Mar 15, 2022

When Does My Septic Tank Need to Be Cleaned?

The grass is growing greener, the flowers are beginning to bloom, and the trees are turning a beautiful shade of green. The air is full of the aroma of freshly cut grass. For many people, this is a sign that Spring has sprung! However, there might be another reason for some homeowners with septic tanks on their property for fresh green lawns and that’s when you should call Septic Blue of Raleigh.

What to Watch For?

Your septic tank requires regular maintenance for it to work properly. This maintenance can include septic tank pumping, septic tank cleaning, inspection, and repair. Regular maintenance can help to maximize the life of your septic system. The key to keeping a septic system in good working order is to make sure it's never allowed to fill up.

How Does It Work?

Wastewater flows out of your house from the main drain and into the septic tank, typically made of concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene. In the septic tank, solids float to the top to form scum, and heavier solids sink to the bottom as sludge.

The middle layer is mostly clear water. Bacteria break down organic matter in the septic tank. Using gravity, water flows out of the tank into perforated pipes buried in gravel-filled trenches called leach fields or drain fields. Bacteria in the soil further treat the wastewater by filtering out disease-causing microorganisms. Septic Blue of Raleigh strives to keep you and your family safe and healthy.

According to the EPA, your septic tank should be inspected at least every three years by a professional. It should be cleaned by a septic professional every three to five years, depending on the size of your family and the volume of wastewater produced.

You can watch for the following signs to determine if it is time to have your septic tank pumped.

Bright Green Grass

Bright green grass over your septic area could indicate that the system allows liquid to leak into the soil outside the drain field, which is a sign you're due for a septic tank cleaning.

Slow Drains

Your sinks, shower, tub, and toilet are emptying slowly or not at all. When the sludge level in your tank is high enough to block the flow of water through it, sewage will begin to back up into your drains. If this happens, your tank needs immediate pumping.

Gurgling Noise

You hear gurgling noises coming from your pipes or drains. These noises mean that air is being forced past sewage in your pipes because there's no room for it in the tank. Again, if you hear this noise, it means you need immediate service.

Water Pools in Yard

Watch for signs of water pooling in the yard over your septic area. If you have one of these signs, it will probably be due for a septic tank pumping within a few months. If you have already experienced a sewage backup, you should clean it at once.

Odor

Foul smells from your drains are another common sign of excess solids in your septic tank. The bacteria used to break down the human waste is not very pleasant. If there are too many solids in your tank, they could be blocking the outlet pipe and preventing waste from leaving. The bacteria has nowhere to go but up, so to speak, causing nasty odors around your home.

Backed Up Sewer

The most obvious sign that your septic tank is full is sewage backing up into your house through the drains or toilet. At that point, the septic tank is full and can't accept any more liquid. If this happens, don't use any water in your home until a professional drain the tank and determines if other issues are causing the problem.

When You Notice Trouble

When your septic tank gets clogged, it can cause expensive problems, like sewage backups.

But the scariest part is that you can't avoid this situation. Septic systems fill up over time and need to be cleaned, no matter how well you're taking care of it.

The good news is that you don't have to put up with the inconvenience of a septic backup. Contact Septic Blue of Raleigh for all your septic cleaning needs. We offer emergency services as well as budget-friendly maintenance and cleaning!