While your septic system may run perfectly most of the time, you should still keep an eye out for signs of serious issues. One problem you may encounter is a malfunctioning soakaway. Like many other plumbing issues, it’s best to contact an experienced septic service as soon as you spot this problem.

Before focusing on the warning signs of a soakaway problem, you need to understand what this feature does. A soakaway is a hole in the ground filled with stones and rubble that collect excess surface water. From there, it slowly seeps back into the ground, reducing the chance of floods.

A soakaway can be used alone or, if there isn’t adequate vegetation for waste-control purposes, in conjunction with other septic systems. However, problems can arise when solid waste gathers in the soakaway. When this happens, the water treatment can’t take place and the system may back up.

On the bright side, this problem has a few tell-tale warning signs. If you notice any of these, contact a professional septic service:

• Overflowing Toilet: It’s fairly normal for a toilet to be clogged once in a while. If your toilet is backing up and overflowing on every flush, however, there could be a soakaway issue.
• Environmental Pollution: If nearby bodies of water are suddenly showing signs of pollution, or if waste appears in your yard, there could be a major problem with your soakaway and septic system. You may also smell a strong odor outdoors.
• Sink & Bathtub Backups: Draining a sink or bathtub should always be a one-way process. If you’ve experienced frequent backups after draining water, smell a strong odor from your drains, or hear gurgling and bubbling noises after draining, contact a professional septic service right away.

Noticing any of these issues can make for a stressful realization. The more attentive you are, however, the quicker a reliable septic service can identify the main issue and make repairs.

A & J Nichols Septic Tank has been providing expert septic service to Byhalia, MS, for more than 50 years. With a crew trained in a wide range of plumbing skills and a convenient emergency service line, repairs are always just a quick phone call away. For more information, call (662) 838-2945 or visit the website.