Many homes have septic tanks instead of using municipal sewage systems. The tank likely has a leach field that helps remove some waste and stores the rest in a septic tank. A septic service can pump the tank to remove stored waste every couple of years, but you eventually will need septic tank repairs to fix many potential problems. According to IBIS World, the nation has 7,180 providers of septic system services. Here are four signs that you need to hire one to fix your septic tank and system.

1. Slow Drains

Water should drain from a sink, tub, or toilet as fast as it enters it. When the drains slow down and toilets start to back up, you might need septic tank repairs. Normally, the issue occurs when a partly clogged drain line is running from your home to the septic tank. Tree roots are one of the most common causes of drainage problems and require removal to restore full drainage. You also might need to pump the septic tank.

2. Unpleasant Odors

If you notice an especially foul odor while you are outside and it gets worse the closer you are to the buried septic tank, repairs are needed. The tank might have overflowed and needs a pumping service to clear it. The tank also might have a crack or another problem causing it to leak raw sewage into the nearby soil. The result is a foul odor that makes it unpleasant to be outside.

3. Sewage Backup

A sewage backup is one of the worst types of septic system problems you can have. A sewage backup can enter your home and cause extensive damage and create dangerous conditions inside your home. Septic tank repairs and fixing any faulty drain lines can fix the sewage backup, but you’ll need to clean and sanitize any living areas where the sewage backup is affected. Raw sewage contains harmful bacteria that can irritate respiratory systems and make you feel sick.

4. Soggy Lawn Area

You should know where your septic tank is buried. If you notice the ground above is soggy when the rest of the yard is dry and firm, the septic tank and system are leaking. The soggy area will likely produce especially dark green grass due to the nutrients feeding the lawn above the defective septic system and tank.

Make sure to get in touch with Spanky’s Septic Service when you notice any of the signs that say your septic tank and system are overdue for maintenance and repairs. We look forward to providing you with more information about our excellent services!