How to Tell If Your Septic System Is Failing

Aug 02, 2023

How to Tell If Your Septic System Is Failing

A failed septic system can render your home uninhabitable. Problems such as foul odors, backed-up plumbing fixtures, and slow drains can be a pain in the neck. Luckily, it’s possible to catch septic failure before it happens by watching out for signs of septic system trouble.

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Tim Grant of Septic Blue performed our septic system service. He was fantastic. Tank had not been serviced in a…

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Bret Brooks arrived on time, was completely professional and courteous.  I needed my septic tank pumped and a riser installed.…

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Let’s look at the most common signs that something is wrong with your septic system.

Slow-Draining Fixtures

Wastewater draining slowly from your sinks, showers, bathtubs, and floor drains is often the earliest sign that there’s something wrong with your septic system. Slow drains are typically caused by an obstruction in the drain line, a clogged baffle, or a full septic tank. If the problem occurs when outside temperatures have plummeted, you may want to consider the possibility of frozen pipes. No matter the cause of slow drains, it’s important to take quick action before the problem escalates. Reach out to a nearby septic company to perform a comprehensive inspection and determine the most effective repair strategy. If the problem appears to be isolated to a single plumbing fixture, you’ll want to try DIY techniques such as plunging before calling in a septic company.

Sewer Gas Around The Drainage Area

Your septic system shouldn’t release sewer gas when it’s working as it should. Sewer gas around the septic tank or drainfield area often indicates that sewage might be leaking from the system before it’s treated. Wastewater and sewage leaks can occur as a result of an overflowing septic tank, a cracked septic tank, or damaged drainfield pipes. Any odor from your septic system is a sign of trouble and should never be ignored. Make sure you call in a professional septic company to inspect your septic system to identify the cause of the problem and carry out septic tank repair or drainfield repair.

Wastewater or Sewage Is Backing Up Inside Your Home

If wastewater or raw sewage is backing up into your house, it’s time to call for help. Sewage backups are one of the most unpleasant symptoms of a failing septic system. When your septic system fails or the septic tank is full, wastewater and sewage will have nowhere to go but return to the source. Sewage backups may also occur when there’s a major blockage in the main drain line leading to the septic tank. Backed-up plumbing fixtures can bring your normal household routine to a halt, not to mention the health risks associated with raw sewage coming up through your toilet, bathtub, or shower. If you notice septic system backup, do not hesitate to call a trusted septic system service to address the problem. If the problem is a full septic tank, the experts will recommend septic tank pumping to remove the accumulated sludge and scum from the septic tank.

Reach out Septic Blue of Charlotte for All of Your Septic System Needs

It’s recommended to have your septic system inspected at least once a year and have your septic tank pumped every 3 to 5 years. Routine septic system inspection enables the early detection of any septic system issues, such as leaks, blockages, or damage. Addressing problems early can prevent them from escalating into more extensive and expensive repairs or system failures. Provided your septic system is well maintained, it could last up to 40 years. If you’re looking for a reputable septic company that offers reliable septic tank installation, septic tank repair, or septic tank pumping, trust the team at Septic Blue of Charlotte to do a great job.