A Septic System Tell

In poker, a 'tell' refers to any behavior, mannerism, or physical clue that a player exhibits, consciously or unconsciously, that gives away information about the strength or weakness of their hand.

If you live in the country and are the (not necessarily proud) owner of your own personal septic system, you need to watch for certain tells regarding the system's proper function. It's pretty simple, really. If you start detecting the odor of sewer gas and/or water begins pooling around the surface of the ground where your tank is located, you have a problem.

As it turns out, we have that “pooling thing” occurring around our septic tank. This being December in Montana, a spreading sheet of ice has appeared. I first noticed the ice yesterday. Upon further investigation, I discovered the ground squishy and wet near the tank risers. I will call to get the tank pumped and the system inspected first thing this morning. Normally, I am not too excited about getting the septic pumped. Today is an exception.

Septic Tank Overflow

—Mitchell Hegman