

You don’t need to be a septic tank expert to notice the signs that it’s time for a pump-out, but it isn’t always easy to tell. Domestic and commercial septic systems are used as a method of wastewater disposal. They usually contain two containers for the process of drainage. Overflow, or a tank that fills up too quickly, can happen when one of these containers fail, and it’s essential that you keep an eye out for the signs. It’s also important that you rely on the expertise of experienced septic tank cleaners in Loxton to help you deal with this problem. Let’s go over the signs to look out for, explain septic tank levels and give you some advice about what you should do if you notice any of them on your property.
Signs that your septic tank is full
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Strong, stinky smells
This is the first and most obvious sign that you should look out for. Septic tanks are wastewater systems that aren’t only meant to contain waste but all the smells that come with them. Foul smells coming from around the septic tank or even from the drains on the property are a sign that something isn’t working as it should. Bad smells are also usually one of the things that will happen if you don’t clean your septic tank regularly.
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ound of gurgling water
Should you start hearing what sounds like gurgling water in your pipes, you shouldn’t ignore them because they are also a sign that your septic tank is digesting wastewater as effectively. The water should be emptied out of the pipes and not stuck in there moving around. This is another sign of a septic tank system that is too full and needs emptying.
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Pooling or puddles of water
Small pools or puddles of water around your septic tank, or the leach field, is usually a clear sign that there is too much water filling up your tank. If your septic tank is too full, the water will find itself out of the tank and settle around it on the ground. This is caused by one of two everyday things: improper or wasteful use of water on the property or a mechanical fault in the system.
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Slower drainage than usual
You might notice that your sinks, bathtub, toilets or other drains on the property are draining slower than usual. This is another sign that your system may have reached total capacity. A blockage could also cause slow drainage in the drains or a system failure in the disposal system.
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Green, luscious grass
Noticed a patch of green, thick grass consistently growing around your septic tank? Even during dryer seasons? This is another indication that your septic system isn’t digesting waste effectively, and it is leaking water and waste onto the surrounding area. The grass is greener because it absorbs more nutrients around the septic tank than the grass on the rest of the property, which is a sign that your tank is too full and is leaking excess water.
What is a “full” septic tank?
Now that we’ve established some of the signs that your septic tank is too full, it’s also essential to understand what a “full” tank can mean and what levels of full are adequate for normal septic tank system function. There are different levels of full when it comes to septic tanks.
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Normal “full” level
Your septic tank should be full technically but up to the normal level. This means that the septic tank should be filled to a level designed to hold. This level of fullness may look like the system is too full, but it is required to ensure that wastewater flows in and out of the septic tank with no issues. When a professional is called in for septic tank cleaning in Loxton, it will be emptied, but it will return to a normal level of full as you use it.
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Fullness due to the accumulation of sludge
This is a normal accumulation that happens in the septic tank, and it will stay trapped in the system until it is professionally removed. This is a common problem of sludge build-up which can happen over time and requires that you keep up with regular removals. According to government guidelines, there are different requirements for desludging septic tanks on commercial properties, and it’s important that you familiarise yourself with them.
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Overfilled tank
Once your systems stops accepting water entirely and showing the signs listed above, then we’ve reached the “too full” level. When this happens, water will back up into the overflow tank, and the levels will escalate to the highest point of capacity.
How often should you have your septic tank emptied and cleaned?
To avoid the consequences of a septic tank that is too full, it’s crucial that you have your tank pumped out and cleaned regularly. When it comes to how often, that is dependant on the size of your tank, the number of people using it regularly on your property and how you use the tank. There is also the use of septic treatment technology to consider when it comes to the longevity of your septic tank.
What do you do when your septic tank is full?
If you spot any of the signs mentioned in this guide, you should immediately contact your local wastewater expert. Riverland Tank and Drain has been cleaning domestic and commercial septic tanks in the greater Riverland areas for over thirty years. Choose us to handle overflow and a range of tank and drain services in Barmera, Loxton, Renmark, Glossop, Berri, Monash, Loveday, Winkie and Cobdogla and the surrounding suburbs. This is just a guide for recognising signs with your septic tank, but they’re not definite indications that you need a full pump-out; it might require an alternative fix. Use a professional who can help assess the severity of the situation and develop a solution for the required services. Call us on 08 8102 0998 or visit our fill this form to get a free quote .