If the sinks and toilets are draining slowly or produce a sound like gurgling, this is a red flag that your septic tank is full. It may also be a sign of a clog or other problems with the system.
The sewage that backs up in your home is not only unsightly but also hazardous to the health of you and your family. By identifying the indications of a full septic tank, you can effectively avoid expensive repairs and prevent potential health hazards.
Slow Drains
The first sign of your septic tank getting full is often slowly draining in multiple home areas. It is due to soap, grease, and other household waste slowly building up inside the pipes. Once the septic tank fills with these materials, they can’t move through the system and clog your drains.
These clogs can lead to sewage backing up into your drains, which is inconvenient and potentially dangerous for your health. Make an appointment with a nearby septic company for your septic tank maintenance Orlando FL, as soon as possible if your septic tank is approaching capacity.
The septic tank collects the wastewater from all your toilets and your home’s drains. If this wastewater begins to go back into your house, it’s a clear warning that you must pump the tank. This problem will only worsen and could damage your home’s piping or main sewer line.
Unpleasant Smells
If your drains or toilets begin to smell like sewage, it is time to have your septic tank pumped. The odor indicates that the septic tank has reached its total capacity. It can lead to sewage backups throughout your home that are unpleasant and dangerous for everyone.
Gurgling sounds from your sinks, toilets, or bathtub and shower drains are another sign that it is time to have the septic tank emptied. These gurgling noises are caused by the heavy solid waste in your tank that clogs your pipes and slows down water flow.
Wet spots in the yard near your septic tank or drain field are also warning signs that you need septic system maintenance. The grass near these areas should be greener than the rest of your yard and shouldn’t have any pools of water in it. It means the septic tank is overflowing into the drain field, and escaped sewage is fertilizing the grass and seeping into groundwater sources.
Sewage Backups
Sewage backups can be devastating and cause thousands of dollars in damage to your home. Knowing the signs of a sewage line backup is essential to have it repaired immediately.
If you smell a foul odor like sewage or rotten eggs, it could be a sign that your septic tank is full. This foul odor is caused when microorganisms inside the tank don’t digest waste properly and start to build up in the home’s plumbing system.
Gurgling sounds from drains are another warning signal that your septic tank is nearly complete. This gurgling sound is created when blockages are in the septic tank or at the septic tank vent. It is a sign that you must have your tank emptied as soon as possible. Standing water near the septic tank or in the drain field and spongy bright green grass indicate that your septic system is overdue for maintenance.
Cracks in the Tank
If your toilets aren’t flushing as quickly and sinks take longer to drain, it’s time to have the septic tank cleaned. It could be complete, or a clog might prevent the system from venting correctly. It can cause a lot of problems, including the foul odors that you’re noticing.
A septic tank works by storing waste underground, where it separates based on weight and buoyancy. Solids settle at the bottom (sludge), liquid waste rests in the middle, and fats and oils rise to the top (scum). Bacteria break down the mixture so it can filter into the groundwater.
A well-maintained septic system keeps waste out of your home, but it must be pumped regularly to prevent overflowing into the drain or leach fields. To avoid a costly repair, ensure you are on a regular pumping and inspection schedule. It also helps to have detailed maintenance records if you sell your house.
