If your property has a septic system, it will need regular care and maintenance to prevent messy failures from happening. One of the most important things you can do is stay on a routine septic pumping schedule. It’s usually recommended that septic tanks be pumped about every one to three years, but this will typically be determined by the size of your household and tank.

However, there are times when a tank may start to get full quicker than normal, or perhaps something gets flushed that wasn’t supposed to be. According to the experts at P & H Construction and Septic Service, these instances can make it necessary for a tank to be pumped in between scheduled service calls.

Below, the Uncasville, CT-based company highlights some of the most common signs that it’s time to have your septic tank pumped:

• Slow Drains: Most households experience slow drains periodically, which is often an indication of a simple clog. If you have put in your best efforts to try and unclog the drains to no avail, then there’s a good chance your septic tank is full. The same can be said if toilets are flushing abnormally or making strange noises.

• Pooling Water: If you notice pooling water out in your drain field or anywhere around it, this could be evidence that the septic tank is overflowing. When a tank gets full, solid waste will begin to clog the piping system in the drain field, forcing liquid to rise to ground level. This may be the pooling you see, which warrants an immediate call for septic pumping.
• Foul Odors: In addition to waste, septic systems collect a wide variety of things from within a household. The combination of all this together creates an unmistakable odor you won’t be able to ignore. The smell will usually come from the area around the tank or from your drain, and it could be a strong clue the tank needs to be pumped.

As long as you pay attention to the red flags signaling a septic pumping is needed, you are likely to avoid costly issues. Contact P & H Construction and Septic Service at (860) 848-8507 or visit them online for more information.