Your septic tank is an important part of making your home livable. But it’s one that you generally don’t pay much attention to — until it messes up.
The problem with septic tanks is that you can’t necessarily tell if they’re full or not.
A full septic tank can cause some serious problems for your home. For that reason, you want to make sure it’s not overflowing regularly. Here’s how to check if a septic tank is full, plus a few other helpful tips.
Locating the Septic Tank System
To check if a septic tank is full when locating the septic tank system, the first step is to map out the system. Start with finding the septic tank itself, usually located near the house.
Look for two square lids in the ground., one for the inlet (wastewater going in) and one for the outlet (solid wastes coming out). These two should be at least 10 feet away from each other.
Next, measure the depth of wastewater in the tank. If the wastewater level is higher than the outlet pipe, chances are that the tank is full. Lastly, it’s important to check for signs of bulging or shifting, which may indicate that the baffles are obstructed.
Understanding Septic Tank Float Switch
To check if a septic tank is full using an understanding of a septic tank’s float switch, the first step is to open the septic tank cover. After that, you will need to locate the float switch, which should be somewhere in the tank.
Many times, the float switch looks like a buoy and is usually found directly under the lid. You will want to check the level of the float switch. If it is above the top of the septic tank, then it is a sign that the tank is full.
If the float switch is slightly below the top of the septic tank, then there is still some space in the tank, but it may need to be emptied soon. Checking the septic tank float switch will help you understand when the septic tank is full and when it needs to be emptied.
Determining Septic Tank Volume and Level
Before checking if a septic tank is full, it is important to determine the septic tank volume and level. This can be done by accessing the inspection ports installed on the side of the tank. These ports can usually be accessed with a hose and a riser.
With this access, the water level of the septic tank can be measured. A high water level would indicate the tank is nearly full and requires pumping. The more accurate way to determine the level of the tank is to use a tape measure and a yardstick. If you need a professional to help you, contact septic tank pumping services near you.
Explore How to Check If a Septic Tank Is Full
Overall, the process of how to check if a septic tank is full is not difficult and can be done with the right tools and guidance. So, if you are in the process of monitoring your septic tank, make sure to follow the steps mentioned above.
