Signs and Symptoms: When Your Septic Tank is Calling for Help in Syracuse, NY, and Surrounding Areas

Arliegh Boswell • Oct 30, 2023

A septic tank plays a pivotal role in maintaining the hygiene and functionality of your property. While these tanks are designed to be robust, they aren't invincible. Over time, neglect, wear, and tear can cause them to malfunction. Before a minor issue becomes a costly disaster, it's crucial to recognize the signs that your septic tank needs attention. Here are the key symptoms to watch out for.

1. Unpleasant Smells

  • If there's a strong sewage scent in your backyard, particularly around where your tank sits, take notice.
  • Inside the house, if drains or toilets start giving off bad odors, it's another sign. Your tank might be telling you it’s getting full or there’s a blockage somewhere.


2. Drains Aren’t as Fast as They Used to Be

  • Is water going down slower than usual in sinks, tubs, or showers? That's not just a random problem.
  • When several drains in the home slow down at once, it's often the tank hinting at a possible issue.


3. Greener Grass, But Not in a Good Way

  • Yes, lush green grass is lovely. But if the patch above your septic drain field is greener than the rest, be cautious.
  • It’s often because wastewater, acting as a fertilizer, is reaching the grass. In simple terms? Your tank might be overflowing.


4. Wet Spots in the Yard

  • Noticing pools of water near your septic area, especially when it hasn't rained? Pay attention.
  • These damp patches might carry a distinct odor, another dead giveaway. It’s often wastewater that can’t stay in the tank.


5. Those Bubbling Sounds

  • Flush the toilet or use the sink. Hear a strange gurgle? That's not just a quirky pipe sound.
  • Typically, it indicates some blockage in the system. The noise comes from trapped air escaping.


6. The Unpleasant Sight of Sewage Backup

  • The sight no one wants: sewage coming back into the home. It’s clear, it’s dire, and it’s a loud call for immediate action.
  • This isn't just about property damage; it’s a health concern. When you spot it, act fast.


7. Pumping Out More Than Usual

  • Finding the need to empty the tank more often? It's not you; it’s the tank signaling an issue.
  • This could hint at many problems: a potential leak, a block somewhere, or maybe the system isn't sized right for your needs.


8. Sewage Alarm Rings

  • Some modern septic systems come with an alarm. If it goes off, it's not a drill.
  • It typically means the tank has filled up sooner than it should or there's a malfunction somewhere. Either way, it’s a clear call for a professional's look.

Your septic tank is an unsung hero in your home's infrastructure. It works silently underground, but when it faces issues, it's essential to take prompt action. Ignoring these warning signs can lead to more significant problems down the road, from environmental hazards to costly repairs. Regular maintenance and being attentive to these symptoms will ensure your septic system serves you efficiently for years to come. If in doubt, always consult with a professional to diagnose and address any potential septic tank issues.

How Regular Septic System Maintenance Saves You Money

By Arliegh Boswell • 17 Apr, 2024
Unlike city sewer systems, septic systems require maintenance. It might sound like a chore, but regular care is much cheaper than facing more significant problems later. Just like maintaining your car, regular septic system care is an investment that saves money in the long run. Hiring professionals to enable a regular maintenance schedule is important if you want to save money in the long run.

Eliminating Foul Odors: How Septic Tank Jetting Clears the Air

By Arliegh Boswell • 29 Mar, 2024
Unpleasant odors around your property can be a major inconvenience, not to mention a potential health hazard. While there are many possible sources of foul smells outdoors, a common culprit is a malfunctioning septic system. If you've noticed a persistent sewage odor near your drains or around your septic tank, it's important to address the issue promptly. Septic tank jetting can be a highly effective solution for eliminating these odors and restoring fresh air to your property.

The Down and Dirty of Grease Trap Pumping: Why It Matters for Your Establishment

By Arliegh Boswell • 27 Feb, 2024
If you're running a restaurant or any place with a kitchen, there's something you need to know about that's not on the menu but is essential: grease trap pumping. It might not sound like the most glamorous task, but it's crucial to keep your kitchen running smoothly and stay on the right side of health regulations.

Benefits and Applications of Professional Jetting Services

By Arliegh Boswell • 18 Jan, 2024
In today's fast-paced world, efficient and effective solutions are crucial to maintaining various types of infrastructure. Professional jetting services have emerged as a robust answer to several challenges, offering a versatile and powerful approach to cleaning and maintenance. This blog delves into these services' numerous benefits and applications, showcasing how they revolutionize maintenance strategies across different sectors.

The Importance of Regular Grease Trap Pumping

By Arliegh Boswell • 28 Dec, 2023
Have you ever wondered what happens to the grease and oil that disappears down your kitchen drain? Here, grease traps come in commercial kitchens, which are crucial in keeping the plumbing system clean and functional. Regular grease trap pumping is not just a routine chore; it's essential for the smooth operation of any food service company.

The Do's and Don'ts of Septic Tank Care

By Arliegh Boswell • 18 Nov, 2023
Whether you're a new homeowner or have been managing a septic system for years, understanding how to care for your septic tank is essential. This guide breaks down the basics in simple, straightforward terms, helping you keep your system in top shape.

The Role of Quality Materials in Ensuring Construction Longevity

By Arliegh Boswell • 30 Sep, 2023
While envisioning our ideal home or workspace, we're easily drawn to its aesthetics, designs, and color palettes. Yet, the construction materials form the essence of these visions. What makes high-quality materials so pivotal?

A Guide for Jetting Technique for Septic Tank Cleaning

By Arliegh Boswell • 18 Jul, 2023
Living without a properly functioning septic tank is unimaginable- can you imagine the disaster if we are left without a malfunctioning sewage system and no means to dispose of our daily waste? Regular septic tank maintenance is crucial for your septic system's proper functioning and longevity. One effective technique for septic tank cleaning is jetting. Jetting uses high-pressure water to remove built-up sludge, debris, and blockages in the tank. This article will walk you through the jetting technique for septic tank cleaning, ensuring a clean and efficient septic system.

How To Identify A Septic Tank Breakdown?

By Arliegh Boswell • 19 Jun, 2023
The most important part of our property is our sewage system. Proper disposal of our waste matter will make it possible to survive within the confines of our homes. A septic tank is a crucial home or office wastewater system component, and it is responsible for collecting and treating sewage and wastewater from the property. However, septic tank breakdowns can occur, and they can be frightful. If not addressed promptly, it can result in potential health hazards, environmental contamination, and costly repairs. We will elaborate on how to identify a septic tank breakdown.

How to Keep Your Septic Tank Running Smoothly

By Arliegh Boswell • 25 May, 2023
Did you know a septic tank is critical for your home’s waste management system? It works by collecting and breaking down the solid waste from your home's plumbing and disposing of it in an underground drain field. If this system is ill-managed, it can result in repairs that entail a lot of money or even an irreparable system failure.  In this blog, we will enlist a few tips to help you keep your septic tank running smoothly:
More Posts
Share by: