Wastewater backup into a home is the most dreaded event for most households. The contaminated water could pose a health and safety risk for your family. A toilet clogging or overflowing is a common sign your septic tank needs pumping. 

If the pipes and drainage outside are clogged, you may not see obvious signs of sewage backup in your home. By watching for these early signs, you can arrange for septic tank pumping before damage is done

Coliform Bacteria in Well Water 

If your well is downstream from your septic tank, the presence of coliform bacteria in the well water can be a sign of a clogged septic tank. Coliform bacteria are tasteless and odorless, and therefore not easy to detect. 

When wells are tested for coliform bacteria annually, as recommended by the EPA, a positive test can be an early warning sign. Fecal bacteria from animal waste can easily enter a well. If human fecal bacteria is present, your septic tank may be leaking or overflowing. Or the bacteria may be coming from a broken sewage pipe. 

Pooling Water 

If your yard is starting to look swampy, the septic tank system may not be functioning properly. Wastewater flows down pipes to the septic tank. The septic tank separates the waste and water. The separated wastewater flows out of the tank and is naturally filtered through the soil.

When solid waste particles clog pipes and drainfields and prevent proper drainage, the water begins to accumulate above the surface. Routine septic tank pumping, typically every two or three years, prevents waste overflow in the septic system. 

A Green, Healthy Lawn 

When septic tank pumping is not performed in a timely manner, the waste builds up. Eventually, it overflows and clogs pipes and the drainfield. The waste matter in the water makes it harder for the drainfield to filter the water. Large particles can impede drainage. 

If there is a bright side to wastewater overflow, it's healthier lawns and gardens. Sewage waste is a good lawn fertilizer. 

If you wait too long to have septic tank pumping performed, the pipes and drainage field can become clogged and damaged. Your septic pump service should inspect your entire septic system at the time of the septic tank pumping. If pipes are damaged or clogged, they will require cleaning and repair. A swamp on your drainfield can change the porosity of the natural soil filter. The drainage area may require cleaning and fresh soil to ensure the proper filtering of the effluent.

For additional details, reach out to a local septic pump service.