Your home’s septic tank serves two purposes:
- It holds wastewater for bacterial break down
- It stores undigested solids for future removal
Removing this undigested waste is done through the method of pumping the septic tank. Every septic tank has waste in it that is either very slow to break down or just doesn’t break down at all. A gradual build-up of undigested waste can lead to problems that make pumping your tank a necessary task.
At Texas Johns, we specialize in renting portable restroom trailers, porta potties, and emptying tanks for the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. We think it is important that you know the signs of when your septic tank and system is full or malfunctioning, and it is time to call out a professional.
1. Regular Septic Tank Pumping Leads To Longer Tank Lifespan
Getting your septic tank pumped doesn’t always have to be because something is wrong. Many people think that if the septic tank is working correctly, then it shouldn’t have to be pumped. While this train of thought isn’t necessarily untrue, getting your septic tank pumped every 3 years will increase the lifespan of your septic tank.
After all, would you rather get your tank pumped regularly and have it functioning well for years, or wait until the mess really gets stinky?
2. Do You Smell That?
When your septic tank begins to fill up, the gasses that create odor really have nowhere to go and start to cause some bad problems. If you start to smell a foul odor coming from your drains, sinks, or the area near the tank, this is a sign that your drain is full or blocked and it is time to call out your local septic tank pumping pro.
3. Pooled Water
Marshy areas around the tank location are signs that your tank may have a leak. The moisture that occurs due to a leaking septic tank can create pools of water on your lawn. This can also occur if your tank is overflowing or that your drainage pipe is blocked.
4. Slow Drainage or Weak Flush
One way to tell that you need to get your tank pumped is by running the sinks and flushing the toilets in your house. If you have slow drainage, this may not be due to a standard clog. Check to see if your toilet has the same flush that you are used to. If you notice trouble with waste staying down or even getting down the toilet, getting your unit pumped can help things move along.
5. Too Green of Grass
Much like pooling water, the outer area directly surrounding your septic tank can show signs of overflowing or a leak. If the patches of grass that cover your septic tank are significantly greener than the surrounding lawn, then you may have a problem on your hands.
The grass that is over your tank is supposed to be the same color as the rest of your lawn. Sadly, in this case, too green means there is too much of a good thing feeding the grass and you may have an overflowing tank on your hands.
6. Backup
This final hint that a tank needs to be cleared out is one that no homeowner wants to experience. If you have ignored the other signs that you have a full tank, raw sewage can begin to back up into your house through the sinks and bathtubs. Septic waste is a major health hazard and this is an issue that you must deal with as soon as possible.
Texas Johns Now Handles Your Full Septic Tank
If you know that it is high time to get your septic tank pumped, don’t let the situation get out of hand. Get in touch with Texas Johns to schedule an appointment! Our professional team will come out to your home and handle the issue before it becomes a mess for your family.
