As a company that’s been serving the Lawton, Oklahoma area for years, we get a lot of questions about septic systems. One of the most common is: “How do I know if my septic tank is full?” The short answer is, your system will send you a few not-so-subtle warnings. Paying attention to these signs and acting quickly can prevent a huge mess and expensive repairs.
Here are seven clear signs that your septic tank is overdue for a professional pumping.
1. Slow Drains
This is often the first sign of a problem. If your sinks, showers, or bathtubs are draining slower than usual, it could mean the drainpipes leading to your septic tank are clogged, or the tank itself is too full to accept more wastewater.
2. Foul Odors
You should never smell sewage on your property. If you notice a persistent foul odor coming from your drains, your backyard, or the area around your septic tank, it’s a sure sign that the tank is full and waste is not breaking down properly.
3. Puddles or Green Grass Over the Drainfield
Your drainfield is the area where treated wastewater is released. If your septic tank is full, it can cause the drainfield to become saturated. Look for standing water or unusually lush, green grass in the area above your drainfield—it’s a sign that sludge is seeping through.
4. Gurgling Sounds 🎶
When a septic tank is nearing capacity, trapped air can be pushed back up through your pipes. If you hear a gurgling sound coming from your toilets or drains when you flush or use water, it’s your septic system telling you it’s struggling.
5. Sewage Backup
This is the most serious and unmistakable sign. If sewage is backing up into your sinks, bathtubs, or toilets, it means your septic tank is completely full and has nowhere else to go. This requires immediate attention to avoid major damage and health risks.
6. Sluggish Flushing
Similar to slow drains, if your toilets aren’t flushing with the same power they used to, it’s a key indicator of a problem. A full septic tank can’t accept the waste, which affects the pressure and flow of water.
7. Changes in Tank Water Levels
An inspection can reveal this, but a full septic tank will have a higher-than-normal water level inside. The water is supposed to be around a foot from the top, allowing for the scum layer to float and the solids to settle. If the tank is full, both the scum and sludge layers are too thick, leaving no room for new waste.
Why Acting Quickly is Crucial
Ignoring these warning signs can lead to much more significant issues, like a complete system failure, a flooded drainfield, and expensive repairs or even a full system replacement. Regular septic pumping is a simple maintenance task that protects your investment and ensures your system runs smoothly for years to come.
If you’re noticing any of these signs on your property here in Lawton, OK, don’t wait. Our team at ARA Rental provides professional and reliable septic pumping services to prevent these problems from getting out of hand.
Give us a call today, and we’ll help get your septic system back in perfect working order.
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