Don’t wait for sewage to surface
An overflowing septic tank isn’t just a mess. It’s a health hazard. A plumbing nightmare… And a problem that only gets worse the longer you ignore it.
The good news? Your septic system often gives you early warning signs before it reaches crisis point.
Here’s what to look out for.
1. Slow drains inside the house
If water is draining slower than usual in your sinks, showers, or bath — and plunging doesn’t help — your tank could be nearing capacity.
You may also hear gurgling sounds in the plumbing as air struggles to escape through blocked lines.
2. Smells coming from the yard (or indoors)
If you’re picking up unpleasant odours near your tank, trenches, or even inside the house, that’s a red flag. Smells mean gas and gases mean bacteria activity is building up where it shouldn’t be.
3. Pooling water or soggy patches
When the septic system can’t discharge properly, wastewater may start to back up around the tank or drain field.
If your lawn is wet even in dry weather, or you see puddles forming around the tank area, it’s time to book a pump out.
4. Backups or overflows inside the house
The most obvious (and unpleasant) sign of a full or failing septic system is wastewater coming back into the home.
If your toilet overflows or sewage backs up into sinks or showers, call immediately.
5. It’s been more than 5 years since your last pumpout
Even without obvious symptoms, a long-overdue system can quietly fill to critical levels.
We recommend servicing every 3–5 years for standard septic tanks. However, it’s more frequent (every 6–12 months) for treatment plants.
Don’t leave it to chance
If you’ve noticed any of these signs, your system could be at risk of failing. A pumpout now could save you thousands in plumbing, landscaping, and remediation later.