6 Signs You Need Septic System Maintenance
6 Signs You Need Septic System Maintenance
When was the last time you thought about your septic system?
Most people completely forget about their septic system… until it fails. It’s the one system in your house that you never want to have to deal with, but if you ignore it for too long, things can get messy.
So how can you prevent any issues from arising– and escalating– with your septic system? Simple. We always recommend regular maintenance to make sure that everything’s working as it should, but if it’s been a while and you’re not sure how regular that maintenance needs to be, we’ve put together 6 signs you need septic system maintenance.
Sign #1: Slow Drains Around the House
What It Looks Like
If your sinks, tubs, and toilets are taking longer than usual to empty, it’s a sign that your system may be backed up. If we’re just talking about one fixture, it’s likely just a clog specific to that drain. But if this is happening in multiple fixtures around the house, it’s a sign you need septic maintenance.
Why It Matters
Slower drainage is an early indication of either a system overload or a buildup of waste. Catching it early can help you avoid major blockages, so it’s definitely worth calling if you notice your sinks, tubs, and toilets taking longer than usual to empty.
Sign #2: Foul Odors Indoors or Outdoors
What It Looks Like
This second sign you need septic system maintenance isn’t so much about what you can see, as what you can smell. If you can smell sewage–or a rotten egg odor– near your drains, in your yard, or by the septic system tank, don’t ignore it.
Why It Matters
That odor is your sign that gases or untreated waste are escaping due to a full or overflowing tank, blocked vents, or other malfunctions. These gases are more than just unpleasant; they’re harmful to your health– and with prolonged exposure, these gases can even become toxic.
Sign #3: Pooling Water or Soggy Spots in the Yard
What It Looks Like
Is the soil around the drainfield soggy? Are there any grass patches above it that look unnaturally green? How about standing water– are there any puddles you notice that don’t drain away, or weren’t due to rain? These are other signs you need septic system maintenance.
Why It Matters
Standing water and soggy land means that the soil is oversaturated and can’t filter properly. This means you’re at risk of groundwater contamination.
Sign #4: Backed-Up Toilets or Sewage in the House
What It Looks Like
If wastewater is backing into your toilets, showers, or tubs, you probably don’t need us to tell you that this is one of the major signs you need septic system maintenance.
Why It Matters
This would classify as an emergency that requires immediate system maintenance, because it can cause untold property damage– not to mention the health hazards. If you notice this wastewater backing into your toilets, showers, or tubs, take this as a sign you need urgent septic system maintenance.
Sign #5: Gurgling Noises from Plumbing
What It Looks Like
When you flush a toilet or drain a tub or sink, you might hear bubbling or gurgling sounds. This sounds subtle, but it’s a definite sign.
Why It Matters
That gurgling sound is most likely caused by air trapped by waste buildup. Most people ignore it, but this is one of the clearest early warning signs you need septic system maintenance.
Sign #6: Time Since Last Pumping or Maintenance
As we said earlier, most people forget about their septic system unless it’s causing them problems. So if you don’t see any of these signs you need septic system maintenance–but you can’t remember the last time you got yours checked– it’s definitely worth organizing a checkup. A routine inspection can confirm if everything is running smoothly and give you peace of mind.
If it’s been 3-5 years since you last had your septic system checked, take this as another sign you need septic system maintenance! The only way to prevent emergencies is by having a clear picture of what’s going on with your system, and 3-5 years is a long time to go without checking your septic system.
Why Septic System Maintenance Protects Your Property Value
When you’re thinking of selling your home, you can expect potential buyers and inspectors to ask about your septic system. Nobody wants to inherit potential problems with their septic system, and if yours isn’t functioning perfectly, this can often stall– or completely kill– a sale. A checkup today is going to work out a lot cheaper for you than waiting for a problem tomorrow!
Final Thoughts: Don’t Ignore the Warning Signs
To recap, there are several signs you need septic system maintenance, and you shouldn’t ignore any of them. Slow draining sinks, foul odors, unnaturally green patches of grass, and bubbling or gurgling sounds are all big signs; wastewater backing into your toilet, sink, or tub is an emergency. Additionally, if you haven’t gotten your system checked in 3-5 years, it’s definitely time for a checkup! Septic system maintenance is a lot cheaper than a full replacement.
Schedule Your Professional Septic System Maintenance Today!
If you’d like to schedule your septic system maintenance today, give the team at FreeFlow Environmentals a call! We can give your septic system a thorough inspection and help fix any issues before they escalate.
