If you live outside of the normal city limits, you likely rely on a septic tank to take care of your sewage needs. While these systems can be convenient for saving money on city sewer bills, they need to remain in great working condition. One of the most important things to know is how to determine when your septic tank gets full.
The Dangers of a Full Septic Tank
If your septic tank is allowed to get overfilled, it can lead to a number of different problems. One of the most troubling is a backup of raw sewage into your sinks, showers, toilets, and so forth. When the tank gets too full, there’s just nowhere for your sewage to go, so it just backs up your drain line and into your fixtures. This is not only unpleasant but can damage your home and even release dangerous sewer gases into your home.
When your septic tank overflows, raw sewage can seep into the surrounding soil. Unfortunately, raw sewage can contain harmful bacteria that can contaminate local water supplies, making them dangerous for humans and animals. Furthermore, when raw sewage leaks onto your property, it can kill your trees, lawn, flowers, and so forth.
How to Check Your Septic Tank Level
By far, the best way to detect if your septic tank is full is to do a visual inspection. Start by locating the septic tank cover, which will look very similar to a manhole. Carefully open the cover and take a look inside. You may need to use a flashlight as the tank can be fairly dark. Ideally, you’ll want to be able to locate the outlet pipe for your tank. If the wastewater level is nearing the height of the outlet pipe, it’s time for professional pumping service.
Another key area you’ll want to look at is your drainfield. If you notice any raw sewage pooling on the surface of your drainfield, it’s an indication that your tank is too full. If you suspect that your tank is full, it’s best to call for our septic pumping service as soon as possible.
Precautionary Tips to Prevent Overflow
If you notice that your tank seems to be overly full, you’ll want to take some precautions while you wait for pumping service. Opt for not using any water-based appliances, like your dishwasher or clothes washer. Try and avoid using large amounts of water, like drawing a bath. Ideally, you want to minimize the amount of wastewater that goes into your tank until it can be properly pumped.
What Is Septic Pumping Service?
It’s highly recommended to get your septic tank pumped every three to five years. Many local ordinances will set restrictions on how often your tank must be pumped and inspected by a professional. Pumping service involves a professional coming out and pumping the contents of your septic tank out into their tanker truck for removal. Most providers will wash down the inside of your septic tank and inspect it to identify any potential problems. Your septic tank professional will be able to give you an idea of how often your septic tank should be pumped based on its size and your history of usage.
Tips on Maintaining a Well-Functioning Septic Tank
The average household septic tank will last anywhere between 20 and 40 years. Its overall lifespan will be dependent on a number of factors, including the tank’s material, the surrounding soil, how much maintenance it receives, and how much groundwater is in the area. There are some helpful practices you can follow as a homeowner to promote a long and healthy lifespan for your septic tank.
First and foremost is to ensure you’re scheduling regular pumping service. This helps to avoid overfilling your tank and alerts you of problems while they’re small and easy to fix. Make it a necessity to only flush biodegradable products down your sewer line. Avoid flushing any harsh chemicals as they can kill the good bacteria inside your tank. Ideally, it’s best to avoid planting any shrubs or trees near your septic tank or drainfield. This will help to greatly minimize any damage that could be caused by tree root intrusion.
Reliable Septic Pumping Service
Salina Septic Service offers reliable septic plumbing service for the Salina, KS area. We can also help with all your portable restroom, handwashing station, septic repair, tank cleaning, septic maintenance, installation, lateral field, aerobic treatment, and emergency service needs. Simply contact us to book an appointment today.
