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When a septic tank is full, it needs to be professionally pumped. The average cost of a one-time septic tank pump is about $400, or $0.30 per gallon. If your septic tank is full, you may notice that you have issues flushing your toilet, pipes are draining very slowly, or you have a sewage smell lingering in your home or yard.

When septic systems begin to fail, your waste will start to seep into the groundwater. You may notice a foul odor (it’ll smell like sewage) or a squishy, moist lawn. The grass right over your tank or drain field might grow super lush and green because your waste actually fertilizes it. Other signs include standing water in your drain field, slow-draining sinks and tubs, and gurgling noises in the plumbing.

You should never pour antifreeze down the drain or outside on the ground. Because it's highly toxic, antifreeze can still impact people and animals long after it drains. Antifreeze can contaminate water and sewage systems, and any that gets into storm drains and water supplies can attract animals and harm those that ingest it.

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.