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Common Septic Problems: A Guide to Keeping Your System Healthy

Your septic tank, a crucial part of your home’s wastewater system, is prone to issues if it’s not maintained properly. Understanding the most common septic problems that homeowners can encounter can help you identify when it’s time to call a professional for septic tank maintenance or septic tank pumping.

Slow Drains or Backups

Slow draining sinks, tubs, and toilets can be one of the earliest signs of septic trouble. If you notice water backing up in any of these appliances, that is a clear indicator that something could be wrong with your septic system. These issues can be the result of a number of things, including a full septic tank, clogged pipes, or issues with the drain field.

A Foul Odor

Septic issues can cause unpleasant odors around your property, which could be a result of escaping gas from the septic tank or other drain field issues. If you notice an unpleasant odor, addressing it promptly is very important to maintaining a healthy living environment.

Standing Water

Another common sign of trouble can be pooling water around your septic system, especially if it’s near the drain field. This type of issue can indicate a leaking septic tank or a saturated drain field, and if not addressed quickly, this can lead to extensive damage and even environmental concerns.

Gurgling Toilets

If you notice gurgling toilets, that  can be a sign of a blockage in your septic system. The distinctive gurgling sound you hear occurs when you flush and the trapped air in the plumbing escapes through the drains. If this is happening to your toilets, it’s definitely time to call a professional to investigate further.

Green Grass Over the Drain Field

Although one might think that lush, green grass over the drain field may be a healthy sign, it can actually indicate an issue. It could mean that wastewater is surfacing instead of being absorbed properly. If you notice this, we would recommend calling on a professional to examine in order to prevent contamination.

Your septic system is a crucial component of your home, and understanding the signs of trouble is important to maintaining its proper functionality.  With regular septic tank maintenance and pumping, these common septic problems can easily be prevented. Proper maintenance from a licensed septic professional ensures the effective breakdown of solids and can prevent issues like overflows and backups.

In conclusion, keep an eye out for slow drains, odors, standing water, gurgling toilets, and any unusual growth over the drain field. If you notice any of these signs, don’t hesitate to call FloHawks for septic tank maintenance or pumping. And don’t forget! Regular maintenance can save you money in the long run and the hassle of dealing with costly repairs.

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OUR SERVICES

Isaiah Taylor

Service Advisor

Tacoma native Isaiah Taylor has been part of the FloHawks team for four years. As a Service Advisor, he focuses on building strong relationships with customers and making sure they feel confident in the solutions being provided.

Isaiah believes the company’s culture sets FloHawks apart. He appreciates working alongside people who genuinely care about customers and take pride in doing the job right.

At 26, Isaiah is focused on building his career and continuing to grow in the industry. When he’s not working, you’ll likely find him in the gym lifting weights and staying active.

Kevin Elbert

Service Advisor

Born in Olympia and now living in Lacey, Kevin Elbert has spent 11 years serving customers with FloHawks. As a Service Advisor, he is focused on helping homeowners and businesses find solutions when plumbing or septic issues arise.

Kevin’s favorite part of the job is working with customers who need help and finding a path forward that solves the problem. He values being part of a team that takes pride in delivering dependable service when it matters most.

In his free time, Kevin enjoys staying active outdoors. Hiking, camping, fishing, photography, soccer, and travel are some of his favorite ways to spend time when he’s not at work. At home, he stays busy with his four teenagers.

Stephen Redford

Service Advisor

Stephen Redford was born in Tacoma and now lives in Gig Harbor. With 14 years at FloHawks, he’s built a reputation as both a trusted Service Advisor and a key contributor to the company’s growth and outreach.

Stephen plays a role in business development, trade shows, and marketing while also supporting service operations across multiple areas. He appreciates FloHawks’ unique culture and commitment to customer service, believing the team consistently goes above and beyond what most companies offer.

Outside of work, Stephen enjoys walking, playing golf, and riding motorcycles. He’s married to his wife, Lori, and is the proud father of three children.

Janie “J” Kirkland

Service Advisor Assistant

Janie “J” Kirkland was born in Miami, Florida, and now calls Roy, Washington, home. Despite being newer to FloHawks, joining the team mid-2025, she has already become a valued member of the Service Advisor support team.

J enjoys the strong sense of teamwork at FloHawks and the relationships she has built with the people she works alongside each day. That collaborative spirit helps the team deliver the dependable service customers count on.

Outside the office, J loves spending time outdoors, especially at the beach, as well as making memories with her family. She’s the proud mother of two sons and a grandmother to four grandchildren.

Carl Evanson

Service Advisor

A Puyallup native who now lives in Spanaway, Carl Evanson has been helping customers at FloHawks for more than 13 years. As a Service Advisor, he brings deep experience and a practical approach to solving plumbing and septic challenges.

Carl takes pride in helping customers find real solutions to their problems. At FloHawks, the philosophy is simple: if water runs through it, the team can handle it, and Carl has spent more than a decade proving that to customers across the region.

When he’s not working, Carl enjoys camping and spending time with his growing family, which includes two grown sons and seven grandchildren.

Luke Schneider

Service Advisor Assistant

Originally from the Midwest and now living in the Puyallup area, Luke Schneider has spent the past three years supporting the FloHawks service team as a Service Advisor Assistant. His role focuses on logistics and administrative coordination, making sure the details are handled so the team can deliver excellent service in the field.

Luke especially enjoys the moment when everything comes together to solve a customer’s problem. Helping turn a complicated situation into a clear plan and a successful outcome is one of the most rewarding parts of the job.

When he’s not working, Luke loves hosting and entertaining with his wife. Much of their free time is spent with family, often gathered around the table for board games and good conversation.

Crystal Lyons

Service Advisor Assistant

Born and raised in Tacoma and now living in Puyallup, Crystal Lyons has been part of the FloHawks team for four years. As a Service Advisor Assistant, she helps keep operations running smoothly while making sure customers feel supported every step of the way.

Crystal’s favorite part of the job is simple: helping people. Whether she’s assisting the service team behind the scenes or making sure customers get the answers they need, she takes pride in being part of a company that puts people first.

Outside of work, Crystal enjoys camping and spending time with her family. She’s married, and the proud mom of one daughter, and she also helps care for her niece, keeping family at the center of everything she does.