Common knowledge says that you need septic tank pumping every 1 to 3 years, but that is an incredibly wide range of time. There are many factors, such as the number of people and the size of the tank, that determine how often a septic tank pumping needs to be done. Considering these factors allows for getting rough estimates but does not provide precise times when it needs to be done. Here are a few tell-tale signs that you need septic tank pumping done sooner rather than later.

• Slower Drains: When you shower or use the sink you may find the water does not drain as quickly as usual. This can mean your septic tank is getting closer to full. This is a good indication that you are ready for septic tank pumping to get the drains running strong again.
• Lawn Water: If you find water pooling outside, or the lawn looking a bit moister than usual, it may be a sign you need septic tank pumping. There may be just too much in the system, and it can be solved with septic tank pumping.
• Smell: The water that may be appearing may smell. If the septic tank is in need of pumping, then the smell from the waste may become noticeable. It is worth pumping immediately just to get rid of the smell.
• Keep a Schedule: Always keep track of when you get your septic tank pumped, so you can know when to expect it to be needed again. If it’s been three years since your last pumping and you have not seen any of these signs, then you might want to do it anyway instead of waiting for these signs.

The key to all these signs is to be aware. Do not ignore the slow drains or the overly watered lawn, and always keep track of when you last pumped your tank. Forgetting about your tank or ignoring these signs can lead to damage, so make sure you keep your septic tank pumped regularly.