If you suddenly notice a noxious odor whenever you’re outside, it’s likely related to a septic tank issue.
There are several ways you can determine whether or not you’ll need to enlist the help of a professional septic service whenever you encounter a horrible smell.
Read on to discover seven warning signs that indicate it’s time to call in the pros so your septic system can get back to working normally.
1. Pooling Water in Your Yard
If you notice pooling water around your yard, it’s likely time to contact a professional septic service. Look closely around your lawn near the drain field for any signs of water that’s not draining or that’s creating small “pools” of water that are not anywhere else.
In most cases, pooling water indicates that your septic tank is full. A properly working septic tank keeps the wastewater underground where you never even notice its presence.
Once that water starts to come up and onto the surface of your drain field, there’s a serious problem. The drain field pipes are likely clogged by solid waste, which means you’ll need to have the tank pumped and inspected for blockages.
2. Foul Smells Means It’s Time for Septic Service
Anything you send down a drain in your home is part of your household’s wastewater. This includes anything from the kitchen, bathroom, and bathtub as well as all appliances like the dishwasher and washing machine.
The septic tank holds all of the icky sludge that comes from your home including any liquid waste. When the tank gets too full, it will start creating a horrible odor that permeates your yard and your home.
When you go outside, be aware of any unusual smells. Anything that seems overly stinky or extremely unnatural means that your septic system needs to be professionally serviced as soon as possible.
3. Things Are Draining Slowly
Not only are slow drains a pain, but it may also be a septic-related red flag. You can give a few commercial drain cleaning products a try, but if things are still draining slowly, you may need some help.
You probably need to have your septic system serviced, which is offered by businesses such as this septic company. They can investigate the issue and take steps to correct it so things start to drain normally again.
Check your toilet and if it’s still not draining properly after you use a plunger, the tank could be full. Slow drains aren’t always a direct relation to your septic system, but they can be if the problem isn’t corrected using traditional methods.
4. Your Grass is Unusually Green
Examine the grass around your drain field every so often to make sure it still looks healthy, but not too tall or too bright green. Grass that looks to be too green and lush may mean that there’s a septic issue lurking under the surface.
Another key thing to look for is if you see an increase in weeds near the drain field. Wastewater that seeps up into the ground can create food for all kinds of plants you don’t expect to see grow in your yard.
The liquid from your septic tank is likely rising too high if the grass is dying or overgrown. Either way, there could be a system failure somewhere that should be addressed as soon as possible.
5. High Nitrate Levels in the Water
Homes that rely on well water could end up with excessively high levels of nitrate if there’s a septic-related problem. Too much nitrate means that wastewater may be leaching into your drinking water, which is a serious health-related issue.
You can purchase a test kit for your home to check the levels of nitrate. If the levels are high, stop drinking or cooking with tap water and contact a septic service company immediately.
It’s a good idea to test your water every so often for nitrate just to be safe. Every month or even every few months is recommended, just so you have peace of mind.
6. You Notice Sewage Backup
Foul odors and sewage backup often go hand-in-hand, but you certainly don’t want to see this inside your home. If sewage starts to back up into your sinks, tubs, or toilets, it’s time for emergency septic service.
If your septic tank is too full, it can start to backflow the sewage into your home. The sewage will appear black in color and of course, it will emanate a strong, stinky odor.
While you may not have issues with sewage backup if you see pooling water or notice foul odors, it’s something to be aware of. The longer you wait to have your septic system serviced, the greater the odds are that you could end up dealing with this smelly, unhygienic mess.
7. Your Tank Hasn’t Been Pumped in a While
Simple maintenance and regular care can prevent most septic system-related problems. If you haven’t had your tank pumped in a long time, it’s a good idea to get one scheduled.
For those who plan to have a lot of visitors and are expecting heavier use of the septic system than normal, get the tank pumped as soon as you can. Talk to your local septic service company to find out how often it should be pumped based on your household’s size.
Say Hello to a Healthy Septic System
From awful odors to pooling water and backed-up sewage, it’s crucial to know the signs so you can call for septic service. Proper maintenance and good monitoring should keep your tank and your system running smoothly for a long time to come.
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