It may be hard to notice when something goes wrong with your home septic system, but the consequences of diagnosing a problem too late can be extremely costly. Knowing what to look—or smell—for can save you time, money, and hassle. Here are three signs all is not well and how to manage the situation until the professionals show up. 

3 Septic System Red Flags

1. Bad Smell

If you start to notice an unpleasant odor wafting through your house or outside on your property, it may indicate that something’s wrong with your septic system. Most people assume it means it’s time to get the tank pumped, but it’s also possible your plumbing system isn’t venting properly or your drains are drying out. Try filling the drain traps with water or checking the plumbing vent to make sure it’s not clogged.  

2. Drains Being Slow 

If your toilet or sinks are draining slowly, it usually means the septic system lines are getting clogged or, as mentioned above, something isn’t venting properly. If it’s just one drain, a plumbing snake might solve the issue. But all the drains going slowly at once is a sign of a more serious problem. Getting the lines and drains cleaned out professionally should be your priority because if the main line becomes clogged, you may find yourself with no sewer service—or worse, it may back up into your home. Until help arrives, be conservative about your water usage. 

3. Green Grass

This may seem like a weird one, since usually greener grass is a good thing. But if the grass over your drain field is noticeably greener than the rest of your yard, it means the septic system is giving your grass extra nutrients. Unfortunately, that can mean a major leak or that the system is failing. There’s not much to do in this scenario before the professionals arrive, but taper off your water usage as much as possible to mitigate the damage. 

Baldwin Septic Tanks in Seminole, AL, has been Baldwin County’s go-to for septic system maintenance, pumping, and installation. Their knowledgeable technicians can help with everything from tank and drain field repair to grease trap cleaning. For more information, call (251) 946-3250 or visit them online today.