Signs You Need to Pump Your Septic Tank

If your home isn't connected to city sewer systems, chances are you have your own septic system for household wastewater management. While the installation of a septic system can be expensive, the system can offer reliable services for decades.

However, if not properly maintained, the septic system may require frequent repairs or fail to warrant a premature replacement. Also, due to its content, a poorly maintained septic system presents a huge health risk to your household and neighbors.

Regular care and maintenance are key for optimal functionality if you have a septic system. One of the major maintenance tasks to prevent costly repairs and health risk is to pump the septic tank. Over time, the septic tank accumulates sludge and scum, which can impact the septic system and the entire plumbing system. Thus, you'll need to empty your septic tank when necessary to prevent a malfunction.

While the frequency of emptying your septic tank differs depending on your tank's design and size, there are some common signs to be on the lookout for. Read on to discover telltale signs your septic tank needs pumping.

Pungent Smell

Have you noticed a foul odor in your drain field? Perhaps your kitchen or bathroom sinks are emitting a stench. If so, a stinking smell is one of the most obvious signs your septic tank is full.

The septic tank traps all wastewater from the kitchen, dishwasher, sinks, bathtubs, and toilets. When all these wastes combine, they create an odorous mixture. As the tank gets full, the decomposing waste emits pungent gases due to the limited space. This stench can spread around your drain field and pass through the plumbing system to your sinks or toilet.

If the foul odor in your home results from a full septic tank, a septic tank service can help. These professionals have the necessary experience and equipment to empty the septic tank and eliminate the pungent smell to make the air around your home fresh and clean. If the problem isn't emanating from a full tank, the expert can inspect your septic system to diagnose and tackle the problem.

Sewage Backup

A sewage backup is the messiest and most dangerous sign your septic tank is full. Sewage backup occurs when raw sewage is pushed back into your home through the sewer system. Backups are most common in toilets, drains, sinks, and bathtubs, especially in the basement.

Besides the foul odor, sewage backup is a major health risk to everyone in your household. Also, this overflow can cause extensive property damage.

If you notice black and stinky material in your toilets, drains, or sink, contact a septic tank maintenance company immediately for pumping. During this period, reduce water usage until an expert arrives to prevent the problem from worsening and causing extensive damage. If pumping can't resolve the issue, your service provider will determine the actual cause of the problem.

Slow Drains

If you experience frequent drain clogs or the draining and flushing are sluggish, consider emptying your septic tank. While slow drains could result from various issues, a full septic tank could be the culprit if you've tried to clean the drain or use a plunger on the toilet without success.

Sewage system technicians will inspect your system and determine if emptying can help. By pumping your tank empty, the slow drainage problem becomes a thing of the past.



Proper septic system maintenance is key to ensuring the safety of your home and preventing expensive damage. If you've noticed any sign your septic tank may be full, contact the right expert for help. At  Bowen's Septic Tank , we're a full-service septic tank system company ready to help with all your septic system needs.