While many people have city sewer systems, the vast majority of homes in the US have septic tanks that hold their solid waste, waste water and another effluent. The tank is connected to a drain field that allows liquid to drain through the earth, which filters it, while solids are retained within the tank. Over time, your septic tank will fill and you’ll need to have it pumped out. How do you tell when it’s time to hire a septic pumping company in Riverdale?
Slow Drains
One of the first signs that you need to hire a septic pumping company in Riverdale is if your drains begin to slow down. If you’re noticing that it takes longer than usual for water to drain out of your sink, or for your toilets to flush, it’s an excellent sign that there is too much waste in your septic tank.
Sewage Backup
Perhaps the most obvious sign that you need to have your septic tank pumped out is sewage backing up into your home through the drains in your sinks, bathtubs, or toilets. Once your septic tank reaches this point, you will need to have it emptied immediately before you can use any drains in your home. Note that this includes your washer and dishwasher.
Standing Water in the Yard
In some instances, the problem with your septic tank will not be visible in the home, but you can spot signs in your yard. The next time it rains, take a look at the drain/leech field around your home. The rain should flow through easily, and the ground should have plenty of capacity to absorb the additional water. If it does not flow through, but pools, it’s a sign you need to have your tank pumped out.
Foul Odors
When you flush your toilet, use your sink or take a shower, you should never smell the effluent held in the septic tank at the other end of the drain. If you do, then it’s an excellent sign that the level is getting too high. Note that you may also smell foul odors in your yard – this is also a sign that you need to hire a septic pumping company in Riverdale.
Are you experiencing any of these signs and symptoms? Perhaps it has simply been many years since your tank was pumped.