When a septic tank is full, the water in the tank now has nowhere to go and so it eventually ends up backing into your home through your toilet and your drains. If there are any cracks in your septic tank or plumbing then some of that water and waste material can also come up in your yard.
If you have a septic tank, one of the questions you may have is how exactly you know when it is full. If you have spoken to your septic tank maintenance specialist, you will know how often they need to be pumped out and whether you need to have them pumped out again. The last time it was pumped, you probably didn’t think about pumping it for a year or two, so you might not have had the opportunity to pump it again until a few years ago.
What Are The Signs Of A Full Septic Tank?
There are 5 signs to look out for that indicate that your septic tank is full.
1) Sewage backup – It’s very easy to identify when a sewage backup occurs. You will see (and smell) black water in your bathtub, sinks, toilets and/or showers. There’s no denying what it is and it’s a very clear (and usually the most common) sign that your septic tank is full.
2) Patches of very green grass in your yard – It’s not true that the grass over your septic tank should be greener than the rest of the lawn.
3) Slow drains and slow flushing toilets – Another telltale sign of a filled septic tank is that your drains are emptying very slowly. Of course, this could also just be a clog somewhere in the sewer line.
4) Sewer odors – Your nose may tell you that your septic tank has reached it’s limit. The odor isn’t completely sewage because the septic system in your home doesn’t just collect human waste, it also collects water from your shower, washing machine and dishwasher. But the odor is very strong .
5) Signs of standing water – If you notice any standing water on your property in the area of the septic tank – that’s another telltale sign that something has gone awry and it’s strongly recommended that you call in a plumber to get the septic system inspected and probably emptied.
How Often Should You Have Your Septic Tank Pumped?
We recommend that if your household is 4 people or less, then have your septic tank inspected every 4 years. If your household is 5 people or more then you should have your tank inspected every 2 years. This schedule will ensure that you avoid any major sewage backups.
Generally speaking, sewer lines should be cleaned out every 18 – 22 months.
When it comes to actually pumping out your septic tank, the schedule should be every 3 to 5 years. Again, it depends on how much it’s used which of course depends on the number of people in the household.
How Much Does It Cost To Empty A Septic Tank?
The cost of pumping a septic tank can run anywhere from $200 to $600 depending on the size of the tank, the amount of labor needed and the amount of time involved in the project..
If you have any questions about septic tanks or are having some problems with it, call Atlantis Plumbing today at 770-505-8570. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.