is at or near capacity. This sound is caused by air bubbles that form as wastewater struggles to flow properly. Hearing this noise could indicate that your septic system is at risk of backing up and it needs attention ASAP.
Bubbling Water
Where: toilets or sinks
If your septic tank is near or at capacity, wastewater cannot flow freely. Similar to the cause of gurgling sounds, bubbling noises are caused by pockets of air that are being pushed through the water.
Hissing Sounds
Where: around pipes, drains, or near the septic tank
How do you know when to pump a septic tank? If you notice hissing sounds coming from your plumbing, drains, or near your septic tank, the answer may be that you need to make your appointment today! Hissing noises are sometimes caused by gas that has built up in your septic system. With nowhere else to escape, this gas will leak through any opening it can find, including connections in your pipes, drains, and around the opening of your septic tank.
Persistent Toilet Flushing Sounds
Where: inside the toilet or near the pipes
If you are hearing faint sounds of water moving in your toilet or near the pipes connected to your toilet, it could be caused by irregular pressure in your septic system. Pressure irregularities can be caused by a septic tank that is at capacity and is in need of a pump-out.
Sudden “Glug” Or Backflow Noises
Where: drains, sinks, or showers
A full septic tank can prevent wastewater from moving properly, causing an abrupt noise that might be described as “glug.” If you need help imagining this sound, think about any time you’ve seen a cartoon and a character is taking frantic gulps from a large container of water. A noise like this occurs in real life, too, but it’s not nearly as humorous. If you hear this coming from anywhere in your drains, sinks, or showers, your septic system may be showing signs that it is backing up.
Worried About Your Septic System’s Health? We Hear You
If you’ve been searching for answers to the question, “How do you know when to pump a septic tank?” there are many ways to tell, whether through looking or listening. Strange, persistent noises emitting from your drains, pipes, toilets, or septic system are nothing to ignore, and the pros at Acme can help resolve whatever may be causing them.
Contact us for septic pump-outs and any of our other maintenance services today!
