Plumbing Tips | August 4, 2023

Signs Your Septic Tank May Be Failing 

Signs Your Septic Tank May Be Failing 

If your home is on a septic tank system, there are a couple of things you may need to look out for to see if there are any issues. These issues are important to take care of as they arise. However, along with regular maintenance like emptying your septic tank these should work properly for a long time. 

Grass is Too Green

grass

The grass is always greener on the other side but, if the grass is suspiciously green where your septic tank is, that may be a problem. The wastewater in a septic tank has similar properties to fertilizer. So, if the grass is too green in that one spot that would mean your tank is too full. 

Dry grass isn’t necessarily a bad sign, there isn’t as much dirt for the grass to grow in that area. It doesn’t usually mean there is anything wrong with your septic tank.

Tank or Drain Field is Full

septic tank drain field

Wastewater from your plumbing system gets separated from the solid material. The wastewater then goes on to the drain field. Don’t worry, any sort of harmful bacteria is absorbed in the soil. 

Sometimes the tank and drainfield can become overloaded if the tank hasn’t been emptied, or there are a lot of heavy rains. 

Water Pooling in Your Yard

septic tank

Unless there have been heavy rains or melting snow, you may just naturally have water pooling in your yard. If there hasn’t been any of that occurring, and you are noticing water in your yard then it is possible that it is wastewater. This could mean your septic tank needs some maintenance. 

Roots 

tree in drain line

Tree roots can be more powerful than you may think. They can crack or crush pipes underground. Tree roots will seek out any water in the ground, including condensation on pipes. This may mean you need a camera inspection, a drain cleaning or even a pipe replacement. To avoid this, it is best to know about how tall a tree will be at maturity. Tree roots grow as much as the tree grows tall.

Rotten Egg Smell 

septic tank

If you are smelling that sewage, rotten egg smell in your home or your yard there is likely something going on with your septic tank. Inside, there may be a clog causing waste not to fully flush. If outside it could be due to waste leaking into the grass. 

Slow Drains 

slow draining kitchen sink

If you notice your sink is slowly draining then you may have a clog in one of your pipes. This is easily remedied by snaking the clog out of the drain. However, it could also mean the septic tank is full, and back back up into the pipes. 

Gurgling Noises

gurgling toilet can happen if there is septic tank issues

If you hear gurgling noises when flushing your toilet, then the best thing to do is call a plumber immediately. This signals that there are septic tank issues and negative air pressure in the line. It generally could mean a clog is in that pipe.

Final Thoughts 

With any of these issues, it is best to call a plumber. If not taken care of in a timely manner, a septic tank issue can cause a lot more problems. The most important thing to do is regularly drained can prevent a lot of the problems.

Call 1-Tom-Plumber

Don’t hesitate to contact us here or call us at 1-Tom-Plumber (1-866-758-6237) if you need any plumbing, drain cleaning, or excavation service. 1-Tom-Plumber’s certified team of plumbers and drain technicians respond immediately to any emergency plumbing, drain cleaning, or water damage problem.

We also handle the excavation of underground water lines and sewer main lines. Our immediate-response team is available every day and night of the year, even on holidays.

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