Septic tanks need to be pumped regularly to make sure they don't malfunction and end up needing emergency servicing. If you're wondering about how you can know when you need septic tank pumping, there are a few signs that can help you know. Let's have a look at four signs that should let you know it's time to have your septic tank pumped.

Slower Draining

When you start to notice your sink, tub, shower drain, and even toilet taking a longer time than usual to drain, it may be an early sign that you need septic tank pumping. You will also notice clogged drains that don't seem to have a root cause for the blockage. This simply means that your septic tank is full and needs to be pumped as soon as possible to avoid future issues.

A Noticeable Odor

If you can notice a smell of sewage lingering around your home's drains or even outside in your yard, it's a sign that your septic tank is full. This leaves less space for the gases that cause the signature sulphurous smell of sewage. If you can notice this smell, you need to plan for immediate septic tank pumping because there's only so much your septic tank can hold.

Gurgling Noises

If you regularly hear loud gurgling from your toilets and sinks, this may be a sign that your septic tank is full and is having a hard time letting in more wastewater. It could also mean that you have clogs in your drains and sewer backups, all issues that need to be looked into immediately.

Pools of Standing Water

Finally, if you start to see unexplainable pools of water randomly appearing in your yard, you may have a full septic tank. This will be predominantly around the drain field and the septic tank itself, and is a sign that you need immediate septic tank pumping to avoid sewage backing up into your home.

According to the CDC, about 21% of homes in America are served by an on-site sewage disposal system, 95% of which are septic tank field systems, making it possible that your home and a few others around you are on the same system. For the sake of your sanity and wallet, get your septic tank pumped as soon as you notice any of the four signs above and you will avoid big issues.