Is Your Septic Tank Trying To Tell You Something? 5 Signs It’s Time To Pump!
If you’re the owner of a septic system, you may have heard of the importance of routine septic pumping. The next question you may be asking is, “How do I know when to pump my septic tank?” Allow the pros from Acme to share some key indications that tell you when your septic tank should be pumped.
Septic pumping is a necessary service that allows your septic system to continue functioning at its best. Pump-outs remove excess solid and liquid waste matter from the interior of your septic tank, which improves your tank’s efficiency, reduces the risk of negative environmental impact, and keeps more complex problems, such as clogs and backups, to a minimum.
The Environmental Protection Agency shares many tips on how septic owners can keep septic systems in good condition while protecting the environment. One guideline that they consistently communicate is that septic owners should have a professional septic company pump their septic tank at least once every 3-5 years.
If routine pump-outs are not performed frequently enough, your septic system may begin to tell you how it feels any way it knows how. If you’ve asked, “How do I know when to pump my septic tank,” here are five ways your septic system might answer you:
#1:Abnormally Lush, Green Grass
If you’re seeing a beautiful layer of thick, green grass over your drain field or septic tank cover, the explanation may not be as pleasant as you would like. While healthy areas of your lawn are generally considered a good thing, if this development is taking place only in certain locations, such as over your septic tank or drain field, it is likely that your lawn is gaining excess nutrients from waste material found in your septic system.
Septic waste is rich in nitrates and other fertilizing agents that can cause biological matter – such as grass and other plants – to grow like weeds. When your septic tank becomes too full, or your drain field is not properly filtering waste, excess nutrients escape from the components of your septic system and feed any surrounding grass. If you see this sign, make an appointment with Acme!
#2: Slow Drains
If the sinks, showers, and toilets in your home are draining more slowly than usual, it’s possible that your septic tank needs to be pumped. Without regular pump-outs, waste buildup accumulates in the tank. As levels of waste increase, your septic system’s overall efficiency is reduced, leading to slower drains and other septic problems.
#3: Alarm Systems Are Activated
Septic technology has come a long way in the last several decades. Though still not the norm, many modern septic systems are equipped with technology that alerts homeowners to problems that could lead to septic failure. These alerts can be triggered by problems such as pump failures, blockages, or when the tank is nearing capacity and requires pumping.
The most advanced forms of septic technology are often included in septic tanks such as aerobic treatment units (ATUs), mound systems, and eco-friendly or “smart” septic systems, just to name a few.
#4: Foul Odors
If you notice strong sewage smells anywhere in or around your home, there is a possibility that your septic tank needs to be pumped. Septic tanks have a hard time keeping their smells a secret – so take this as a loud and clear message from your septic tank that it wants to send that built-up waste on its merry way.
#5: Pooling Water
When septic tanks become too full, it causes the drain field to stop working as efficiently. This can cause water to be pushed up to the earth’s surface and results in pooling water in your yard. If there hasn’t been a recent downpour and you’re seeing water in your yard, contact Acme. Our pump-outs can help correct this problem in no time.
Acme Is Fluent In Septic – Let Us Help!
Maybe you’ve received a few of these not-so-subtle messages but need the help of a translator. The next time you’re asking, “How do I know when to pump my septic tank?” give us a call!
Contact us today for septic pumping, repairs, inspections, and more.
