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
Get your nominees for Carter Cares in before the month is over! 

www.cartersmyplumber.com
It's Friday & we hope your day is GOLDEN! 

Don't make the weekend RUFF, call us at 317-859-9999 ⭐
If the review starts with a "Holy Cow," you know it's a good one! 🐮
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Let us make your life easier, give us a ring! 317-859-9999
On our way to getting YOU hot water! 

Call us at 317-859-9999 to get hot water, TODAY. 💦🛠👑
Spring is the time you start using your outdoor plumbing fixtures! Call us to have one of our licensed plumbers inspect & prepare these fixtures for the season. 317-859-9999 💦
Sing it with us, Hot Water Today or Its You We Pay! 

317-859-9999
Today is monumental. Our pink plumber, Paul Allen, is retiring after 20+ years with Carters My Plumber. If you see him, give him a big congratulations! Thank you for all you've done & enjoy this next season.
A job well done to our entire team! Carter's My Plumber completed a COMPLAINT-FREE year with the Better Business Bureau  in 2022.

At Carter's we want your TRUST and we will do whatever it takes to make sure you are in good hands. Call us at 317-859-9999 to get a honest &  transparent plumber in your home. 👑⭐
May CARTER CARES installed yesterday! Nicole, single mom of 2, had run into some recent financial issues. Her water heater quit working over the weekend & a new one was installed MONDAY! Visit us online to nominate someone in need! ❤
This review is what we're all about! Skilled, clean, kind, and family oriented. Give us a call & get a job VERY well done! 

317-859-9999
Did you know Carter's My Plumber offers hydro jetting? It’s a power horse of equipment that will clear clogs safely and efficiently.

Hydro jetting utilizes highly pressurized water in order to break up and remove grease, sludge, and even things like tree roots from sewer drainage lines. Highly pressurized water can safely clear away almost any obstruction. 

Call us to get your drain cleared! 317-859-9999
The 2023 Greater Indianapolis PHCC board of members were inducted last month and Kelson Carter joined this group of individuals, who are extremely knowledgeable and passionate about our industry. 

Kelson can't wait to serve on the board and continue to learn about and advocate for the plumbing trade.
Clogged sink? We know a guy. 

317-859-9999
Playing with fire on a Friday! Hot Water Today or it's You We Pay! 🔥

317-859-9999
May the Fourth Be With You! 

317-859-9999
Happy Humpday- we're halfway there! 

Visit us online at www.cartersmyplumber.com to learn more about our team & the services we provide!