Having a quality septic system can be a great alternative to hooking your business or home up to a sewage system. And if you live outside of the city limits, a septic system may be your only way of getting rid of waste water. Septic systems are durable and can last a long time, but you will need occasional maintenance to avoid running into some significant problems. Here are a few signs that your septic system should be serviced.
Pools of Water and Soggy Grass
While you can of course expect to experience wet lawns and puddles to form during rainy weather, finding soggy spots in your grass or puddles when there has been no rain is a red flag that something may be wrong with your septic system. You should take steps right away to get your septic system inspected for any issues to prevent additional untreated wastewater from leaking into your yard.
Slow Drainage
If different drains in your home, such as your shower, tub or sinks, have been draining more slowly than normal, this could be a sign that your septic system needs to be serviced. It can be normal for perhaps one or two drains to get clogged for various reasons and to drain slower than normal, but having all of your drains drain slowly is a sign something is wrong. Steer clear of commercial-grade drain cleaners since these can end up damaging your septic system.
Gurgling Sounds
When you drain water in your home, whether it’s a toilet flushing, sink running, or bathtub draining, the sound should seem uninterrupted. If you notice gurgling sounds when water is draining in your home, this is another sign you need to service your septic system.
Foul Odors
This sign will be rather obvious and will likely spur quick action. You could experience foul smells around the septic tank itself, around the pipes, or inside your home through various drainage points.
Abnormally Green Grass
This sign is similar to finding pools of water in your yard or noticing soggy grass, but catching this early sign can help save you from further problems down the line. The grass that lies on top of your drainfield should look just the same as the rest of your lawn if everything is fine with your septic system. But if you notice a distinct patch of extra lush grass over your drainfield, it could mean that something is wrong with your septic system.
Backup
When you release large amounts of water from your home by running the dishwasher, doing laundry, or draining a bath, a compromised or full septic tank won’t be able to handle the load. If you notice water not draining properly and pushing back up from the drain, you need to service your septic system as soon as possible.
Not every issue with your septic system will be easily noticed before it becomes a major problem, that’s why it’s recommended you have your septic tank serviced every three to five years to avoid overflow and potential damage. At Knight’s Septic Services, we provide expert inspections on your commercial or residential septic systems to catch any problems and provide the necessary repairs.