Many homeowners rely on septic systems when they can’t connect to a municipal sewage line. While this is a convenient way to keep your home clean and sanitary, it also means you are responsible for maintenance. Understanding the signs of a septic system problem can help you determine when the equipment needs professional attention. Below, Martin's Septic Service, of Milledgeville, GA, discusses the reasons many people find standing water in their yard—one of the most common septic issues.

3 Reasons You Might Find Standing Water in the Yard

1. Impermeable Drain Field

The septic system’s drain field consists of naturally occurring aerobic and anaerobic organisms that work together to process the wastewater flowing from the septic tank. If the aerobic organisms are deprived of the oxygen they need, they will die off; as a result, the anaerobic ones, which do not require oxygen, will take over and form a solid bio mat that prevents water from flowing.

The amount of clay in the soil can also prevent water from soaking into your drain field. When the sodium from natural household cleaning products reaches the clay, it hardens and forms a solid layer that blocks water from leaving the septic tank. In both situations, the water will bubble up to the surface of your yard because it has nowhere else to go. 

2. Broken Pipes

Damaged pipes are also common septic system problems. The lines that run from the house to the tank and fill the septic tank drain field are vulnerable to tree root penetration and soil compaction. Over time, they can also become corroded due to the water’s mineral content. If wastewater seeps through the cracks, it may pool on the surface of your lawn.

3. Poor Septic System Care

When inappropriate materials get flushed down the drain, or you neglect to schedule tank cleaning services, the waste can overflow and enter the soil. Not only can this endanger the environment, but it can also clog the drain field and produce a pungent sewage odor. If these problems are caught early enough, the fix may be as simple as scheduling a draining service.

If you see standing water in the yard, let the experts at Martin's Septic Service assess the situation and identify the underlying septic system problem. Their technicians provide emergency pumping, maintenance, and repair services to keep customers’ homes clean and safe. Call (478) 452-8272 to make an appointment, and visit their website to learn more about their services.