Signs your septic tank is full

Common warning signs

1. Several fixtures drain slowly at once.
2. Toilets gurgle when other water runs.
3. Sewage odor near the tank or over the field.
4. Pooling water or unusually lush grass over the drain lines.
5. An aerobic alarm that will not stay off.
6. Backups in the lowest drain in the house.

What to do

Cut water use and call for service. If sewage is already inside the house, treat it as an emergency: (337) 555-0100 or see emergency septic steps.

Full tank vs. failed drain field

Pumping fixes a tank that has too much sludge. It will not fix a drain field that is saturated or clogged with biomat. An inspection can tell which problem you have.