How to Tell When Your Septic Tank Needs to be Pumped

If your Las Vegas, Nevada home has a septic tank, it’s crucial to have it pumped regularly to avoid malfunctions or emergency plumbing services. A well-maintained septic tank will properly process waste for decades! Several elements successfully maintain a septic system, and having it pumped regularly is arguably the most critical part.

Experts recommend you have your septic system pumped every 3 to 5 years. However, this number can vary depending on your specific septic system and your household’s water usage.

There are several tell-tale signs that can let you know your septic tank is ready to be pumped. In this article, we’ll discuss these signs so you can understand what to look out for! Keep reading to learn more!

One of the first signs you may notice is slow draining. When your drainage system slows, it can be caused by many different factors, from pipe blockages to clogged drains to your septic tank malfunctioning. If you notice that your shower, sinks, or washing machine is draining slower than expected, you should call a reliable Las Vegas plumber to check your plumbing system. If your septic tank is to blame for the slow drainage, then it’s most likely time to have it pumped before it becomes a more expensive problem.

When your septic tank starts to reach its capacity, there’s less room for odor-causing gases in the tank. As a result, these gases can sometimes seep out of your toilet and drain in the home. Not to mention, these gases can also escape through the part of the yard designated as the drain field, causing your property to smell like sewage as well. If you’re smelling these odors in or around your house, then it’s time to call your local Las Vegas plumbing service.

When your septic system is functioning correctly, you shouldn’t notice any change in how the yard above your septic tank and drain field looks. If you can distinctly see where your septic tank and drain field are located based solely on how lush and green the grass is in these spots, there’s a problem with your septic system. This can happen when excessive sewage liquid is settling in your drain field, providing the grass with extra fertilizer. If you notice this in your lawn, it’s time to have your septic inspected and serviced as soon as possible before the situation worsens.

When your septic tank is full, you’ll start to notice water pooling in various spots around the lawn. Typically, the water should begin pooling in the areas above your septic tank and where your drain field is located. If you can see standing water in these locations, this is a surefire sign that your septic system needs to be inspected and pumped immediately. If not addressed promptly, this symptom can lead to our next sign.

The most obvious and drastic indication you need to have your septic pumped is if raw sewage is backing into your home. If you’ve ignored the above signs and not adequately maintained your septic, it’s highly likely that you’ll experience this situation eventually. If this unfortunate sign happens to your house, contact a dependable Las Vegas plumbing service immediately. A septic tank pumping will hopefully resolve the problem. However, the entire system will need to be inspected to ensure that the backup didn’t cause any additional issues and that maintenance is the sole cause of the problem.

If you’re experiencing any of these signs, you should call your licensed Las Vegas plumber to inspect and pump your septic tank. Always remember that you may end up dealing with sewage backing up in your home by ignoring the symptoms of a septic tank malfunction.