Licensed Plumber LICENSE #CO88900054
Call For a Licensed Plumber: (317) 859-9999

How to Know When Your Septic Tank is Full

You probably don’t think much about your septic tank. You know you’ve got one on your property and you probably had it inspected when you bought your house (or, at least you should have). If you’ve been in your home for a while, you may have had it emptied; if you haven’t been in your home long, maybe you haven’t. Even if you have had it emptied, it has probably faded from your memory or to do list since the last time you had it done. Every time you flush your toilet or run your laundry machine, you’re filling your septic tank, and sooner or later you’ll have to empty it. The problem is, how do you know when? Luckily, there are some easy ways to tell if your septic system is filling up so you can empty it before disaster strikes.

For starters, some terminology:

  • Septic scum is the waste that floats on top of the water inside your septic tank.
  • Septic sludge is the solids that sink to the bottom of your septic tank.

Septic Tank

Four factors will influence the rate at which your tank fills up:

  • The number of people in your household;
  • The amount of water used in your house;
  • The volume of solids in your wastewater;
  • The size of your septic tank.

Below are seven signs that your septic system needs to be pumped:

It’s Time

This isn’t a sign so much as a rule, but it is the most important thing to remember about your septic system. Most septic tanks should be pumped every one to three years. This can vary depending on the size of your tank and frequency of use, and your septic service provider should be able to give you a specific schedule for your system.  Whatever your schedule is, adhering to it can save you time, stress, and money.

 

Pooling Water

 

Large pools of water around the drain field of your septic system could mean it is overflowing.  If you see pools of water around your drain field and it hasn’t rained, you should call your septic service provider.  When your tank reaches capacity, solid waste can clog the drain field piping system and force liquid to the surface.  If you see this, have your system pumped.

Slow Drains

If your home’s drains and toilet flushes remain slow after you take measures to unclog them, then your septic system may be full. It is good if you can catch the issue this early, as you will be able to pump your tank before something worse happens.

Odors

In addition to waste, your septic system collects gray water from showering, washing dishes, and doing laundry. As your septic tank fills, odor-causing gasses can emanate from your toilets, drains, outdoor septic tank area, or your drain field. If you notice strange odors inside or outside your house, it could indicate that your septic system is full and needs to be drained. It is best to do this immediately, as the odors are not only grossbut also unhealthy.

Your Lawn is Overly Healthy

The grass over your septic bed should resemble the grass on the rest of your lawn.  If the grass over your septic bed appears overly green and lush, it could indicate your septic system is leaching liquids and needs to be pumped or checked for leaks.

High Nitrate Content in Well Water

If you have well water in addition to a septic system, you should test your water at least once a year. If the tests show higher than normal nitrate levels, your wastewater may be overflowing your septic system and leaching into your drinking water.

Sewer Backup

Sewer backup is the most obvious sign that your septic system needs to be pumped. If your sewer is backing up, your septic tank has reached capacity. Sewer backups will occur in the lowest drains first. If your sewer is backing up, call a professional immediately.

Septic systems are green and can save you a lot of money over local water and sewer charges you would alternatively be facing.  Always use septic safe materials and cleaners, and stick to a pumping schedule to avoid costly surprises. It is helpful to be present for your septic pumping. Most service providers can inspect your tank as it is being pumped and let you know how well your system is working.

Kelson Carter

Article reviewed by:

Kelson Carter, aka, The Prince of Plumbing

Kelson is a 3rd generation Plumbing Contractor. His family business is located in Greenwood, Indiana, and provides Residential Plumbing Service to the Indianapolis Metro market.

Kelson grew up watching his grandfather and father do plumbing. After graduating high school, Kelson went to Trade School and became a Licensed Master Plumber and Licensed Plumbing Contractor. He is also Certified in Backflow Prevention. He currently owns and operates Carter's My Plumber with his parents.


Instagram

Schedule Your Appointment Now

  • MM slash DD slash YYYY

Happy smiles & 2 thumbs up for these Carter Plumbers! 

LOVE WHERE YOU WORK
Way to go, Gabe! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Kind & considerate- perfectly describes this guy!
Dispatch or expert, car washing machine? 

HAPPY MONDAY! Get a squeaky clean Carter truck in your drive this week, call us at 317-859-9999 💪
What he said! Happy Friday! Make the day a good one, call US! 

317-859-9999
And so it begins....

Who you taking to the top?
Have you seen Joe? 

A little dirt won't hurt. 💪
Happy 2 Year Work Anniversary to one of our apprentice plumbers, Jacob! This guy is eager to exceed, quick to hop on an opportunity to learn, willing to take on new challenges, and a true joy to have on our team! We're pumped he's a part of our team and can't wait to see his growth in the year to come! 

If Jacob's in your home this week, give him a big congrats! He deserves a big pat on the back! 💦💪👑
Way to go, Joe! A heck of a review from a customer who has made Carter's THEIR plumber! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A Carter truck in your drive, a licensed & insured plumber completing your work, & a night of good rest knowing your plumbing issues are no more? NOTHING BETTER! 

317-859-9999 ⭐👑
I mean...... it's a valid question. 

Reminder, we're SPRINGING FORWARD this weekend!
Have you seen our sign? WE'RE HIRING! 

Visit us online at cartersmyplumber.com or text 317-854-4754 to learn about opportunities and see if Carters is the right fit for YOU!
WE'RE HIRING! Love where you work & join our work FAMILY! 🛠💦

Visit us online at: https://www.cartersmyplumber.com/employment/ to learn about our available job opportunities!
Way to go, TIM! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A customer who won't hesitate to call again, thanks to this guy!
We've got our eyes SET on the weekend....

Happy Golden Friday! ⭐
Happy 2 Year Work Anniversary to one of our apprentice plumbers, Peyton! 💦🛠💪

Peyton has expanded his skill set in the past year, is a reliable team member, and is always willing to lend a helping hand in order to get things done! 

If Peyton is in your home this week, give him a CONGRATS!! ⭐ www.cartersmyplumber.com