3 Signs of a Failed Septic Tank

Imagine going to your bathroom and flushing the toilet only to see the water in the bowl start to bubble out rather than flushing away. You’re stuck cleaning up a huge mess while also trying to figure out what’s causing the problem.

Though backups and drain problems can happen in any home, they can be a sign of septic tank failure for the 20% of households with tanks on their properties. Unfortunately, septic systems won’t last forever and you need to be able to tell when yours is failing.

Here are a few tell-tale signs of failed septic tanks so you can know when it’s time to call an expert.

1. There’s Lots of Plant Growth by the Tank

When your septic tank starts to fail, the waste and wastewater inside the tank can start to leach into the soil around it. That wastewater can start to feed the plants growing around and on top of your septic tank.

Pay attention to the way the plants look in the leach field and around the tank itself. If they’ve recently started growing rapidly or you’ve noticed tons of new plants popping up, you may have a failed septic tank in your yard.

The best thing you can do is get your system inspected by your septic repair team.

2. Your Drains Won’t Drain

Slow drains can be caused by clogs in your home’s plumbing, but they can also be the result of a damaged or failing septic tank.

When your tank is in good shape, your drains can funnel any solid waste and wastewater away from your home. Once it starts to fail, the septic system may not be able to direct the water out of your home. Instead, the water will sit in your sinks, tubs, showers, or toilets.

You may notice that the water moves slowly or won’t drain at all. If you see either of these draining problems in your home, call your plumber and get them to inspect your pipes for clogs. If they don’t find anything, schedule an emergency septic pumping appointment as soon as possible.

3. Your Yard Stinks

When your septic tank is working properly, any stench from the waste stays inside the tank or underground. However, if you notice a bad smell around the tank or in your yard, it’s time to call a professional.

That bad smell is a surefire sign that waste is leaking out of the tank. The longer it’s allowed to leak, the worse the stench will become.

Call your septic tank maintenance company immediately. They’ll be able to tell you if the septic tank needs to be replaced.

Pay Close Attention to Your Septic Tank

Your septic tank needs regular maintenance if you want it to last as long as possible. Watch for these signs of damage and call your repair technician as soon as you think something’s wrong.

The sooner you take care of minor repair problems, the less severe the damage will become.

Maintaining your home’s septic system is just one part of being a responsible homeowner. Check out our latest posts for more tips to help you keep your home in great condition for years to come.