If you own a septic system, you’re likely aware of the many benefits they offer. From their relatively low maintenance, environmental benefits and long life expectancy, they have become a cost-effective option for many homeowners. These systems are not without their flaws though, and oftentimes issues can creep up on you. If you own a septic system, it is important to know the key indicators that your system is having issues.
Septic Backups
One of the more visibly obvious signs of your septic system facing issues is when it becomes backed up. A backed up, failing or full septic system results in the unfortunate event of sewer water backing up into your toilets, sinks and other appliances. If you find yourself dealing with this issue, we recommend calling a licensed plumber as soon as possible.
Foul Odors
Another unpleasant result of a failed septic system is foul odors coming from your plumbing appliances or near your drain field. These smells are more than just uncomfortable to deal with, they can also be dangerous, as well as signs of blocked vents, a full tank or a broken pump.
Unusual Colored Grass
If you notice bright green, spongy grass on or around where your septic tank lies, it is a sign that your septic tank is acting as a fertilizer. When this happens, it means that your septic tank could be experiencing issues, and you should call your plumber right away.
Slow Drains
Another common sign of septic tank failure is if you begin to notice that your kitchen or bathroom sinks or showers are slow to drain. This could be a sign of many things, from overuse of the system to a full or clogged tank.
Gurgling Sounds
If you notice gurgling sounds coming from running water or when you flush your toilet, this is another telltale sign of a full septic tank. If you notice this issue, your tank is overdue for a cleaning or pumping.
If you are facing one or more of these issues, it’s time to have your septic tank inspected and cleaned. Give ASAP Plumbing a call today if you require any plumbing services in the Gulfport, MS area at (228)-865-ASAP.
How a Septic System Is Supposed to Work
Knowing what a healthy system looks like makes it easier to spot the warning signs early. Wastewater leaves your home through a single sewer pipe and flows into the septic tank, which is buried somewhere on your property. Solids settle to the bottom and form sludge. Grease and lighter material float to the top as scum. The relatively clear liquid in the middle, called effluent, drains out into the leach field, where soil naturally filters it before it joins the groundwater.
For all that to keep working, the tank has to be pumped before solids build up high enough to flow out into the leach field. Most homes need a pump-out every three to five years, though households with garbage disposals or large families may need it more often. The signs covered above almost always trace back to either a tank that’s overdue for pumping or damage somewhere in the line between the house and the field.
Less Obvious Signs Worth Watching
The big-ticket symptoms above are hard to miss. A few subtler signs tend to show up earlier and give you more time to act:
- Multiple drains acting up at the same time, not just one fixture
- The lowest drain in the house, often a basement floor drain or a downstairs shower, backing up first
- Water rising in toilet bowls when the washing machine drains
- Water collecting in low spots of the yard during dry weather
- A wet patch around the tank lid or distribution box
- An unexplained increase in the well water test results if you have a private well
If two or more of these are happening at once, treat it as a system-wide issue rather than a single clog and get a professional out for an inspection.
What Can Cause a Septic System to Fail Early
Septic systems are designed to last decades, but the way a household uses them can shorten that life dramatically. Common causes of early failure:
- Flushing wipes, paper towels, feminine products or anything labeled “flushable” that really isn’t
- Pouring grease, cooking oil or coffee grounds down the drain
- Heavy use of bleach or harsh drain cleaners that kill the bacteria the tank relies on
- Driving or parking heavy vehicles over the leach field
- Planting trees or large shrubs near the tank or field, where roots can find their way into the lines
- Skipping pump-outs and waiting until something fails to do anything
Each one of those is reversible if you catch it early. Once the leach field itself fails, replacement gets expensive in a hurry.
Septic Considerations on the Mississippi Gulf Coast
Coastal soil along Gulfport, Biloxi, Long Beach and the surrounding areas is often sandier than inland soil, with a high water table. That changes how a septic system performs. Sandy soil drains faster, which sounds like a good thing, but it also means less filtration before effluent reaches groundwater. A high water table can also flood a leach field during heavy rain or storm surge.
That’s why systems on the Gulf Coast often need closer monitoring than the same system would in dry inland conditions. After any major rain event or hurricane, walk the yard and look for soggy patches near the tank or field. Inspect for any odor or pooling within a couple of days. The faster you catch a problem, the smaller the repair tends to be.
What an Inspection Actually Includes
If you suspect issues and call for a professional inspection, expect the plumber to start with a quick conversation about your system’s history: when it was last pumped, how many people live in the house, what fixtures and appliances drain into it. From there, they’ll uncover the access lid, measure the sludge and scum levels, check the baffles inside the tank and look at the distribution box if your system has one. They’ll also walk the leach field to spot any wet or sunken areas.
Most inspections take less than an hour, and the report you walk away with tells you exactly where the system stands. From there, the next step is usually pumping if the tank is overdue, or repair work if a specific component has failed.