Is Your Septic Tank in Trouble? Here’s How to Know

You’re busy. Between work, family, and keeping up with everything life throws your way, your septic system is probably the last thing on your mind. After all, it’s underground, out of sight, and doesn’t ask for much—until it does.

One day, your shower is slow to drain. Then, that unmistakable sewer odor creeps into your yard. Before you know it, you’re standing ankle-deep in a septic backup, panicking about the mess and the repair bill. Sound like a nightmare? It is. And it’s completely avoidable—if you catch the warning signs early.

At Dyer Inc., we’ve seen firsthand what happens when septic cleaning gets pushed too far down the to-do list. Homeowners in Florence County and surrounding areas like Dickinson, Iron, Marinette, and Forest County call us all the time—often when the damage is already done. Don’t be one of them.

Here are five major red flags that your septic tank is overdue for a cleaning. Ignore #3 at your own risk!

1. Slow Drains That Make Everyday Tasks Frustrating

You rinse off a plate, and the water lingers in the sink. Your shower turns into a shallow bathtub before the water finally disappears. Toilets take longer to flush than usual.

If all the drains in your house are sluggish, it’s not a coincidence—it’s a warning sign. Your septic tank could be full, meaning wastewater isn’t flowing out as efficiently as it should.

What NOT to do: Dumping chemical drain cleaners down your pipes. These might temporarily clear minor clogs, but they won’t fix a full septic tank. Worse, they can kill the beneficial bacteria in your system, making the problem even worse.

What TO do: If slow drains are becoming the norm in your house, it’s time to schedule a septic cleaning before things get messy.

2. That Foul Smell Isn’t Just an Inconvenience

Step outside and take a deep breath. If the air has a distinct rotten-egg or sewage smell, you’re not imagining things—your septic system is sending you a distress signal.

Septic tanks naturally break down waste, but when they get too full, the gases that should stay contained start leaking out through your yard or drains. This isn’t just unpleasant—it’s a sign that your system is struggling to keep up.

What NOT to do: Mask the smell with air fresheners, scented candles, or hoping it’ll “go away.”

What TO do: If you’re noticing persistent septic odors, don’t ignore them. A professional septic cleaning will eliminate the problem before things escalate.

3. Sewage Backup—The Nightmare No One Wants

This is the one you cannot afford to ignore. If raw sewage starts backing up into your home—whether in your toilets, sinks, or bathtubs—you have a major problem. And at this point, waiting isn’t an option.

Septic backups don’t fix themselves—they only get worse, leading to expensive damage, hazardous contamination, and one of the worst cleanup jobs you’ll ever experience.

What NOT to do: Keep using your plumbing and hope it resolves itself. If sewage is coming up inside your home, your system is beyond full.

What TO do: Call a septic professional immediately. The sooner you act, the better chance you have of avoiding costly repairs or even a full system replacement.

4. Your Yard is Too Green (Or Too Wet)

A lush, extra-green lawn sounds nice, right? Not if it’s growing in weird patches around your septic drain field.

When a septic tank overfills, liquid waste seeps into the surrounding soil, acting as an unintended fertilizer. That’s why you might see sections of your yard that are noticeably greener or more overgrown than the rest.

Another telltale sign? Puddles of standing water near your drain field. If it hasn’t rained but your yard is suddenly soggy or smells bad, your septic system is likely overflowing.

What NOT to do: Assume it’s just a natural drainage issue.

What TO do: If your yard is giving you septic red flags, it’s time for a cleaning before things get worse.

5. It’s Been Too Long Since Your Last Cleaning

Can you remember the last time your septic tank was pumped? If not, that’s a problem.

Most septic tanks need cleaning every 3 to 5 years, depending on household size and usage. Waiting longer than that? You’re rolling the dice.

What NOT to do: Assume your septic system is “fine” just because you haven’t had any major issues yet.

What TO do: Check your records. If it’s been more than a few years, schedule a cleaning before you end up dealing with any of the warning signs we just covered.

What Happens If You Ignore These Signs?

We’ve seen what happens when homeowners ignore these warning signs. It’s never pretty.

• Major backups that require thousands in repair costs

• Drain field failure, which can mean digging up your yard

• Contaminated groundwater, which puts your home’s water supply at risk

• Emergency septic replacements, which are far more expensive than routine cleaning

All of these problems start the same way: by ignoring the warning signs.

What To Do Next: Finding a Reliable Septic Cleaning Service in Florence County

If you’re seeing (or smelling) any of these signs, it’s time to call in the pros.

At Dyer Inc., we’ve been helping homeowners in Florence County and surrounding areas like Dickinson, Iron, Marinette, and Forest County with their septic systems for years. We’re not the biggest company out there, but we’re obsessed with doing the job right and tailoring our services to fit your exact needs.

Why choose a professional instead of DIY?

• We have the right equipment to clean your tank thoroughly and safely.

• We know what to look for to catch small problems before they turn into expensive ones.

• We handle the dirty work, so you don’t have to.

Conclusion: Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

A septic tank isn’t something you can afford to neglect. If you’re noticing slow drains, bad odors, unusual lawn growth, or (worst of all) sewage backing up into your home, take action now.

Your future self—and your wallet—will thank you.

Need a Septic Cleaning in Florence County? Let’s Get It Done.

If you think your septic tank is overdue for a cleaning, Dyer Inc. is here to help. Contact us today to schedule your service and keep your system running smoothly.