Your septic system must work perfectly since a malfunctioning one puts you and your neighbors at risk. The wastewater of your household, if not disposed of properly, can cause viruses and bacteria, along with high levels of phosphorus and nitrogen in the surrounding environment. In light of this, you must understand the warning signs when something is wrong with septic systems. In light of this, we've highlighted several warning signs like slow drains, continuously blacked pipes, gurgling pipes, unusually green & spongy grass, water & sewer backing up inside the home, and more. Review this list and contact the appropriate professionals if your septic system fails and needs expert care and attention.

Slow Drains

If your bathroom sink, shower, bathtub, and kitchen sink drain slowly, the septic system is inoperative and likely headed for a system backup. While you may at first want to fix this problem on your own with a drain cleaner, refrain from doing this since the harsh chemicals will deteriorate the pipes over time and cause more extensive and expensive issues. Instead, call septic professionals to alleviate the issue.

Continuously Blocked Pipes

Blocked pipes are typically caused by flushing non-biodegradable items like paper towels, diapers, non-flushable wipes, and more, down sewer drains. While some homeowners might not think much of this, these blocked pipes can cause serious issues. First, you should stop flushing any non-biodegradable items down your drains. Next, you should treat the current blockage. One way to do this is with a drain snake. A drain snake is a long plumbing tool put down an appliance drain that professionals can provide during their services. Another option for fixing the block is utilizing an organic drain cleaner. This solution will treat the blockage and prevent pipe damage. While chemically rich drain solutions will change the levels of naturally occurring bacteria and enzymes within a septic system, the organic solutions will supply it with more and encourage a healthy environment for your system. To get started with organic solutions for septic cleaning, reach out to a local contractor for help.

Gurgling Pipes

Your plumbing appliances can make noises that are an apparent indication of septic issues. One common noise that these appliances can make is a sort of gurgling noise. If you notice this noise when you flush your toilet or run the water in your sinks, don't ignore it. These sounds may be because of debris stuck in the pipes somewhere. In addition to a clogged pipe, the gurgling noises are a sign of internal septic system issues. With this considered, schedule immediate assistance to fix the problem and end the noise quickly.

Unusually Green and Spongy Grass

While this might seem strange, the last thing you want is luscious green grass in your yard close to your septic tank. On the contrary, a good sign is if the grass seems parched. This grass condition is ideal since it indicates the soil is shallow and not exposed to wastewater. On the contrary, green and spongy grass is because your septic system likely leaks, which makes grass abundantly flourish. The wastewater supplies grass with properties similar to fertilizer and manure, like potassium, phosphorus, nitrogen, and other micronutrients that grass quickly absorbs for optimal growth. While it may appear beautiful, the last thing you want is for your sewer system to leak.

Water Backing Up Inside the Home

It's hard to miss if you have water backing up inside your home. More often than not, a black, smelly liquid or water will come up through your drains and flow into your household. This backed-up issue can happen for a variety of reasons. First, this water and sewer backup could be from your tank or drain field is overly full. Additionally, this issue can occur when there is a blockage in pipes within septic systems. If this is a problem in your home, it's essential to control your water usage and prevent the issue from escalating. Have an expert inspect the situation to find the root cause and alleviate the backing up.

Excessive Coliform in Your Water Well

If there is a water well close to your home and septic system, you can perform tests to see if there are abnormal coliform levels in the water. Since your water well will naturally be coliform-free, a positive test of these bacteria is a telltale sign that your septic system is failing. If you have coliform contamination in your water well, stop using it immediately and treat the water with a chlorine solution. It's essential to have professionals continuously test the water until the septic system issue is found and fixed.

Algae Blooms in Nearby Water

Observe algae blooms in nearby water, such as lakes or a pond by your home. More often than not, these algae blooms indicate water contaminated by waste. That said, it's essential to note that algae blooms are a norm in some locations. Don't automatically diagnose the issue as a septic system problem. To know for sure, see if the algae blooms are unusually overabundant and vibrant. If they are, the issue likely is with your septic system.

Bad Odors

If bad odors are near plumbing appliances and the drain field, this is an obvious sign of a septic system failure. These foul odors, which many have described as smelling like rotten eggs, will likely be potent when stepping outside your home. More often than not, these excessive odors are caused by toxic sulfur because raw sewer has escaped through the septic tank. However, if the smells are inside your home, there are two areas that you can check. First, look for a dried-out toilet seal. Second, the foul odors might be from a dry tap in the floor drains. Don't write off these bad smells! Be sure to call for professional help when you notice the issue.

Trees and Shrubs Near Your System

Trees and shrubs are prone to growing in areas with plentiful water sources. With this considered, trees and shrubs near your septic system can be a telltale sign of leaky pipes or condensation. Plus, the greenery could thrive even more due to the nourishment that wastewater can provide, like nitrogen and phosphorus. This entire situation will be a domino effect since the trees and shrubs will eventually grow their roots into your septic system. With all of this considered, removing the trees and shrubs will prevent these issues.

Standing Water in Your Yard

High table water and excessive rainfall can cause saturation of your drain field and may prohibit your septic tank from draining. While you can wait to see if the occasional standing water will dissipate, address the issue if it stays. After professionals fix the improper drainage caused by the standing water, you can also be proactive and direct your home's rainwater runoff away from the septic drain field. To do this successfully, install the water lines more than ten feet away from the septic system.

After reviewing these warning signs above of malfunctioning septic systems, analyze yours and evaluate if professional assistance is needed. But, it's essential to schedule inspections even if these warning signs aren't present. According to the EPA, 53% of septic systems failed their inspections in 2021 alone. Don't discount the possibility of your septic system failing! Give us a call at Reliable Septic & Services today to get started.