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When most people think of septic tanks, they think of them belonging to homes in the country. But more and more city dwellers are turning to a septic system over the municipal sewer system. Why? Often, these homes have special demands that are better met with a septic tank. Septic tanks are perfect for areas with inadequate drainage, for example.

Septic tanks, unlike city sewer systems, take care of the waste water from your home only. It is your responsibility to schedule all maintenance and repairs for your own septic system with a Cleburne, TX plumber.

How Does a Septic Tank Work?

Septic tank design is fairly straight forward. It is made to be watertight and is usually located somewhere on the property, buried underground. They can be made of concrete, plastic, or fiberglass. Check with your plumber to find out which kind will work best for your home.

There are two pipes, one for intake and one for output. The waste water enters through the inlet pipe, with the solid waste separating from the liquid portion. The outlet pipe, also known as the drain field, distributes the waste water into the soil.

The waste water divides into three sections. The solid waste is heavier, and sinks to the bottom of the septic tank. Bacteria in the tank reduces this bulk into a sludge.

The layer above that is the waste water. It continues flowing through the pipes to the drain field.

The top portion is where the fats and oils gather. This turns into a film of scum.

If the sludge in your septic tank is not pumped out by a plumber on a regular schedule, it can build up and cause some big problems.

How Can You Tell If You Have Problems with Your Septic System?

There are some obvious signs that something is wrong with your septic system. Knowing what to look for can help you get a plumber on the job more quickly and help you avoid further damage.

Your Pipes Are Gurgling

When you flush your toilet or run your sink faucet, do you hear gurgling sounds that are reminiscent of an empty giant’s stomach? If so, you may have a problem with your septic tank.

This could be a sign that your septic tank is full. Or it could indicate another problem somewhere in your septic system.

Whatever is causing the trouble, your Cleburne, TX plumber will be able to identify it and get your septic system running smoothly again.

You Have Problems with Flushing Your Toilets

Have you noticed your toilets are slow to flush or simply won’t flush? Your septic system may be the culprit.

You may have a full septic tank, or you could have a clogged pipe. Either job is easily fixed by a professional plumber.

You Have Water Backing Up

If water backs up when you use your washing machine, it could be a sign of septic tank trouble. Or, even worse, sewage could back up into your home. This is one of the worse signs that you have a failing septic system.

Either way, you need to immediately call your plumber in Cleburne, TX for help. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth offer professional septic tank pumping services commercial and residential properties in Cleburne, TX.

You Have Slow Drains

When your kitchen or bathroom sinks or shower drains are slow to empty, it could signify a clogged pipe. Or it could indicate a problem with your septic system.

You Smell Foul Odors

A good sense of smell will alert you to any problems you are having with your septic system.

Some people smell a Sulphur-like smell, sort of like rotten eggs, coming from the drains in their home. If the smell gets stronger as you get close to your septic tank, you likely have raw sewage leaking from the tank.

You Notice Greener Grass in Your Yard

Here’s a case where having greener grass is not a good thing. If you notice that the grass on one portion of your yard is greener or longer than elsewhere, it may be because the roots are getting an extra dose of fertilizer.

This is a sign that you have likely had a septic tank problem for a while. In this case, you should contact your plumber in Cleburne, TX for septic service immediately. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth is available for plumbing emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to handle issues that just can’t wait.

You See Patches of Standing Water in Your Yard

Standing water is never a good sign, unless you’ve just been in a rainstorm. If the drain field of your septic system is turning into a soggy marsh, you have problems with your septic tank.

Not only is this a stinking mess to deal with, it also creates a health hazard for you and your family. If you notice this happening in your yard, call for assistance from a plumber immediately.

Why Do You Need to Have Your Septic Tank Pumped Regularly?

Routine septic tank pumping is something that you need to have your plumber do. If not, your tank could get over-filled and stop effectively removing the waste water, allowing it to be filtered out.

If your tank gets too full, the waste water that continues to enter has nowhere to go. Pressure will build as the tank is filled to the breaking point…literally.

If the pressure becomes too great, you could soon see your yard full of water from a burst pipe. The mess and smell will be horrible, and it could be quite a while before you can use your yard again.

How Often Should You Have Your Septic Tank Pumped?

There is no one precise answer for every home. The truth is, it depends on the size of your household.

For a family of four or five, you should probably get your septic tank pumped every two years. If you have a smaller family, every three years might suffice. But your family is larger, you might want to opt for yearly septic pumping.