Septic Tank: 5 Signs Yours Needs Emptying - Vivint

Skip to main content

Vivint Home Security & Automation Blog

Vivint Blog Smart Guides Septic Tank: 5 Signs Yours Needs Emptying Leave this field blank Search Search Septic Tank: 5 Signs Yours Needs Emptying Sep 30, 2016|

It's the dirty secret no one wants to talk about, but if you have one, it's one of your home's most important components. Of course, I'm talking about the septic tank.

As a suburban gal who moved to a rural town, I can tell you first-hand if you forget the method of waste removal in your home, you'll end up with an unpleasant mess to contend with. Luckily there are some very easy ways to tell if your septic system is getting full, so you can get it looked after before the stench starts.

How to tell your septic tank is full and needs emptying

1. Pooling water
2. Slow drains
3. Odors
4. An overly healthy lawn
5. Sewer backup

1. Pooling water

Areas of pooling water in your lawn after a heavy rain is one thing, but a mini lake on or around the drain field of your septic system could mean it's overflowing. When your tank reaches capacity, solid waste can clog the drain field piping system and force liquid to the surface, so if this is what you see on the lawn, it's best to have your system pumped.

Related article Using Flood Sensors During Spring Run-Off

2. Slow drains

Slow moving drains in your home could mean a legitimate clog. However, if they remain slow even after unclogging measures, such as using drain cleaner (septic safe, of course), the system may be full. Same goes for slow flushing toilets too!

3. Odors

A septic system collects not only waste but also all the gray water that comes from showering, washing dishes and doing laundry, among others. Combined with the black water from the toilets, this creates an odorous mixture that would have the neighborhood skunks plugging their noses. If you catch a whiff of any unpleasant odors in your yard, it may be time to call for service.

Let’s be neighbors.

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for more smart tips.

Leave this field blank Email Subscribe now

4. An overly healthy lawn

Contrary to popular belief, the grass over your septic bed should look the same as grass elsewhere on your lawn. If it appears overly green and lush in that area, this could indicate your septic system is leaching liquids and either needs to be emptied or checked for leaks.

5. Sewer backup

Likely the most obvious tip on the list, if not the grossest, a sewer backup is a sure sign that your tank has reached capacity. Look for sewer backups to occur in the lowest drains first, such as a basement bathroom. If this happens, call a professional immediately.

Septic systems are a wonderfully green choice, which saves on any local sewer charges that would normally appear on your tax bill, and are relatively easy to care for if you keep on top of it. Simply remember that anything you put down the drain will end up in the septic tank, and not all of it will be healthy for the system. Always ensure you're using green cleaners and paper products that are septic-safe, and refrain from overloading the system with other contaminants. Being present for the septic pumping process can actually be beneficial as well, as most septic professionals can inspect the contents of your tank as it's being pumped and give you an idea of how well your system is working so you know how to keep it in tip-top shape.

Image Credit: Flickr, Flickr

Get a free quote today.

A Vivint Smart Home Pro will contact you within 24 hours. Or skip the form and call now: 844.481.8630.

Leave this field blank First and Last name Phone Email

By clicking "Start Your Quote", you agree by electronic signature to: 1. The Electronic Disclosure Consent; 2. Receive recurring marketing communications from Vivint at the telephone number and email address you provide on this form, including autodialed calls, texts, and prerecorded messages (consent not required to make a purchase; reply “STOP” to opt-out of texts or “HELP” for help); and 3. Vivint's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Start Your Quote

Everything works together

Combine products for a safer home

Protect your perimeter Outdoor Camera Pro

Stop package theft Doorbell Camera Pro

Lock up automatically Smart Locks

Stay comfortable and save energy Smart Thermostat

Control your home from one hub Smart Hub

Smarter home control from anywhere Vivint App

Tags:

• Safety

You may also like:

Smart Guides

Small Business Security Systems: A Complete Buyer's Guide

Protect your small business with the right security system. Learn about features, costs, and the best solutions to safeguard your business.

