Warning Signs of a Bad Septic System

Sep 27, 2023

Warning Signs of a Bad Septic System

If you own a septic system, you need to know the warning signs of septic system failure and what your next steps should be. A failed septic system is a health and safety hazard, not to mention the costs that may come with a collapsed septic system. In this guide, we’ll uncover the warning signs that indicate a failing septic system, so you’ll know when to call septic technicians.

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Here are the warning signs that your septic system is failing, and it’s time to call a professional septic company.

  • Waste Overflows from the Septic Tank

An obvious indicator of septic system trouble is when wastewater or sewage begins to overflow from the septic tank itself. This is a sign that the tank is not properly containing or processing the waste. This should be treated as an emergency, as it can be a serious safety hazard.

  • Sewage Backing Up Into the Home

Perhaps the most alarming sign is when sewage starts backing up into your home. This can manifest as toilet and drain backups, often with foul-smelling water. It's a clear indication of a significant issue that needs attention as quickly as possible.

  • Contaminated Well Water

A failing septic system can lead to the contamination of your well water, particularly if the well is located close to the septic system. Elevated levels of bacteria or nitrates in your well water may indicate a problem with your septic system.

  • Slow-Moving Drains

Slow drains throughout your home, such as sinks, showers, and toilets, may be a sign that your septic system is struggling to handle wastewater properly. Call an experienced septic company as soon as you notice slow-moving drains to prevent further problems.

  • Lush Green Grass over the Septic Tank or the Leach Field

A lush, green patch of grass directly above the septic tank or leach field can signal trouble. It suggests that excess liquid or nutrients are making their way to the surface rather than being properly absorbed.

  • Strong Sewage Odor around the System

If you notice a persistent and strong sewage odor around your yard or near the septic system, it's a clear indication that something is amiss. This odor is often a result of untreated sewage gases escaping to the surface.

  • Patches of Standing Water near The Drain Field

The presence of standing water or waterlogged areas near the drain field indicates that the septic system is not effectively absorbing and dispersing wastewater into the soil.

Trust Septic Blue of Charlotte for All of Your Septic System Needs

If your septic system is exhibiting signs of trouble, do not hesitate to call a trusted septic company to perform a thorough inspection and make the necessary repairs. Whether it be septic tank problems, drainfield failure, or blockages, septic technicians will get to the root of the problem and provide you with reliable solutions. Here at Septic Blue of Charlotte, we pride ourselves on offering a wide range of septic services, including septic tank installation, septic tank repair, and septic tank pumping.