3 Signs Your Septic Needs Cleaning

Septic tanks can hold large amounts of waste and sewage materials. However, these tanks have limits, and they need to be cleaned before they fill or overflow. Scheduled cleanings typically need to be performed every three years or so, but some tanks may require more frequent septic cleanings. Here are a few signs that can indicate your tank is due for one.

How to Tell If Your Septic Tank Needs to Be Cleaned

1. Foul Odors

A septic system treats the waste it holds, which keeps unpleasant odors to a minimum. When the tank is nearing capacity or starting to overflow, it won’t be able to contain sewage smells as effectively. You may be able to detect the foul odors around your fixtures or in the area above the tank. These smells can also be a sign of a leaking or cracking tank, so it is best to schedule a cleaning and any needed repairs as soon as possible.

2. Slow or Backed-Up Drains

If the tank is full, it can start to back up and force waste materials back into the pipes and out of your drains, which can lead to sewage overflowing into your home, causing serious sanitation concerns. Clogs can sometimes cause these issues as well, but a septic inspection will identify the source of the problem and point you in the direction of the most appropriate solution.

3. Pooling Water

An overflowing tank can emit so much wastewater that it saturates the drain field. Once this happens, the water will have nowhere to go and will begin to pool and puddle, resulting in standing water on your property. This is an indicator that septic cleaning is needed, but it can also mean that your soil and groundwater supply are at risk of contamination. Schedule a cleaning right away, and plan to have your soil and water tested shortly afterward.

Feel free to call us at Atteberry Portable Toilets in Show Low, AZ with questions. We can be reached at (928) 242-2802.