When it functions properly, you can rely on your septic system to direct waste away from your home and keep your internal components running smoothly. From there, it travels to the septic tank, where it is separated into distinct layers. The remaining effluent is then dispersed to the drain field. This is an efficient and reliable process that depends largely on a clean tank and proper disposal habits in the home. When something goes wrong, however, there are usually a few key indications that failure is likely. Below are three that you should know.

How to Tell Your Septic System Is Failing

1. Sluggish Drains

It’s best to act quickly if you notice a sluggish drain in your home. The best way to determine if the issue is more widespread is to test all of the faucets and toilets in the home. If they’re all slow to drain, then you can assume that there’s a blockage in the pipe leading to the septic tank. If it’s limited to a single fixture, then it’s likely something that you can resolve with a plunger or an auger. Avoid using a chemical product in an effort to clear the system, as the harsh ingredients can cause pipes to deteriorate and may harm the valuable bacteria and enzymes that break waste down in the tank.

2. Healthy Grass

Don’t mistake lush, bright green grass over the drain field as a positive sign. In fact, it could be an indication that there’s too much moisture flooding the ground, thereby serving as a “fertilizer” of sorts and causing the lawn in that area to thrive. One key way to determine if this is the case is to compare it to the surrounding grass. If it’s considerably healthier and more vibrant, you should have a septic tank contractor check if the effluent is leaking into the field. This needs to be addressed immediately, as the septic system drain field failure can be a costly and large job.

3. Sewage Backup

It’s always a bad sign when you spot sewage backing up into the pipes and toilets throughout the home. This can happen if the tank hasn’t been pumped in years, and it’s too full to hold any more waste. Anything that comes its way has nowhere to go but back in the opposite direction into the home. Another culprit could be a backup in the distribution line somewhere. This could be due to anything from a baby wipe that wasn’t meant to be flushed to a larger object, like a soft toy or a sock.
 

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Homeowners throughout Statesville, NC, and the Lake Norman community can trust in the professionals at Lentz Septic Tank Service to resolve their septic system concerns. The company offers a broad range of services designed to ensure your home’s health and sanitation, including septic tank pumping, basic maintenance, and septic treatments. Visit the website to find out more, or call them at (704) 876-1834 to schedule an appointment.