HOW DO I KNOW IF MY SEPTIC SYSTEM IS FAILING?
A septic system can fail loudly, with an alarm sounding, or it can fail more quietly. If you hear your septic system alarm, call a service provider immediately; leave a message if you have to. You can usually turn the alarm off, but don’t let that silence lull you into forgetting you have a problem. An alarm can indicate an over-full tank, a back-up, or the failure of one or more system components.
When a septic system fails, untreated sewage can travel to places where it shouldn’t be. It can surface on the ground near the septic system, or back up into your home pipes, or seep into groundwater and marine water without any indication.
Signs of a failing system include:
Water or sewage backing up in toilets, drains, and sinks
Slow draining bathtubs, showers, and sinks
Gurgling sounds in the plumbing system
Standing water or damp spots near the septic tank or drainfield
Bad odors around the septic tank or drainfield
Bright green, spongy lush grass over the septic tank or drainfield, even during dry weather
Algal blooms in nearby ponds or lakes