Read now Jan. 15, 2026

Smart Guides

Smart Locks for Homes: 2026 Guide to Keyless Entry Systems

Learn all about smart locks, also known as smart keys, and how they can boost your home’s security and convenience.

Read now

Smart Guides

Best Smart Thermostats of 2026: A Complete Buying Guide

Upgrade your comfort and cut energy costs with the best smart thermostat. Compare top models, features, and integrations for your smart home.

Read now Dec. 22, 2025

Related Content

• 5 Signs Your Home Is an Easy Target for Burglars

  Is your home an easy target for burglars? Find out how to protect your home and keep burglars at bay with these home security tips.

  Learn more

• Unexplained Activity at Home: Is Your House Haunted?

  Houses creak and go bump in the night, but not all noises have explanations. How many homeowners think their house is haunted, and how do they secure their home?

  Learn more

• Do Security Cameras Have Audio?

  Learn how to tell which security cameras have audio capabilities, the legality of audio recording, and discover the latest in security audio tech.

  Learn more

Call now to get a free quote 844.481.8630

*Offer Details

Qualifying system purchase requires minimum $599.99 expenditure on equipment after all discounts have been applied, professional installation, and execution of Vivint monitoring services agreement. Click here for monthly service plan prices. HomeProtect system purchases and reactivations of previously-installed systems not eligible for offer. Offer not available in all states or provinces. Equipment purchase may be financed separately subject to an agreement with one of Vivint's third-party financing partners. Monthly $1.48 cellular network maintenance fee applies. Taxes and local permit fees may apply.

Third-Party Financing Options Available

Financing eligibility and terms subject to credit approval by one of Vivint's third-party financing partners. Qualified customers may finance equipment purchase at 0% APR for up to 60 months. Month-to-month service agreement available when equipment is purchased upfront.

Vivint Systems & Services

System supports up to six cameras subject to sufficient WiFi speeds. Without a Vivint services plan, product and system functionality is limited (including loss of remote connectivity). Speak to a Vivint representative at the phone number in this offer for complete equipment, services, and package details, including pricing and financing details. Products and services in Louisiana provided by Vivint Louisiana Commercial Certificate #58280. See Vivint license numbers here.

Professional Installation

$199 FREE

Hassle-free installation

In-person system training

Guaranteed compatibility

Ongoing support and troubleshooting

Expert setup and configuration

Real-time customization

No guesswork. No DIY. Our pros install and optimize your system so it works exactly as it should.

We’ll walk you through your system and app, so you’re confident using it from day one.

We ensure every device in your Vivint system connects and works seamlessly together.

We test every device and back you up with expert support long after install.

Don’t lift a finger. Just schedule professional installation when it’s convenient for you.

Not sure what you need? We’ll help tailor your setup on install day with any added products.

All Vivint security system purchases include professional installation

Pay at your own pace,from 0% interest

We offer flexible financing options based on your order size, with terms up to 36 months at 0% interest. Checking your eligibility will not impact your credit score.

Pay in 4 - available on any order

• 12 months@ 0% -$299+
• 18 months@ 0% -$599+
• 24 months@ 0% -$999+
• 36 months @ 0% -$1,499+

Vivint 24/7 Professional Monitoring

Starting at $44.99/mo

Alarm event monitoring

Emergency response coordination

Immediate threat detection

Instant smart notifications

Always-on protection

False alarm management

Whether it’s a break-in or fire, we respond to every critical alarm type—so you’re always covered.

When seconds count, talk to us right through the panel—we’ll dispatch first responders for you.

Smoke, motion, glass break—whatever the danger, it’s detected instantly for quick action.

Get real-time alerts on your phone or Smart Hub so you stay informed and in control.

We’re always on—and your system always works with built-in cellular and 24-hr. battery.

Cancel false alarms quickly from your phone or panel while we verify and keep you covered.

All Vivint security system purchases include required 24/7 monitoring