Warning Signs That Your Septic System Might Be Failing

The septic system is not something that we think about often. It shouldn’t be, really—it’s one of those parts of the home that does the dirty work that we rightfully take for granted thanks to modern technology. But when something goes wrong, the septic tank might be the only thing on our minds until it’s fixed and working like normal again. So what are the signs of a septic system that is not working?

Sometimes it’s obvious when a septic system isn’t working properly. For example, if none of the toilets are flushing properly, that’s a good indicator. But wouldn’t it be useful to know that something might be going wrong before things get to that point?

Here’s how to know if your septic system is failing and what might be the cause of it.

Clogged pipe

One of the most common reasons a septic system isn’t working properly is a clogged pipe. If there’s a clog in the pipe connecting the house to the tank, things will drain very slowly or sometimes not at all. Fortunately, this common problem can often be fixed quickly and simply. A professional plumber or septic tank service can snake the line to clear out most clogs.

A good way to prevent this from happening is to remember not to flush anything down the toilet that isn’t septic safe. If the problem persists, you may have a problem with the pipe itself, like plant roots crushing the pipe. This will require a more thorough inspection.

Drain field problems

One of the signs that a septic tank is not working is that the drain field is saturated with water. This might be accompanied by foul odors lingering in the area as well. This may lead to sewage backing up into your home, which can feel like a truly worst-case scenario.

If you see soggy areas in or near the drain field or if you see unusually spongy and green grass in a certain area, this may be a sign that your septic system is nearing the end of its useful life. This may be due to an improperly-designed system—or it may be because your system has just simply run out of capacity to accept more waste. In this case, it’s a good idea to call a septic professional as soon as possible to get started on replacing the system.

Preventing problems

The best way to prevent septic tank failure is to schedule an annual maintenance inspection and have it pumped out at least once every three to five years. As mentioned, it’s also important to avoid flushing non-septic-safe materials down the toilet.

If you suspect your septic system might be failing, it might be time to call a professional to check it out. For the best septic tank riser service and to find out how to know if your septic system is failing, get in touch with B.H. Cameron Septic Services LLC today to schedule an appointment. We look forward to assisting you!

Categorised in: Septic System

This post was written by Writer