Sewage backing up into your drains is a homeowner’s worst nightmare. If it occurs, call a septic tank service immediately for an inspection and pumping.
Many homeowners assume slow draining is a simple clog, but it may indicate that your septic tank is full and needs repair. Here are some warning signs to watch out for:
Sewage Backup
Sewage backup is one of the worst situations a homeowner can face. It can be a severe health issue and even cause significant damage to your home.
Your home’s drain lines connect to your sewer line, transporting wastewater from the toilets, tubs, showers, and sinks away from your home. When this line gets blocked or breached, sewage can back into your home.
Getting your septic tank pumped and inspected regularly can help avoid these problems. However, if you are dealing with a sewage backup, turn off your water and contact a professional immediately. They can inspect your home’s condition and recommend any immediate repairs. They can also help you file a claim with your insurance company.
Slow Drains
If you notice your sinks, toilets, or tubs draining slower than usual, something needs to be fixed with your septic tank. Slow-draining water can be restored using a septic system-safe drain cleaner, but it is vital to catch this problem early and do septic tank repair Fort Worth before it worsens.
If you hear gurgling sounds when you flush the toilet or use the faucet, it could be a sign that something is wrong with your septic system. A clogged drain line or an overfilled septic tank might cause this. If you hear gurgling sounds when you flush the toilet or use the faucet, it could be a sign that something is wrong with your septic system. A clogged drain line or an overfilled septic tank might cause this.
Finally, if you see pools of water on or around your septic tank drain field, this is a clear sign that it’s time to have your septic system pumped. Leaving this problem unattended can lead to costly sewage backups and even toxic mold buildup in your home.
Pooling Water
One of the most prominent and gross warning signs is raw sewage backing into your sinks, tubs, or toilets. This happens when your septic tank is full and cannot accept more waste, forcing it to go somewhere else—usually into the drain field. Signs of this include puddles in your yard or a wet and soggy area above or near the tank and drain field (also known as an absorption field).
A full septic tank can also cause slow drains, especially in the lowest drains throughout your home. Before you reach for the Drano, however, remember that chemical drain cleaners can deteriorate your pipes over time and kill the good bacteria in your septic system. Keep septic tanks clean by having them pumped regularly and avoiding putting items down the drain that could lead to line clogs, like feminine hygiene products, diapers, and wipes.
Smelly Water
If you notice a sewage smell in your home, it is a sure sign that something is wrong with the septic tank. The odor may be coming from the toilets or other drains, but it could also indicate that your tank has reached capacity and is not actively collecting wastewater.
When bacteria in your septic system die, they release sulfur and hydrogen sulfide. The resulting odor is similar to rotten eggs, which can be detected in your home’s water. The smell is not harmful to health, but it can be unpleasant. A septic tank repair is needed to solve the problem. Alternatively, the odor could be caused by algae in your home’s water. The best way to determine the cause is to direct rainwater away from your septic tank and drainage lines.
Sewage Smell
A strong sewage smell, mainly from the toilets or other drains, is a warning sign of a problem with your septic tank. Foul odors are caused by hydrogen sulfide gas, which can be very dangerous to your health.
The odors usually come from the septic tank but can also result from clogs in the sewer line. This can happen if you flush a product that isn’t supposed to be there, like disposable diapers, dryer sheets, paper towels, or latex paint.
The odors can also come from the vents in your house. These can be clogged by animals such as birds, squirrels, and rodents that use them for warmth during the winter. Or it could be a cracked, leaking, or buried vent pipe.
