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If you live in a rural area of Cleveland, TN, there is a good chance that you have a septic system. When you flush the toilet, or the water goes down the drain, it goes into the septic tank. The solids settle at the bottom where microorganisms work hard to decompose the solids. The liquid moves through underground pipes into the drainage field. Septic systems don’t require a great deal of maintenance. The main thing that you have to worry about is regularly calling for septic tank pumping. On average, your septic tank will need to be pumped every three to five years. The more people you have living in the home, the more frequently you will need to have it pumped. This is because more people are taking showers and flushing the toilet. A house with a dishwasher, a washing machine, and a garbage disposal will also need to be pumped more frequently.
If your septic tank is overdue for a pumping, there are a few signs to look for. Because an overflowed septic tank can result in serious problems in the yard and the home, it is essential that you are able to recognize these signs.
#1 Sluggish Drains
This can be a bit confusing because sluggish, slow drains can be a sign that you have a clog in the pipes. It can also mean that you need to call for pumping. If it has been a few years since you had your septic tank pumped, you should assume that you need to call a professional in septic tank pumping. If your tank has been recently pumped, you should call a plumber. They can send a camera down the drain to find out what is causing your sluggish drains.
#2 Nasty Smell
If you notice that there is a nasty smell coming from your drains, toilets, near the outdoor tank, or around your drain field, there is a good chance that you need to call for septic tank services. When your septic tank fills to the top, the gasses that contain these odors have nowhere to go. This results in a smell of sewage in your home or around your yard. When this happens, the only way to get rid of the horrible smell is to call a professional to have your septic tank pumped. Shortly after it is done, you should be able to start breathing fresh air again.
#3 Extra Lush, Green Grass Around the Tank or the Drainage Field
Every homeowner wants to have lush green grass in their yards. If the grass is greener and lusher in the drainage field or around your septic tank, it isn’t a good thing. This is a sign that you need to call for septic tank pumping. This happens because the excess waste from an overflow is fertilizing the grass from the roots. If a particular area of the yard is more green and lush than the rest of the yard, you should call for septic tank services immediately.
#4 Standing Water In the Yard
If there hasn’t been heavy rain recently and you notice that there is standing water pooled in the yard, there is a problem. The standing water could mean that you need to call for septic tank pumping. This could be a sign of something more serious such as a failing septic tank. Either way, it is essential that you call a professional as soon as possible.
#5 Sewage Backup
One of the most obvious and serious signs that it is time to call for septic tank pumping is raw sewage backing up into the home. It is not good to wait until this happens to have your septic tank pumped. When the raw sewage backs up into the house, it can result in an expensive and dangerous flood. Raw sewage is toxic; therefore, your entire family will be at risk if the raw sewage backs up into the home. The goal is to call and have your septic tank pumped before something like this happens.
#6 High Nitrates In the Well Water
This sign will only apply to homeowners who rely on well water. Anyone who does rely on well water knows that it should be tested regularly. If you check your well water and discover that the nitrate levels are higher than average, you should call for septic tank pumping immediately. When the nitrates are high, it means that the wastewater could be overflowing from your septic tank into your drinking water. This is a very serious issue and can make drinking the water very dangerous. If your water test does show high nitrate levels, you should call a plumber who specializes in septic systems. Not only can they handle the septic tank pumping, but they can also check the integrity of the septic tank itself.
It is a good idea to keep track of the last time that you had your septic tank pumped. It is best to keep up with it rather than looking for the signs that you need to call for septic tank pumping at your Cleveland, TN home. This is because when the septic tank overflows, it can be damaging. If it is time for your septic tank to be pumped or if you notice any of the signs listed above, you should call Metro Plumbing, Heating and Air. We will send one of our highly-qualified, experienced plumbers to your home for a septic tank pumping. One of our techs can also check the condition and integrity of your septic tank. If it is starting to fail, we can make the necessary repairs.
We are a family-owned and operated company and have been serving customers locally and in the surrounding areas since 1989. To schedule an appointment with one of our licensed and insured technicians, give us at Metro Plumbing, Heating & Air a call today.
