If your sinks are draining slowly, your toilets are making strange gurgling noises, or you’re noticing unpleasant odors around your yard, your septic system might be trying to tell you something. At Sequoia Pumping, we’ve helped countless homeowners in the Fresno and Central Valley area diagnose and fix septic issues before they turn into major (and expensive) problems. Here’s what these warning signs could mean—and what you should do about them.
1. Slow Drains Throughout Your Home
If one sink or shower is draining slowly, it might just be a minor clog. But if multiple drains are backing up or emptying slowly, your septic system could be struggling.
What It Means:
🚩 Your septic tank could be full and needs pumping.
🚩 There could be a blockage in the pipes leading to the tank.
🚩 The drain field might be saturated and not filtering wastewater properly (leading to a backup in your tank, and ultimately, your house).
What to Do:
✅ First, try plunging or snaking your lines.
✅ Avoid using chemical drain cleaners—they can kill the beneficial bacteria in your septic tank.
✅ If the problem continues, call Sequoia Pumping to check if your septic tank needs service (if you haven’t pumped your tank in a few years, it’s good practice to get it pumped no matter what, and we might be able to solve the problem for you).
2. Gurgling Sounds from Your Toilets or Drains
Toilets that bubble or make strange gurgling noises when you flush are a clear sign that something’s wrong.
What It Means:
🚩 Your septic tank might be too full, causing air to get trapped in the pipes.
🚩 A blockage could be preventing wastewater from flowing properly.
🚩 The drain field might not be absorbing water correctly.
What to Do:
✅ If you hear occasional gurgling, monitor it—if it gets worse, call a professional (particularly if you haven’t pumped your tank in a long time).
✅ If you hear constant gurgling or see water backing up, schedule a septic pumping or inspection immediately.
3. Sewage Odors Inside or Outside Your Home
If you smell a strong, sewage-like odor inside your house or in your yard, it’s a major red flag that shouldn’t be ignored.
What It Means:
🚩 Your septic tank might be overflowing or backing up.
🚩 A pipe or vent could be damaged or blocked.
🚩 Your drain field could be failing, allowing untreated sewage to surface.
What to Do:
✅ Call Sequoia Pumping ASAP—a strong sewage smell means your system needs immediate attention.
✅ Avoid using excessive water to prevent further overload.
4. Standing Water or Soggy Grass Near Your Septic Tank
If you see puddles of water in your yard, especially near the septic tank or drain field, this could indicate a serious issue.
What It Means:
🚩 The drain field might be clogged or failing.
🚩 Your septic tank could be overfilled and overflowing.
🚩 The soil isn’t properly absorbing wastewater, which can lead to environmental hazards.
What to Do:
✅ Reduce water usage immediately to prevent overflow.
✅ Call Sequoia Pumping to inspect the tank and drain field.
5. Frequent Need to Pump Your Tank
Most septic tanks need pumping every 3-5 years, depending on household size and water usage. If you’re needing to pump more often, there could be an underlying issue.
What It Means:
🚩 Excessive water usage is overwhelming your system.
🚩 Non-biodegradable materials (like wipes or grease) are causing buildup.
🚩 Your drain field isn’t functioning properly, forcing the tank to fill faster.
What to Do:
✅ Monitor your water usage and avoid flushing anything other than toilet paper and waste.
✅ If pumping frequently isn’t solving the problem, schedule a full septic inspection.
Don’t Ignore the Signs—Call Sequoia Pumping!
Septic problems don’t fix themselves—they get worse (and more expensive) over time. If you’re noticing slow drains, gurgling toilets, bad smells, or standing water, it’s time to get your system checked.
At Sequoia Pumping, we provide professional septic pumping, inspections, and repairs to keep your system running smoothly. Give us a call at (559) 233-2400 to schedule service today!
Better safe than sorry—let’s keep your septic system healthy and hassle-free!
