Five Signs Your Septic Tank is Full

There’s nothing worse than a septic tank that hasn’t been drained in time. While septic systems don’t require a lot of maintenance, you definitely want to make sure you empty your tank before it’s an emergency. With that in mind, here are the top signs that you need to get your tank pumped.

1. Water Is Collecting

Take a look at your septic field from time to time. This is the area where the tank drains and normally it will be like any other patch of ground in your garden, though the grass may be considerably greener there. However, if you notice puddles of water or marshy areas in the septic drainage field, this is likely caused by an overflowing tank. If the tank is full of solid waste, any liquid will be pushed out of the system and up to the surface of the drainage field.

2. You Smell Something Awful

Septic waste is not a pleasant smell, so if it starts to waft around your home, you’ll definitely notice. The odour is a sign that the tank is either full or very close to it. The alternative is that the tank is leaking, which also requires immediate action. In addition, you’ll want to move quickly simply to eliminate the smell and protect your family and neighbours from dealing with it.

3. Your Drains Are Lazy

If you’ve never had issues with drains before, but they suddenly start to move very slowly, it’s likely your tank is full. This is noticeable in both sinks and toilets. When you flush the toilet, it will slowly spin and take a long time to finally eliminate the contents. The sink will take longer and longer to drain. Keep in mind that if only one drain is this way, it’s probably not the septic tank, but a blockage in the pipes. However, if all your drains are slow, check the tank.

4. Backed Up Sewage

One of the worst signs that you need to pump your septic tank is that your drains have started to back up. Look at the lowest drains in your home . . . the ones in the basement or ground floor. If you notice sewage is coming out of those drains, as horrible as that sounds, you need to call in a company immediately to pump the septic tank.



5. Odd Noises

Water pipes and drainage pipes tend to make a lot of noise anyway, but if you’re noticing odd gurgling sounds on a regular basis, it may be your septic system. This is a good sign that you need to check the tank and possibly empty it.

Is it time to empty your septic tank? Contact Walsh Brothers Industrial Services today to book an appointment!