Signs of a Full Septic Tank: What to Watch For
September 1, 2023

A septic tank is vital in every home to manage water and solid waste and is appropriately designed to separate the wastewater from the more substantial waste. In the tank, when separated, the wastewater floats on top, and the solid matter sinks to the bottom; through perforated pipes, the water waste gets released into the surrounding soil, which eventually changes into groundwater after filtration. In most cases, you might never think about your septic tank, which needs to function in perfect condition at all times, given its vital role in the property. A properly maintained septic tank benefits the surrounding environment and the people around the area. 


Household wastewater contains disease-causing bacteria and viruses and high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus. If a well-maintained septic system works properly, it will remove most of these pollutants. Insufficiently treated sewage from septic systems can cause groundwater contamination, which can spread disease in humans and animals. Improperly treated sewage poses the risk of contaminating nearby surface waters and potentially causing various infectious diseases in swimmers, from eye and ear infections to acute gastrointestinal illness and hepatitis. (1)

Meaning of a full septic tank

There are different definitions of a full septic tank, which helps determine if it's time for the tank to get emptied. The definition falls into three parts: average level, sludge accumulation and overfilled tank. The normal level means that the septic tank gets filled to the level it was made to hold, with the intake and outtake tanks still working as they should. Accumulation of sludge level gets caused by the buildup of sludge which gets trapped and has to be removed. The final level is the overfilled tank, where the drainage field no longer accepts water, causing the water to back up into the overflown tank, causing the water to rise to the top capacity. 



There are different signs that your septic tank is full and needs maintenance so as not to expose your family to health problems, and they include the following:

Pooling water

When you see water forming around your septic tank, it is a sign of it being full, making it necessary to contact a septic tank pumping Chattanooga professional to rectify the situation. Pooling water occurs typically when your tank is at total capacity, with the possibility of solid waste blocking the entire system and forcing the liquid up the ground. If it rained recently, it might be difficult to notice this sign of a full septic tank; hence, during such times, the other signs better indicate a full septic tank and not pooling water.

Slow drains




The water and solid waste in the septic tank get gathered from the building drains like the sink, toilet, bath and more as designed by your septic tank pumping Chattanooga, TN professionals. The systems should drain water without any challenges, but when you begin to see a slow drain, it is a sign that your septic tank is full and needs to get looked at. Despite the slow drain being a possibility of a clog within the system, it is advisable not to ignore the possibility of it being a sign of a filled septic tank.

septic tank pumping chattanooga

Sewage backup

The sewer package is hard to notice and is very uncomfortable within the building, whether from the bathtub or any other outlet. This sign is very damaging, and you need to have a septic tank pumping Chattanooga service provider to help you empty the septic tank fast. The backup is a health hazard to your building dwellers, exposing all of you to health risks and damaging your home.

Oduor

Oduor from drains and toilets is uncomfortable and embarrassing, especially with guests. The Chattanooga septic tank pumping operation happens when the clog within your septic tank system ventilation traps septic tank gases, including methane, nitrous oxide and carbon dioxide. You need to call a professional immediately after you notice the smells to prevent the entire house from being a nightmare. In extreme cases, the smell even affects your neighbours, leading them to constantly complain, which doesn't paint a good picture of the neighbourhood.

Excessively healthy lawn

Having an excessively healthy lawn can positively affect the building's exterior look as it makes the building look good. The grass around the septic tank can have a very healthy look compared to the others, and this sign of a full septic tank is straightforward to overlook. The green gets caused by septic tank leakages or an overflow within the tank, and it is essential to get septic tank pumping companies in Chattanooga area professionals to look at it and guide you on the way forward.

Gurgling water

Consistent gurgling sounds within your pipes are a sign of a full septic tank that shouldn't get ignored and means that it should get emptied. When handled immediately, the situation gets corrected before further damage happens to the building and the dwellers. Also, it saves you from the embarrassing odour that makes the house unbearable; hence, such signs shouldn't get ignored once noticed.

Flushing troubles

Weak flushing gets linked with a slow drain within the system, which is a sign of the full water tank. In most cases, the trouble flushing gets exhibited in all toilets within the building, so clearing a local clog is a possibility; hence, we need to bear the cost of pumping the septic tank in Chattanooga, TN, to correct the defect and ensure everything within the home works perfectly. 

Conclusion

The septic tank is an essential part of the building, and one of the best ways to have it properly maintained is to keep a schedule for proper emptying intervals. The schedule works effectively, especially when you fail to notice any of the signs; hence, at all times, you get to have a properly functioning septic tank. The emptying intervals depend on a number of factors, like the septic tank size and the number of people who use it. However, it is recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency to have your septic tanks emptied every three to five years. The other factors that determine the emptying intervals include the volume of the solid waste and the amount of water waste generated from the house.


For more information on Flush Fellas Septic & Excavating and our services, feel free to reach us via phone today: (423) 498-9839.


About the author

Charles Chandler

Charles Chandler is the founder of Flush Fellas, a septic and excavating company based in Chattanooga, TN. With a passion for providing top-notch services to his clients, Charles has established himself as a prominent figure in the industry. He has extensive knowledge of septic systems, excavation, and drainage solutions, which he uses to offer customized services that meet the specific needs of his clients. Charles is committed to providing exceptional customer service and building long-term relationships with his clients. He is dedicated to staying up-to-date with the latest industry trends and innovations to ensure that Flush Fellas continues to offer the best services possible.

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