For homeowners who live away from municipal sewers, a septic system is an ideal way to deal with wastewater. While they can last for decades without a problem, they need regular pumping. If the septic tank overflows or a pipe breaks, it could cause a costly headache for you. Learn the signs below so you know if professional septic maintenance is needed.

3 Signs Your Septic Tank Needs Attention

1. Standing Water

If you’re walking through your yard and notice a damp or muddy patch, but it hasn’t been raining recently, your septic tank needs immediate attention. The drain field is overflowing, which can make the ground on your lawn spongy. The wastewater can carry bacteria that’s harmful to human health, so it’s important that you take immediate action.

2. Slow Draining

If just one drain in your home is slow, it could be due to a clogged trap, but if every drain is draining slowly, you probably have a jam in the pipe that feeds the septic tank. Don’t turn to chemical drain cleaners—they may corrode the pipes, and they can kill the bacteria that help break down waste in the tank. Instead, have a septic maintenance professional unclog the line so you don’t have to worry about sewage backflowing into your sinks and tubs.

3. Lush Lawn Patches

Sometimes the grass is greener on the other side because it’s being fed with sewage. If a pipe is leaking, effluent could be escaping before it reaches the drain field. Although you might appreciate the extra-green grass, you should have the pipe serviced immediately. If the leak gets bigger, your yard could be filled with the stench of sewage.

Deal with any septic system issues by calling the team at Green Acres Septic Tank Service. For over three decades, they’ve served Mid-Missouri, including Columbia, Hatton, Mexico, Montgomery City, and New Florence. In addition to tank pumping, they can make repairs, install a new tank, and clean restaurant grease traps. For a quote on septic maintenance or 24/7 emergency service, call (573) 529-6706.