Your Septic system is one of the most important aspects of your home and has big responsibilities. It eliminates wastewater from your home and then treats it to stop pathogens and contaminants that could affect the health of your family, as well as the environment, from spreading. Even with constant maintenance, all septic systems have a limited lifespan and eventually need to be replaced.
Every septic system fails eventually, but with regular inspections and maintenance, the lifespan of your system can be lengthened. Here are a few signs your septic system is failing. Keep an eye out for these signs, and if you notice any of them, call a septic tank specialist immediately!
Foul Odors From Septic Tank or Drain Field
There’s nothing else attractive about a septic tank aside from the noble purpose it serves, and the system is designed to contain bad odors. If you notice bad odors or rotten egg scents emanating from your septic tank or drain field, it could be a sign that your septic system is either leaking or full. Similarly, foul smells from the drain field indicate that the system isn’t removing biological materials before expelling the wastewater effluent. If you start to perceive a bad odor from your septic system, call a specialist to schedule septic tank pumping immediately!
Water or Sewage Backups
You may find that the water leaving your washing machine is coming back into it. In severe cases, it’s not only water but also flushed sewage that makes its way back up. A clogged drain will cause water to disappear slowly. However, if you notice water actively backing up out of drains, sinks, or the toilet, this could be signs of a septic tank backup. This reverse flow could bring unpleasant sewage into your home. Stop using the plumbing immediately and contact a septic company when this happens. Backed-up sewage produces an unpleasant sight, odor, and health risks, so steer clear of the area until help arrives.
Yard Contains Standing Water
If you have a septic, chances are your yard is fairly dry. When septic systems fail, one of the first noticeable places is in the form of standing water above or around the tank. This happens when effluent isn’t draining properly and has nowhere to go but out of the tank and onto your property. If you see standing water, it’s time to call a septic professional.
Slow Drainage
Another sign of septic failure is slow drainage in your home. If it takes longer than a few seconds for water to drain from your sink or tub, there’s a good chance your septic system isn’t functioning properly. This is usually due to a blockage somewhere in the system, and it’s important to have it checked out as soon as possible.
Green Grass Grows Near Septic Tank
One of the most obvious signs that your septic system might be failing is if you see green grass concentrated in a single patch growing near the septic tank. These strange grass spots are caused by an effluent leak from the septic tank, which usually happens due to a failing drain field. If you see this, it’s important to have your septic system checked out as soon as possible.
Well Water Contains Bacteria and Nitrate
If your water test reveals a high level of nitrates or coliform bacteria, these pollutants likely came from sewage from a failed septic tank. This is usually an indication that effluent from the septic tank is seeping into the groundwater, and it can pose a severe health risk to you and your family. At this point, you should stop consuming the water and call for septic tank service.
How to Prevent Septic System Failure?
The easiest way to avert septic system failure is by scheduling regular maintenance. Regular maintenance lets you catch minor problems before they grow into expensive, failure-causing issues. It would be best if you had your septic team come out at least once a year to inspect your septic system and repair any problems they might find. You should also pump your septic system every three to five years.
Lastly, be mindful of how much water you use and what you flush when using the toilet.
Schedule a Septic Tank Inspection
The best way to take care of your septic system is not to mistreat it and schedule regular septic tank maintenance. If you suspect your septic system is failing, or you want to schedule a routine septic tank cleanout, contact our septic tank professionals at Vireel Septic and Excavation. At Vireel Septic and Excavation, our service areas cover most of Nanaimo and across Central Vancouver Island. We offer affordable and efficient septic maintenance and repairs, and we work hard to give you the friendliest service. Call us at 250-323-1010, or visit our website for a free quote today!