Homeowners who have a septic tank on their property have a few extra tasks to keep up with to maintain their septic tanks – otherwise – they can end up with a very messy and unhealthy situation of raw sewage coming back up in the drains of their home.
Septic tank problems should be dealt with early and by a professional sewer repair team.
What Are The Signs That Your Septic Tank Is Full?
There are 5 signs to look out for that indicate that your septic tank is full.
1) Sewage backup – It’s very easy to identify when a sewage backup occurs. You will see (and smell) black water in your bathtub, sinks, toilets and/or showers. There’s no denying what it is and it’s a very clear (and usually the most common) sign that your septic tank is full.
2) Patches of very green grass in your yard – It’s not true that the grass over your septic tank should be greener than the rest of the lawn.
3) Slow drains and slow flushing toilets – Another telltale sign of a filled septic tank is that your drains are emptying very slowly. Of course, this could also just be a clog somewhere in the sewer line.
4) Sewer odors – Your nose may tell you that your septic tank has reached it’s limit. The odor isn’t completely sewage because the septic system in your home doesn’t just collect human waste, it also collects water from your shower, washing machine and dishwasher. But the odor is very strong .
5) Signs of standing water – If you notice any standing water on your property in the area of the septic tank – that’s another telltale sign that something has gone awry and it’s strongly recommended that you call in a plumber to get the septic system inspected and probably emptied.
What Do You Do When Your Septic Tank Is Full?
Once your septic tank is full there is not much that you can do except to call in your professional plumber to pump and clean out the tank.
We recommend that if your household is 4 people or less, that you have your septic tank inspected every 4 years. If your household is 5 people or more then you should have your tank inspected every 2 years.
This schedule will ensure that you avoid most major sewage backups or other common septic tank problems.
How Much Does It Cost To Have Septic Tank Inspected?
Costs run anywhere from $200 to $600 depending on the labor and time involved. A septic tank inspection could include any of the following:
1. Locating the septic tank
2. Excavation
3. Measuring sludge and scum layers
4. Visual inspection
5. System tests
6. Pumping
Can I Take A Shower If My Septic Tank Is Full?
Another very important reason to have your septic tank regularly inspected and well maintained is because when the tank is full, some sewer waste can end up coming back up your drains.
If your tank is full, it’s recommended to avoid taking a shower or a bath simply because sewer waste can possibly come up in your shower and tub drains.
Also note that sewer waste can also come up in your toilets if your septic tank is full.
If you have any questions about your septic tank, call Atlantis Plumbing today at 770-443-8229. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.