If you are used to owning properties with septic systems, then you might be more familiar with things like pumping schedules, maintenance of your system, and other important details that keep this mini-wastewater treatment system going. However, if you are new to septic system ownership, you might miss some of the important signs regarding your septic system, including signs that are telling you your septic tank needs to be pumped out. Here are a few that you should be on the lookout for!

• Backflow – Backflow is a process where water from the drain or toilets starts coming back into the home, hence the name backflow. It usually means a clog in the line or in the case of septic systems, that you need septic tank pumping and soon.
• Slow Drainage – Is your water taking much longer to drain than normal? Slow draining is an issue for those with septic tanks since the water and waste solids can only go through the system so quickly.
• Foul Odors from Drains – Foul odors that are coming from the drains are a red flag that shouldn’t be ignored! If your drains are smelling bad or like sewage, call your septic system expert for septic tank pumping.
• Flooding or Pooling around the Tank – When water from the home isn’t able to flow through the tank because it is too full, then it will escape elsewhere. This can lead to water (sometimes foul water) pooling or flooding around the tank or drain field.
• Plant Growth around Drain Field- If your lawn looks extra green and lush around your tank or drain field, it might be getting extra fertilizer from an overly full septic tank!

These are just some of the telltale signs that can be a warning for those with septic tank issues. Be sure to schedule a septic tank pumping if you see one of more of them with your own system.