10 Signs Your Septic Tank Needs Cleaning Immediately

Trevor Harvey • February 12, 2025

A properly functioning septic tank is essential for maintaining a healthy and efficient wastewater system in your home. Neglecting your septic system can lead to unpleasant smells, costly repairs, and even health hazards.

But how exactly do you know when it’s the right time to clean your tank? Here are the 10 key warning signs that your septic tank requires immediate attention.

1. Slow Draining Sinks, Showers, or Toilet

One of the earliest signs of a full septic tank is slow drainage in your sinks, showers, or toilets. When the tank reaches capacity, wastewater struggles to flow through the system, causing backups and sluggish drainage.

Why This Happens

The tank is too full to accommodate more wastewater.
Solid waste buildup is blocking proper flow.

What to Do: Call a professional septic service to inspect and clean your tank before the problem worsens.

2. Foul Odors Around Your Property

A properly functioning septic tank should not emit unpleasant odors. If you notice a strong smell of sewage near your drains, yard, or septic tank area, it’s a clear sign something is wrong.

Common Causes

A full tank causing waste to back up into the drain field.
Gases escaping from an overfilled or damaged tank.

Solution: Schedule a professional septic tank cleaning in Denver to restore proper function and eliminate odors.

3. Standing Water in the Yard

Puddles or standing water near your septic tank or drain field can indicate that your tank is overflowing. When the tank is too full, excess wastewater has nowhere to go and starts surfacing in your yard.

Warning Signs

Grass or plants growing faster and greener in the drain field area.
Soggy patches even during dry weather.

What to Do: Immediate cleaning and inspection are essential to prevent environmental contamination and further damage.

4. Sewage Backups Inside the House

One of the most alarming signs of a septic tank issue is sewage backing up into your home’s drains, sinks, or toilets. This happens when the tank is full and can no longer handle incoming waste.

Potential Risks

Health hazards from exposure to raw sewage.
Damage to flooring, walls, and plumbing fixtures.

Action Required: Call Affordable Septic immediately for emergency cleaning and repairs.

5. Gurgling Sounds in Your Pipe

If you hear gurgling or bubbling sounds coming from your pipes or drains, it could mean your septic system is struggling. These noises often occur when air is trapped in the system due to a full tank.

Why It Happens

Wastewater flow is restricted, causing air pockets.
The septic tank is near capacity and needs cleaning.

What to Do: Don’t ignore these sounds; they’re an early warning sign that your system needs professional attention.

6. Unusually Lush or Green Grass

While a green lawn might seem like a good thing, unusually lush grass around your septic tank or drain field can indicate a problem. Excess nutrients from leaking wastewater can cause plants to thrive unnaturally.

What to Watch For

Grass that grows faster or appears healthier in specific areas.
Patches of overly wet or spongy soil.

Solution: A septic cleaning can resolve leaks and prevent long-term damage to your drain field.

7. High Nitrate Levels in Well Water

If your property uses a well for water, high nitrate levels could signal that your septic tank is leaking into the groundwater. This poses serious health risks, particularly for infants and pregnant women.

Signs of Contamination

Test results showing elevated nitrate levels.
Changes in water taste or quality.

What to Do: Regular septic tank maintenance and cleaning are essential to protect your water supply and your family’s health.

8. You Can’t Remember the Last Time It Was Pumper

If you’re unsure when your septic tank was last cleaned or pumped, it’s probably overdue. Most tanks need cleaning every 3–5 years, depending on usage and tank size.

Why Regular Cleaning Matters

Prevents costly repairs and backups.
Ensures your system operates efficiently.

Tip: Set a maintenance schedule with Affordable Septic, so you never miss a cleaning.

9. Frequent Plumbing Problem

Recurring plumbing issues, like constant clogs, slow drains, or toilets that won’t flush, often point to a full septic tank. While these problems can have other causes, ignoring them can lead to more significant septic issues.

What to Monitor

Multiple drains in your home experiencing problems simultaneously.
Difficulty clearing clogs with standard plumbing methods.

Action Required: Have your septic system inspected to determine if cleaning is needed.

10. A Noticeable Drop in System Efficiency

Over time, sludge and solid waste accumulate in your septic tank, reducing its capacity and efficiency. If you notice your system isn’t working as well as it used to, it’s likely time for a cleaning.

Signs of Reduced Efficiency

Longer times for sinks or tubs to drain.
Increased frequency of other warning signs, like odors or backups.

Solution: Regular maintenance and cleaning by Affordable Septic can restore your system’s performance and extend its lifespan.

Why Regular Septic Tank Cleaning Matters

Ignoring your septic system can lead to serious consequences, including environmental hazards, property damage, and expensive repairs. Regular cleaning and maintenance offer several benefits:

Prevent backups: Avoid unpleasant and costly sewage backups in your home.
Extend system lifespan: Protect your investment by keeping your septic system in good working order.
Save money: Routine cleaning is far cheaper than repairing or replacing a failed system.

Protect the environment: Prevent contamination of groundwater and nearby ecosystems.

How Affordable Septic Can Help

At Affordable Septic, we specialize in providing reliable, professional septic tank cleaning in Denver to keep your system running smoothly. Here’s why homeowners trust us:

Experienced technicians: Our team has the expertise to handle any septic system, big or small.
Affordable pricing: We offer transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
Emergency services: We’re here to help when you need us most.

Preventative maintenance plans: Stay ahead of issues with scheduled cleanings and inspections.

When to Schedule Septic Tank Cleaning

As a general rule, you should have your septic tank cleaned every 3–5 years. However, factors like household size, water usage, and tank capacity can affect how often cleaning is needed. If you’re experiencing any of the signs listed above, don’t wait - call Affordable Septic today.

What to Expect During a Cleaning

Inspection of your tank and system components.
Pumping to remove sludge, scum, and wastewater.

Recommendations for any necessary repairs or maintenance.

Contact Affordable Septic Today

A well-maintained septic system is key to a safe, efficient home. If you’re noticing any of these signs, don’t delay - contact Affordable Septic for expert septic tank cleaning in Denver. Our team is dedicated to providing top-notch service at a price you can afford.

Call us now to schedule your cleaning and ensure your septic system operates at its best!

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