Slow drains throughout your house are usually the first warning sign. If multiple fixtures are backing up or draining slowly, your septic tank is likely full. Bad smells around your tank area or drain field also indicate it’s time for service.
Wet spots or standing water over your septic system, especially during dry weather, mean your system isn’t processing waste properly. In Mount Sinai’s sandy soil, you might notice unusually green grass over your drain field area when the system is overloaded.
Don’t wait for sewage backup in your house – that’s an expensive emergency. If you’re seeing any of these signs, or if it’s been more than 3 years since your last pumping, it’s time to have your system checked.