How to Tell If Your Septic Tank Is Full or Clogged

Recognizing the signs of a full or clogged septic tank is key to preventing potentially costly and hazardous issues. By learning what to look for, you can identify and address problems early, keeping your system running smoothly. Learn how to tell if your septic tank is full or clogged, and contact Sterling Septic & Plumbing when you encounter septic system problems. 

Why Knowing the Difference Matters

Learning how to tell if your septic tank is full or clogged can help prevent damage to your septic system and property. A full tank needs to be pumped; a clog must be cleared. Confusing the two can lead to unnecessary expenses, improper fixes, and health risks.

Expensive Mistakes: Emptying your septic tank when the real problem is a pipe blockage will not fix the issue and just costs you money.

Avoiding Damage: If too much waste from a full tank enters the drainfield, it can cause lasting damage. Similarly, pipe blockages can put pressure on the system and cause issues.

Health & Safety Hazards: If sewage backs up or overflows, your home is exposed to harmful germs. Solving problems quickly and accurately is crucial.

System Life: Pumping your tank when needed and fixing your pipes correctly helps your septic system last longer.

Often, slow or blocked drains in the house result from plumbing blockages, rather than issues with the septic tank. Trying to fix the wrong problem wastes time and money — so getting a professional inspection first is the best course of action. 

Key Symptoms: Full Septic Tank vs. Septic Clog

Is a foul smell coming from your lawn? Are you experiencing slow drains or trouble flushing your toilets? Whether your septic tank is full or clogged, addressing the issue promptly is essential to avoiding costly repairs and disruptions to your daily routine.

How to Know When Your Septic Tank is Full

Sludge accumulation is a normal part of the septic tank operation.  The solids enter the tank and accumulate inside, while the liquids pass through.  Once the solids occupy 1/3 or more of the tank, the tank should be pumped out. Learning how to know when a septic tank is full and identifying issues early can save you from unnecessary repairs and messy backups. 

Slow Drains

in your sinks, toilets, and showers. If water is draining more slowly than usual throughout your home, it could mean that your tank is nearing capacity.

Pooling Water

Wastewater may start to overflow, resulting in standing water or puddles in your yard, particularly around the area of the drain field. A clogged septic drain field can be caused by a range of issues and damage.  

Foul Odors

If you notice foul odors coming from your drains, yard, or near the septic tank area, this could be a sign that the tank is full or there’s a clog in the pipes.

Lush Vegetation

Healthy, vibrant, and spongy grass above the drain field can indicate excess nutrients from a leaking septic system.

Signs of a Clogged Septic System

A septic system clog can be a more complicated and serious problem than a full septic tank. Sometimes this pipe gets crushed or broken by vehicle or animal traffic. Plant roots sometimes block the pipe (particularly on older systems). Fixing a crushed or root-damaged pipe will require replacing (at least) a portion of the pipe.

Noisy Drains and Pipes

Clogs, line damage, and a backed-up septic system can cause gurgling sounds from indoor pipes.  

Sewage Backups

Sewage backup in your drains is a clear indication that you have a septic issue, such as a full tank or a significant obstruction. 

Underperforming Toilets

You may notice water rising higher in the bowl before draining or that the flush doesn’t have the power it once had. 

Ignoring these warning signs that your septic tank is full or you have a clogged septic system can lead to sewage backups, damage to the drainfield, health hazards, and costly repairs. Scheduling regular septic pumping and other maintenance is the best way to keep your system running smoothly.

Diagnostic Steps for Homeowners

Learning how to tell if your septic tank is full or clogged requires inspecting your drains, the septic system cleanout, and the septic tank. However, performing a septic tank inspection is something most homeowners would rather leave to the professionals. Inspecting a septic tank is a challenging and hazardous job that requires specialized knowledge. Additionally, signs that your septic tank is full can be similar to those of clogs.  

• Drainage problems in only one or two areas typically indicate you’re most likely dealing with a clogged pipe. 

• Drainage issues throughout your home indicate that the problem is likely a clogged or full septic tank. Clogged septic tank issues typically present themselves first in the lower levels of your home.

• If the septic system cleanout pipe is clear and dry, a clog in the main pipe from your home to the tank is likely. 

• A cleanout pipe with standing water can be caused by a clog between the cleanout and the septic tank or a full tank, causing overflow.

• When wastewater fills the cleanout pipe or pools in the surrounding area, your septic tank is likely full and should be pumped.

If you need help determining whether your septic problems are caused by a clog or a full septic tank, the service professionals at Sterling Septic & Plumbing are a call away. A professional sewer system inspection will help you identify the root of the problem, and proven septic repairs will restore your septic system to normal. 

When to Call Sterling Septic & Plumbing 

If you notice signs of a full septic tank or a clogged septic drain field or line, it’s essential to call a professional immediately. A licensed septic technician can diagnose the problem, pump the tank, and make any necessary repairs to prevent further issues.

Professional septic and plumbing services in Pierce and King Counties are simple and convenient when you partner with Sterling Septic & Plumbing. Our family-owned business has established a reputation for delivering exceptional service and hometown customer care. We have earned stellar reviews, maintained a BBB A+ rating, and carry all required insurance and licenses. 

Whether you need drain field rehabilitation, septic repairs, or a property sale inspection, call us to schedule your septic services today.

Prevention Tips for Future Problems

Now that you know how to tell if your septic tank is full or clogged, here’s what you need to know to help prevent these problems in the future. Begin by understanding the mandatory septic system regulations and septic tank pumping recommendations established by the state of Washington. Then, follow these tips to ensure your septic system stays healthy. 

Watch What You Flush

Be careful to only flush human waste and toilet paper. Do NOT flush items such as baby wipes, feminine hygiene products, diapers, cotton swabs, cigarette butts, coffee grounds, paper towels, napkins, or other hazardous products down your toilet.

Conserve Water

Space out heavy water usage tasks, such as laundry, showers, and dishwashing, to avoid overwhelming the system all at once. Installing low-flow toilets and faucets can also help conserve water.

Avoid Harsh Chemicals

Don’t use harsh chemicals, such as bleach or drain cleaners, down your drains. These products can kill the beneficial bacteria in your septic tank that help break down solid waste, leading to buildup and clogs. Use septic-safe cleaning products instead.

Timely inspections and regularly scheduled septic tank pumping can help you avoid sewer system clogs and overflowing septic tanks. Give your septic system the care it deserves with professional septic services from Sterling Septic & Plumbing.