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
High levels of nitrates or coliform bacteria in water wells
What should I do if I suspect a problem with my septic system?
Don't hesitate to call a professional. Addressing problems sooner rather than later helps to extend the life of the system and avoid contact with raw sewage. Most problems can be corrected with minor repairs. If a major repair or redesign of the system is required, King County will coordinate with the septic professional on permitting.
Who Should I call if I have a problem?
On Vashon, there’s:
Greentree Dozing (206-463-3889) offers:
Maintenance Inspections
Time of Sale Reports
Camera locates
Alarm response & diagnosis
Pump replacements & general system component repairs
Tank replacements
Tank pumping & abandonment
Design coordination
Niece Pumping (206-463-5969) offers:
Pumping
Inspections
Routine maintenance
Referrals to other professionals
Both Niece and Greentree offer operations & maintenance agreements
If you’re looking beyond Vashon, check out this list of King County Certified On-Site System Maintainers (OSM).