Have you recently moved to a house that has a septic tank? Does it now seem like there's something not quite right with your septic system? Whether the previous homeowners took excellent care of the septic system or not, a septic system can't run indefinitely without needing to be cleaned out or repaired. If you're unfamiliar with septic tank systems, here are some things that you should know:

A tank in need of cleaning doesn't mean it's broken: If your septic tank starts to overflow and create a soggy mess in your yard, you may be under the impression that you're in need of septic tank repair. While your tank could be clogged and in need of fixing, chances are also good that it's simply been too long since your septic tank was pumped out. With a working septic tank system, solid waste is collected in the tank and liquid waste is allowed to flow into the ground. If the solids are allowed to collect and aren't removed, they can eventually clog up the outlet for the liquid waste, causing an overflow.

No two septic tank pumping schedules are the same: Perhaps the previous homeowners told you that the septic tank on the property only needed to be pumped out every three years and that it was pumped out only last year. From that, you may have thought that no septic tank repair or pumping would be needed for another couple years. However, if you have a larger family or family that stays home more than the previous owners, you'll fill up the septic tank more quickly. Instead of relying on what the previous homeowners told you, it's may be a good idea to have the tank inspected yearly, until you have a better idea of how quickly the tank gets filled with solids and needs to be pumped out.

Sluggish drains can indicate septic tank issues: One big problem for sewer lines and septic tanks in particular is plant roots. If these infiltrate your septic system, they can cause water to flow through the drains much more slowly than it should. If you notice that any trees or bushes near your septic tank are looking especially green and lush, their roots may have found your septic system. Depending on the severity of the issue, you may only need to have the offending roots removed from the line -- or the septic tank repair process could entail building a whole new drainage field. The sooner the issue is caught and remedied by a professional, the less extensive any repairs are likely to be. 

If your septic system is not working properly, contact a repair team, like Sullivan Septic, sooner rather than later to prevent bigger problems.