What Are The Signs Your Septic Tank Is Full?

ROOT-A-WAY Drain Cleaning • January 30, 2022
Worker using a hose to clear a lawn drainage hole

Like the rest of the major appliances that keep your home or business running smoothly behind the scenes, you likely don’t pay too much mind to your septic tank. And for the most part, you don’t have to. So long as you know the signs of your septic tank being full and when to get in touch with ROOT-A-WAY Drain Cleaning to get it pumped, keeping it in great shape is virtually maintenance-free. So, what are the signs your septic tank is full?

Painfully Slow Drains

If you’re starting to notice that all your sinks are draining slowly and your toilets are taking longer to flush and fill up than before, there’s a strong possibility your septic tank is full. If you’re not sure, get your hands on some septic-friendly drain cleaner and try flushing out your drains on your own. If your drains are still slow after that, it’s time to call in the pros to see about pumping your tank.

Pooling Around Your Tank

Are you noticing water pooling around your septic tank without any recent rain or thick lush grass and weeds sprouting fast? These are additional signs that your septic tank is getting too full. Essentially, excess wastewater that has nowhere to go will seep into your yard and create serious puddling that can eventually weaken the stability of the surrounding landscape. Meanwhile, the nutrient-rich liquid acts as a powerful fertilizer and creates substantial overgrowth.

Putrid Odors

Bad smells are never a good sign, especially when dealing with your septic tank. If you’re smelling something sinister coming from that direction, it’s time to call in the pros. Trying to wait any longer will only lead to bigger, smellier problems.

Peculiar Sounds

One of the first subtle signs that a septic tank is not just full, but getting backed up, is hearing gurgling sounds coming from your drains. These sounds indicate that water is collecting further up your plumbing than intended, which is sure to lead to more serious problems if not rectified as soon as possible. 

Plumbing Is Backed Up

One of the worst consequences of not getting your septic tank pumped in time is having your plumbing back up. When your tank is full, there isn’t anywhere for the sewage water to drain, causing it to come back up through your pipes into your toilets, sinks, and even showers and bathtubs. The only way to solve the issue, other than prevention, is to trust the pros.

Pipes Are Leaking

Right up next to sewage backups on the list of worst consequences of an overflowing septic tank is leaking pipes. Pipes can leak as a result of too much pressure build-up and can cause significant damage to your plumbing and surrounding property if you do not seek professional repairs right away.


For more details on how to tell if your septic tank is full and how to get it emptied, reach out to our expert plumbing professionals at ROOT-A-WAY Drain Cleaning by calling (810) 233-4376 to schedule service, or simply fill out the form in the sidebar.

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