1. Pooling water
The first sign that your septic system needs a service is the presence of pooling water. This can occur in many areas, but pay close attention to the lawn in and around the drain field. Pooling water is one indication of a full septic tank. When the septic system is working as it should, waste water remains underground and out of sight. When solid waste clogs the drain field pipes, it causes water to collect and rise to the surface of your drain field. Water pooling in the grass around the drain field is the first tell-tale sign that your septic system needs service.
2. Foul odors
Use your nose to help you determine how full your septic tank is. Household wastewater is ALL water sent down your drains. This includes water from toilets, bathroom & kitchen sinks, bathtub & showers, dishwasher and clothes washer. As the tank becomes full, it emits a foul smell. If you’re outside and you notice unnaturally stinky smells, especially around the drain field or above your septic tank, it may need to be serviced.
3. Slow drains
When drains in your home run slowly, it’s an indication that you may need to have your septic tank pumped. If you’ve tried using commercial drain cleaning products in your sinks but the drains continue to empty slowly, try to remember the last time your septic system was serviced. If after using a plunger your toilet still drains slowly, your septic tank might be getting too full.
4. Sewage backup
An overly-full septic tank can cause sewage to back up into sinks, bathtubs or toilets. Along with slow drains, foul odors and pooling water, sewage backup is yet another sign that your septic system needs to be serviced. Sewage backup is usually black and smelly.
5. Drain field grass health
If the grass growing above your drain field is lush and notably greener than in other areas of your landscape, it may be time to get your septic tank pumped. While some rising liquid is good, too much can indicate that a septic system failure of some sort is present.
Offering both residential and commercial septic disposal and septic tank treatments since 1962, Bishop Sanitation’s team of pros trained in septic system maintenance has all the tools to fit your needs. Proper maintenance of your system can save you both money and hassle in the end. Call 509.773.4707 and talk to one of our friendly, knowledgeable team members today.