Do septic tanks need emptying? Here’s 5 signs they do!

If there’s one thing we talk about a lot, it’s that you need to regularly empty your septic tank. Exactly how often you need to empty it depends on how many people are using it, and also the size of the tank itself. Do septic tanks need emptying? Absolutely they do! We recommend organising a regular schedule with us, and we can advise on what this should be once we take a look at your system. Get in touch with us now to arrange an empty and a chat about future maintenance. 

However, if that hasn’t convinced you to have your tank emptied, perhaps some of these 5 signs that your tank is in trouble might. If you are experiencing any of these issues, get in touch with us and we’ll be over to help.

Five signs your septic tank needs emptying

1. Your water is draining slowly

If you have slow drains and it’s taking a long time for water to drain away, then it could mean that your septic tank is clogged or even full. Unfortunately, it’s not going to get any better without intervention. In fact it could get worse – an overflowing septic tank can lead to larger issues around your property, including flooding.

2. There are nasty smells nearby

If there are bad smells coming up from your drains, then something is going wrong with your tank. It may need emptying, or the good bacteria in it may have stopped working. Keep your nose peeled around the area your septic tank is buried for anything foul. If it’s your neighbour’s tank which is smelling, we have a blog on that!

3. Water starting to pool

Have you noticed water starting to pool around your septic tank? Well, it shouldn’t be doing that. It’s a sign that it is full and needs urgent care. We can empty it and also asess its status to make sure no damage has been done, like cracks forming.

4. Your sewage is backing up

If you have wastewater backing up into your sinks or toilets then it’s a problem with your tank. There’s no more space to hold your waste! Please give us a call and we’ll be through to empty it ASAP and get your house back to normal working order.

5. Lush Grass or Vegetation

Whilst we all would like a nice green garden, keep an eye out for suspiciously lush vegetation near your septic tank. It can be a sign that your tank is too full and leaching nutrients into the surrounding ground. Give us a shout to investigate and empty.

A pipe extracting waste from a septic tank.

Don’t wait – get in touch today

    If you see any of these signs, get in touch to arrange for an empty. When we are asked, “do septic tanks need emptying?” we always run through the reasons, and the problems that can arise if not. We service all of Scotland and the north of England, and are used to travelling down windy country roads. Give us a call and let us help if your tank is full.