Backups, cracks and leaks, and a horrible smell—any of these could be symptoms of a septic tank problem. Anytime you notice a problem, or suspect there could be a problem, it’s best to turn to a pro for septic tank repairs. Read on for a few common septic tank repair situations that you’ll want a professional to handle in your Pleasantville, NY, home.

Backed Up Drains

Are your sinks slowly draining? Or not draining at all? Hopefully it’s just a hairball, but if you’ve got a sneaking suspicion that your backed-up drains are due to your septic tank, then it’s time to call the pros. No amount of liquid drain-declogger will help in this situation, and ignoring the problem may only make it worse. Water may begin to back up as you run the washing machine or dishwasher, and that could lead to a flood that’s no fun for anyone. Don’t wait until it’s too late!

Related: Take These Steps To Replace The Old Septic Tank With The New In Pleasantville, NY

Gurgling Noises

Are your pipes talking back to you? Gurgling drains and pipes might be trying to tell you something. If you flush the toilet and find a gurgling noise coming from the pipes, it may be an indication that your septic tank needs pumping or has some other issue, and that it’s time for you to call a professional.

Cracked Tanks

Have you noticed a particularly green or soggy section of your lawn? Are there patches of standing water near your septic tank, even if it hasn’t recently rained? There could be a nefarious reason lurking beneath the soil. Cracked tanks are an unfortunate possibility when it comes to dealing with your septic system and shouldn’t be ignored. A small leak can quickly turn into a big leak that could create an expensive headache if it is not repaired in haste. Unfortunately, green, lush grass means that your septic tank has probably been fertilizing your lawn for quite some time.

Related: When Is A Septic Tank Repair Possible?

Toilet Flushing Problems

If you find that your toilet is having trouble flushing, that may be another sign of septic tank problems. One way to tell is to try your hand at plunging the bowl or jiggling the handle—if nothing seems to work, then your septic tank might be to blame. Full tanks, clogged pipes, or another issue could be the culprit, but the best way to know will be to consult a professional.

Something Stinks

Leaking septic tanks emit an unmistakable smell that can only mean problems for a homeowner. This is one of the worst septic tank issues anyone can experience, and most people couldn’t ignore it even if they tried. Not only does a leaking septic tank pose a health hazard, but it’s simply unbearable for you and your neighbors to be around. If you find that rotting egg smell only increases as you near your septic tank, then you know for sure that sewage has escaped.

It’s perfectly acceptable to be unsure whether a septic tank repair is needed or not. Experts in septic systems can come out to inspect your tank and see if anything is amiss. Regular inspections are another way to ensure that everything is working properly—and that any issue will be promptly addressed. Professionals are familiar with the common signs of a problem and know exactly what to do to fix it, whether a repair is warranted or whether it’s time for a septic tank replacement.