Some houses require pumping services for septic systems every one to two years. If you neglect this routine task, the tank may overflow and cause unpleasant problems. To help you identify an emergency, here are a few of the signs that your tank can’t process more waste.

When to Call a Septic Pumping Service

1. Slow Drains

When a tank is close to full, water seeps into it more slowly.

You might notice that your sinks and showers don’t drain as usual, and your toilet experiences frequent clogs. Clogs and slow draining may persist even when you use plungers and chemical drain cleaners.

2. Pooling Water

When a septic tank overflows, water can pool in your yard, usually around the drain field area. This means the tank is full of solid waste, leaving new wastewater and solids nowhere to go and pushing too much waste through the drain field. 

Since sewage is hazardous to health, stay off the lawn until professionals address the issue. 

3. Foul Smells

Sewage smells often accompany pooling.

You may only notice the odor coming from your yard at first. However, if the problem isn’t promptly addressed, the smell might start emanating from your toilets and drains as well.

4. Sewage Backup

If septic tanks aren’t promptly pumped after the above signs manifest, sinks, toilets, and bathtubs can experience backups. Dark and foul-smelling sludge may rise through the pipes, entering your home. This requires emergency home cleaning for your safety.

If your septic tank needs pumping service, call the experts at Alaska Sewer & Drain in Anchorage, AK. Available 24/7, they perform both emergency and routine septic pumping. Their technicians have more than 30 years of experience and help with all sewer-related issues. Visit their website to learn more about their services, or call (907) 248-9557 to schedule pumping today.