You depend on your septic system to help you dispose of waste and keep your property clean, but it’s common for a septic tank to leak. Here are some signs your tank may be leaking.

3 Warning Signs of a Septic Tank Leak

1. Foul Odor

When solid waste and wastewater stay sealed within your tank, there’s usually no odor. Septic systems are designed to limit smells. When any type of waste leaks out, a foul odor may become immediately apparent. Even if the leak is buried below the ground’s surface, the stench will still be noticeable to anyone nearby.

2. Abnormally High Plant Growth 

Sometimes regular rainfall and good lawn maintenance are all it takes to encourage healthy plant growth. When the grass, shrubs, and flowers in your yard seem to grow faster than normal expectations, it could be a sign they’re getting more moisture than you realize. Septic tank leaks can be the source of that extra moisture. If the growth is relentless, despite no extra lawn care or extra rain, it’s a sign your septic system could be responsible.

3. Soggy Ground or Standing Water

When water leaks from your tank, it gets absorbed by the surrounding soil. If the soil can’t hold the excess water at the subsurface level, it will rise to the top. This can leave the ground feeling soggy and squishy, even on a sunny day when there’s no rain or no other source of moisture. If the septic system water causes the existing soil to sink, you may notice standing water in your yard. Standing water is another sign you may need septic tank service.

If you think you’re experiencing a septic tank leak, consult a professional. Operating since the 1960s, A & J Nichols Septic Tank is a septic system expert in Byhalia, MS, with a full range of services to help you. You can find out more about their work online. To get started, call (662) 838-2945.