Did you know that approximately 25% of homes in the US rely on a septic system? If you plan to own property in a rural area, such as a lake house, or live in New England or the Southeast of the United States, the likelihood of living in a home that’s dependent on a septic system will be even higher.

Septic systems do much of their work behind the scenes — or more precisely, underground — so it’s easy to forget they’re even there. Unfortunately, this means it can be easy to be unaware when something is wrong.

Whatever type of septic system you have, it’s smart to familiarize yourself with how they function and what to look for if they’re malfunctioning.

6 Signs a Septic System Needs Immediate Attention

  1. Foul Odors
  2. Slow Drains
  3. Standing Water
  4. Lush Grass
  5. Gurgling Noises
  6. Frequent Pumping Required

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1. Foul Odors

Foul odors are one of the earliest signs of a failing septic system and one of the easiest to pick up.

If you notice foul odors around your yard, drains, or near the septic tank itself, it may be due to several factors. Most often, unpleasant smells indicate the tank is full and needs pumping. But it could also mean the system has a blockage, preventing wastewater from properly dispersing into the ground.

Ignoring odors can lead to severe problems, including contamination of your drinking water or waste backing up into your home.

 

2. Slow Drains

Are you experiencing slow drains in your sinks, toilets, or bathtubs?

Slow drain addressed with plunger

It might mean a clogged or overloaded septic system. Slow drainage is often caused by a sludge build-up in your tank, which blocks the outlet pipe and prevents wastewater from passing into the drain field.

Again, a blockage can force waste back into your home, which is a far bigger and hazardous problem than a slow drain.

 

3. Standing Water

A puddle or two in the backyard after a rainstorm is likely not a big deal. However, puddles or wet ground around your septic system — particularly near the drain field — are serious red flags.

Backyard standing water

The water could be untreated sewage coming out of an overloaded septic system or the result of drain field failure. Puddles accompanied by a rotten egg smell (hydrogen sulfide) are especially suspect.

 

4. Lush Grass

Plenty of people would love to have a lush green lawn, but far-too-healthy grass growth over the septic tank or drain field is actually a bad sign.

lush grass near septic system cover

Your lawn is deriving extra nutrients from leaking sewage — this is not the sort of fertilizer you want your yard to use.

 

5. Gurgling Noises

Toilets can be noisy, but they shouldn’t be that noisy. Certainly, they shouldn’t gurgle too much.

Gurgling in the plumbing when you flush the toilet or run water may indicate septic system issues. These sounds may indicate a blockage in the pipes or that the septic tank is full.

A full septic tank can cause air pockets to form, creating that gurgling sound. If your septic system is trying to tell you something, listen up!

 

6. Frequent Pumping Required

If you find that you need to pump your septic tank more often than usual, this could be a sign of a failing system.

Septic system maintenance truck at rural lake house

As part of regular septic tank servicing and pumping, the technician should conduct an inspection to see if your system is operating optimally.

 

Closing Comments

Those are just six signs your septic system needs immediate attention. Protect your home, and ensure your septic system is in top shape by staying alert and proactive. Your family’s health, well-being, and financial state depend on it!

 

Additional Recommended Plumbing Reading

 

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