Sanitation In Cooking

Three Signs Of A Full Septic Tank

If you previously were on a municipal sewer system, it can be easy to overlook the needs of the septic system in your new home. One of the most important things you need to be aware of are the warning signs of a septic backup. Failure to tend to a backed up system promptly could result in your home being flooded with sewage. The following are signs to watch for when it comes to your septic system:

Sign #1: Soggy drain field

Every home septic system has a drain field, sometimes called the leach field. You need to know where yours is located. This information is generally provided at the time of the home purchase. Take a stroll over to the drain field at least once a month. The field shouldn't be overly wet or marshy, nor should it have a strong sewage odor. If you suspect sewage is rising to the top of the ground, then you likely have a septic system that is need of pumping or a damaged drain field in need of renovation.

Sign #2: Rotten egg odors

Do you occasionally get a whiff of rotten eggs or sulfur from the kitchen drain or after flushing the toilet? If so, then sewer gasses are coming up your drain lines and into the house. There are many causes for this, but a common reason is that the septic tank is approaching capacity. This results in some sewage staying in the lines or even backflowing into the lines, which is what results in the odor. If black or brown water sometimes backflows into a sink or toilet bowl, the problem has become an emergency and it's time for pumping.

Sign #3: Slow drains

Your system may seem to be working fine – no soggy drain field or backflowing sewage into the house. The only problem may be the drains seem slow. New septic owners often overlook slow drains, thinking this is just how septic systems work. Unfortunately, they are in for a rude awakening when the slow drain suddenly begins moving – in the wrong direction. If a single drain is slow, it may simply be clogged. If all of the drains are slow, your tank is approaching or at capacity and needs to be pumped.

As a new homeowner, the best course of action is to bring out a septic company to inspect and possible pump your tank. They can help you determine your home's projected usage in relation to the tank size. This will ensure you always get it pumped before you have a problem.

Check out a website like http://www.zebwattsseptic.com for more information and assistance. 


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