Will a Septic Tank Service Solve a Smell?

Many people consider putting in a call for septic tank service when they start to notice a smell. If you haven’t had septic tank cleaning done in a while, it may well be time to schedule an appointment. Systems should be pumped every 3-5 years, and even as often as annually when a garbage disposal is in use or when a lot of people produce wastewater in the building. However, you may be able to avoid a septic tank service call by checking a couple of things first.

​

1. Verify All the Drains Have Water in Them

All the drains in the building should have water in the curve. This stops gas from coming back up into the building. Run water in each of the drains, including those in the basement.

2. Make Sure the Vents Are Clear

Septic system vents are usually on the roof of a home and they allow the natural gasses to escape. If you’re familiar with your system and the vents, double check that they aren’t obstructed.

3. Check Gaskets and Screws

Toilets tend to loosen over time or the gaskets get some wear and tear. Take a look at the toilets in the building and make sure they’re secure.

Schedule Septic Tank Service if This Doesn’t Resolve the Smell or if You Notice Other Symptoms

Although these are some of the most common and easily resolved issues, there are a lot of components in a septic system. If none of these fixed the problem, it’s a good idea to schedule a septic tank service call. Equally, if you notice other issues, like water backing up, standing water around your tank or leach field, or hear a gurgling sound coming from the drains, it’s important to place the call right away. Those are all signs of system failure and you’ll want the problem taken care of before any damage is done.