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5 Signs of a Failing Septic Tank or Leech Field
Your septic system is one of the most critical components of your home's infrastructure. It safely treats and disposes wastewater from sinks, showers, toilets, and washing machines when working correctly. However, septic systems do not last forever, and eventually, most septic tanks and leach fields will need to be repaired or replaced.
Failure to recognize the signs of a malfunctioning septic system can lead to severe problems like sewage backups, contaminated groundwater, and costly repairs.
Signs That Your Septic Tank or Leech Field Is Failing
Here are 5 signs that your septic tank or leach field is failing:
- Foul Odors - One of the first and most obvious signs of septic system failure is the presence of foul odors around the septic tank, drain field, or anywhere wastewater drains. If you notice smells resembling rotten eggs or sewage near any part of the septic system, it could mean the septic tank needs to be pumped, or that wastewater is not draining properly through the leach field.
- Soggy Ground - If you notice lush green grass or boggy, marshy ground above or near the leach field, it could indicate the field has become saturated and isn't draining correctly. Wastewater surfacing above the drain field is one of the most evident signs that the leach field has failed. When this happens, it's time to call a septic professional for repairs or replacement.
- Slow Draining Fixtures - If sinks, showers, bathtubs, and toilets take a long time to drain or frequently back up with water, it's a red flag that something is clogged or blocked within your septic system plumbing. Clogs could occur within the septic tank, the drainage pipes to the leach field, or the field itself. Frequent slow drains and backups require immediate attention before a more significant sewage backup occurs.
- Sewage Backups in the Home - Sewage backing up into your home's drains, toilets, bathtubs, and sinks is one of the worst-case scenarios when a septic system fails. If you see wastewater and solid waste backing up into your home, immediately discontinue all water usage and call a septic repair professional immediately. This can indicate a severe clog or failure within the septic system that needs to be addressed as soon as possible.
- Lush Green Grass Over Leach Field - While overly green and lush grass is often a sign of leach field failure, sometimes the grass will also grow much faster and thicker over areas of the drain field. This "overfed" grass can indicate wastewater is surfacing and acting as a fertilizer. It's one of the early signs of drain field malfunction, and an indicator that it might need repairs before total failure occurs.
Recognizing these common signs of septic system failure and addressing issues early before they evolve into a catastrophic mess is the best way to avoid additional hassles and high repair costs. Regular inspections, pumping, and maintenance by qualified septic professionals will go a long way toward extending the life of your septic system.
Professional Septic Tank and Leech Field Maintenance and Repairs
However, don't hesitate to call for service if you notice any of these red flags. Our timely and professional fixes can prevent a costly septic system replacement. We are highly experienced in these jobs, and our licensed and certified team will inspect and assess the system before repairing the septic tank or leech field.
If you want septic tank or leech field maintenance and repairs, please call Gibbs Excavating & Grading at 615-419-245.
We offer reliable and affordable services. You can write to us through this Online Form, and we will contact you soon.
