Signs of Septic Problems

If you own a septic system, you may go years without needing to do any repairs as long as you have regular maintenance performed. However, it is usually only a matter of time before you will have some type of repair that is needed. Knowing the signs of septic problems can help you identify the issue before it becomes a large septic problem. Here are a few signs that you may need septic repair:

  • Slow drains. If you begin noticing that you have slow drains throughout your home, you may be having a septic problem. It could be a clog in your sewer pipes or your tank may be getting full.
  • Foul odor. Septic systems that are working properly should not be release a foul odor. If you begin noticing a foul odor coming from your drains, yard or drain field, call a septic professional to inspect your system.
  • Wet areas. Wet ground near sewer lines, your septic tank or your drain field can be sign of problems. It may be a leak or a malfunctioning drain field, all which require professional repair.
  • Greener grass. A sign that your leech or drain field is not working correctly is if the grass covering the area becomes very green or is growing faster than other areas. This can caused by effluent that is not draining, feeding the grass.

If you have any of these signs, it is time to call your local septic professional. Many times catching these problems early can reduce the repair costs and prevent a septic system failure. Have your entire system inspected to determine the problem so it can be repaired as quickly as possible.

Posted on behalf of:
Septic Service Pro, LLC
Peachtree Street NW
Atlanta, GA 30334
(678) 292-8728

Three Signs of Septic System Problems

Most septic systems can function without issues for years on end with no major issues, especially if they’re inspected regularly by a septic professional. Annual inspections can uncover any potential problems before they happen, providing you with the opportunity to fix these issues before you encounter a septic emergency. Some problems can still occur, however, leading to sewer backups and even a complete system failure. To resolve these problems quickly, here are three signs that your septic system is not working correctly:

  1. Foul Odors — One of the first and most noticeable signs of a brewing septic problem is a foul odor. This could be in your home, your yard or near your drain field. If your septic system is working correctly, you shouldn’t be experiencing bad odor at all, as the waste should be contained within the system.
  2. Pooling Water — If you see pooling water in your yard, around your septic tank or in your drain field, something may be amiss in your system. Wet areas in your yard could mean a broken or leaking sewer pipe, while pooling water near your septic tank could mean a leak in your tank. Drain fields with wet areas are a sign the water isn’t draining correctly into the ground, and can result in septic failure.
  3. Sewer Backups — If you’re noticing that drains in your home are slow or wastewater backing up in sinks or bathtubs, you need to call your septic professional. It’s possible that you’re dealing with an interior plumbing problem, but it can also be a sign of a major problem within your septic system.

Any of these signs is a good reason to call in a professional to get your system inspected. Early detection of septic problems is the best way to reduce the cost of repair, and to avoid needing a full system replacement.

Posted on behalf of:
Metro Septic LLC
1210 N Tennessee St
Cartersville, GA 30120
(678) 873-7934

Common Causes of Septic System Failures

For most homeowners, having regular septic tank inspections and pumping your septic tank when necessary will help keep your septic system in good working order.  Between inspections, proper usage of your septic system will contribute to keeping it healthy.

Flushing too many chemicals down the drain can cause problems with your septic system.  Bacteria and other microorganisms in the system help decompose the solid materials and chemicals can kill these good bacteria and organisms.  Dispose of paint thinners and similar chemicals properly and use household cleaning and disinfecting products like toilet bowl cleaners sparingly.

Overloading the septic system with heavy water usage can contribute to clogging up your drain field because it forces effluent into the drain field before the solid material can settle to the bottom of the septic tank.  Spacing your water usage such as doing a few loads of laundry a day rather than all the loads at once can help.

Speaking of laundry, lint from the washing machine can lead to a septic system failure because it finds its way into the drain field and clogs up the soil.  You can have a lint filter installed that will help reduce this problem.

Garbage disposals pose a similar problem.  The finely ground material gets into the drain field and clogs it up rather than settling to the bottom of the septic tank.  Use garbage disposals carefully or consider installing a garbage disposal specifically designed for septic systems.

Driving across the drain field can compact the soil and impair the ability of the drain field to absorb waste water.  Keep vehicles off the drain field.

Properly using your septic system will help keep it trouble free for years to come.