What Happens If You Don'T Pump Your Septic Tank?

Owning a home comes with its share of responsibilities. There are the small everyday tasks like sweeping and taking out the trash, and then the big tasks like septic tank pumping.  While some home maintenance projects can easily be forgotten or ignored, septic system pumping shouldn't be one of them. Check out some of the things that would happen if you ignored your septic system. 

Drains Slow Down 

Once the sludge in your septic tank accumulates for long without being pumped out, your home's drains will begin to slow down. You may notice water in your kitchen sink long after you have finished doing the dishes, even standing water in your bathtub long after you have finished bathing. 

Generally, the drains are slow because the septic tank is overfilled and the wastewater flowing down the drains has nowhere to go. The longer you ignore the issue, the slower the drains become. Sometimes, this issue might be caused by a clogged drain, so call a professional plumber to inspect the entire septic system and determine the cause. If the problem is with the septic tank, have it pumped right away to get your drains flowing normally. 

Sewage Backups in Drains

When your septic tank is full, some of the waste and wastewater may flow back into your home through the drains. You're likely to notice this sign first in the sinks and lower bathrooms as they are often closest to the tank. In severe cases, your showers could have sludge coming back up while the toilets overflow with human waste. 

Sewage backups are undoubtedly one of the last things you want to see in your home. Septic tanks usually contain bacteria that can be dangerous to your health. The backed-up water can also cause severe infections upon contact with the skin. Thus, seek regular septic pumping services to safeguard your health and that of your family. 

Strange Smells Inside or Outside

An ignored septic tank will cause unpleasant smells inside and outside your home. You may notice a sewage odor coming from your drains when the gases in the tank back up into your home. Additionally, these gases can find their way out of the tank through the drain field, leading to a foul odor around that area or even all over your property. 

Whether the sewage smells are inside or outside your home, the issue needs to be addressed as soon as possible. These foul odors not only make your home an uncomfortable place to live in, but can also lead to a burning sensation that causes wheezing, coughing, and other respiratory problems.