If you’ve never lived in a home with a septic tank before, you may be wondering what type of care is needed to keep the system flowing properly. While the tanks don’t require much maintenance, they do periodically need septic pumping services. Most should be pumped every one to three years to eliminate excess sludge and scum buildup, but a few warning signs will indicate if you should schedule pumping sooner.

Top 3 Signs You Need Septic Pumping

1. Unpleasant Odors

A healthy septic tank will process waste effectively and prevent foul odors and gases from seeping back into your home. But as the tank begins to overflow, those smells will travel up your pipes and emanate from drains in the house. If you notice odors in the bathroom or kitchen that won’t go away, the septic tank could be to blame.

2. Slow Drains

It isn't unusual for sinks and showers to drain slowly due to hair clogs or other issues. However, if you start noticing that water fixtures and appliances throughout the house aren’t draining normally, your septic tank likely needs to be pumped. Before long, even a toilet flush could drain slowly or fail to empty the bowl due to an overflowing septic tank.

3. Lush Grass

Everyone wants a lush, green lawn. However, if the grass over the drain field becomes more vibrant than the rest of the lawn, excess waste liquid may be leaking from the septic tank. In extreme cases, standing water might begin to pool over the drain field.

If you need septic pumping, contact Chugach Sewer and Drain in Anchorage, AK. These plumbing and sewer cleaning experts are fully licensed and certified to provide prompt, reliable services and handle emergencies. To learn more about their services, visit them online, or call (907) 929-5072 to schedule an appointment.