Your septic system is designed to direct waste away from your home. In order to do its job effectively, it’s important to schedule septic pumping every three to five years. Maintaining a schedule with your septic professionals will help you avoid a need for emergency service, but you should also be aware of common signs of full tanks so you always know when to contact a technician.

When to Schedule Immediate Septic Pumping

1. Greener Grass

The grass in the vicinity of the drainfield should look just like the rest of your lawn. If it appears unusually lush, waste might be fertilizing the ground. This is indicative of a full tank or cracks in the drainfield piping, which allow liquids to disperse improperly into the ground.

2. Sluggish Drains

If only a single faucet is slow, you might be facing a clog, which can be corrected with snaking or hydrojet cleaning. Avoid using chemical drain cleaners, which cannot effectively break through clogs and might contribute to more accumulation in the pipes.

However, if it’s a widespread concern that affects the sinks, showers, and toilets throughout the house, the issue could be due to buildup inside the tank. If the unit is full, water is unable to enter it as usual. Clogs in the drainfield may also impact the drainage of your plumbing.

3. Back-Ups

Sewage inside the home is an emergency situation. When the tank becomes too full to hold more waste, it will send liquids to the inlet pipe and push them back up through the drains and toilets. You will likely notice sludge gurgling from these areas and unpleasant odors. Since wastewater is hazardous to your health, call a pumping crew immediately.
 

Homeowners throughout Anchorage, AK, trust the professionals at Chugach Sewer and Drain when they require septic pumping. The company also offers a variety of services to maintain your plumbing system, including drain cleaning, rooter services, and sewer repairs. Visit them online for information on what they do, or call (907) 929-5072 to schedule an appointment.