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A septic tank always has some amount of liquid in it—which should usually be 8 to 12 inches from the top of the tank. If the liquid level is higher than that or is overflowing the drainage pipe that leads out to the leach field, the tank may be too full and in need of pumping.

There are three layers of wastewater in a septic tank: scum (solid waste that floats to the top of the wastewater), liquid (the relatively clean liquid wastewater in between the two other layers), and sludge (solid waste that falls to the bottom of the wastewater). The buildup of sludge is one of the main reasons septic tanks need to be pumped. If the tank is more than 1/3 of the way full with a combination of sludge and scum, it’s time to call a pro for pumping.

To get rid of a sewer smell in your crawl space, you’ll have to find the source of the problem. If it has to do with your sewer lines, then repairing the line will help. You may need to make other repairs, like fixing your sump pump or encapsulating your crawl space to reduce moisture. After you make the repair, depending on the issue, you may still need to clean out your crawl space to get rid of the stink.

The best times of year to empty or pump a septic tank are spring and fall. Many professionals recommend spring because the ground has thawed, making the tank easier to access and the waste less likely to be frozen. Pumping before summer also helps avoid conflicts with vacations or outdoor gatherings. Fall is another great option, as contractors may be less busy, and servicing the tank can reduce the risk of overflow from winter and spring precipitation. While summer is also a suitable time, winter is generally not recommended due to frozen ground.