Warning Signs You’re Going to Need Emergency Septic Services

September 24, 2021 10:03 pm Published by Leave your thoughts

When you can’t connect your home or business to municipal sewer lines, a septic system is a great way to treat your wastewater. As long as you keep up with regular maintenance, you should be rewarded with a wastewater treatment system that lasts for decades—but, sometimes, things go wrong. Whether it’s due to neglect, age or accidents, it’s important that you know the warning signs of a major issue.

How to know if you need emergency septic services? Here’s when you should get septic services to prevent (or mitigate) major emergencies:

  • Foul odors in your home or around the tank: Sewage odors are one of the most obvious signs your septic system may be malfunctioning. If you notice the smell seeping into sinks, showers and other fixtures, your septic system needs emergency help. You may also notice your toilet bubbling. Call a septic contractor right away, and try not to use any water until the problem is solved.
  • Green, spongy grass or water pooling: Look around your yard, especially the drain field and where the tank is buried. If the grass looks suspiciously green and spongy or if you see water pooling in your yard, there’s a major problem: The septic system is overflowing. This usually occurs when you haven’t pumped the tank in a while; however, there could be other causes for the water overflow. This is not only a septic emergency, but it’s a health hazard, too. Don’t let kids or pets play near the pooling water.
  • Sewage backup in your home: Sometimes, in addition to the rotten-egg sewage smell, the sewage will actually back up in your drains. This is usually due to an overflowing tank (which can occur, for example, after major storms, through no fault of your own) or a clogged pipe. You’ll need the help of a plumber and/or septic contractor to fix the issue.
  • Slow drainage: Slow drains are also due to clogged pipes or overflowing tanks. You might be tempted to pull out the Drano or other commercial drain cleaner; however, these are not only bad for your pipes, but they’ll also disrupt the delicate ecosystem in your tank. Call a septic contractor for assistance instead.
  • Trees or shrubs near the septic system: If you’ve planted trees or shrubs near the septic system, that could be a sign of a future emergency. Trees, especially, have complex networks of roots. Roots can wrap around the pipes and tank, causing cracks or breaks. It’s best to plant your garden well away from the septic system.
  • Excessive nitrate in the water: Finally, if you’re using well water, have it tested regularly. Excessive nitrate content can indicate that your septic system is not treating wastewater properly—and sewage may be getting into the groundwater system. Don’t drink the water until your septic tank is pumped and cleaned.

Now that you know the warning signs for when you should get emergency septic services, you can keep an eye out for trouble. Don’t forget to call B.H. Cameron Septic Services LLC for assistance when you need it.

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