If you depend on a septic tank for your waste management, it's essential that you can recognize when it's time for a replacement. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, one out of five homes in the U.S. relies on a septic tank or a small community system to treat waste. If you live in one of those households, look for these three signs to determine if it's time to call a septic tank installer.

Foul Smells

If you notice the smell of sewage around your septic tank, it's a sign that either the septic tank itself is failing or your leach field is a problem. A septic tank installer can easily diagnose the problem and let you know if your tank needs to be replaced.

It's important to note that you shouldn't smell the sewage in or around your tank. If you do, it's time to get some professional help. Don't ignore the early warning signs of septic tank failure like a strong odor. The problem will only get worse if you don't promptly address it.

Puddling in Your Yard

If you notice that part of your yard is saturated and the water seems brackish, it may be a sign that your septic system is failing. You shouldn't have wastewater openly leaking into your yard. If you notice this sign, contact a septic tank specialist to find out what's going on. It could be that you need a new tank, or you need some other work relative to your septic system. Only a certified septic tank company can make that call.

Backed-Up Drains

When your septic system is in full-blown failure, your drains will start backing up with waste. The waste can back up into your shower, your kitchen sink, your toilets, or any other drain in your home. You may even notice backed-up waste when trying to run your washing machine. The waste will have nowhere to go because of the tank failure, and it'll back up into the house.

This is a major sign that you need to reach out right away to a septic tank installer to find a solution. If you notice any of these signs or anything else unusual with your septic system, don't hesitate to call JTC Contractors. We'll help you get your system up and running like normal.