The most common sign your septic system is in trouble is a sewage backup in your home. Of course, there are plenty of other signs that will show up before that dreaded backup occurs. Knowing them can prevent the catastrophe because you will be able to get help before it happens. The following are warning signs that your septic tank is having problems.
Grass Is Unusually Green
While green grass is lovely to see, grass that is unusually green is indicative of poor septic system performance. Wastewater is leaking from your tank into your yard, and it contains nitrates that act as fertilizer.
A Smell of Rotten Eggs
When waste products break down inside your septic tank, they produce gases that will have an odor that smells like rotten eggs. If this smell starts seeping into your home to the point where you notice it, the ventilation in your septic system needs attention because it’s malfunctioning.
Slow Drains
Slow drains are a warning sign you have a blockage in the main pipe that leads to your septic tank. This sort of blockage needs to be addressed by a professional plumber. Do not be tempted to resolve it yourself with caustic drain cleaners because these harsh chemicals can destroy the good bacteria and enzymes in your septic system, and they are vital to the process of breaking down waste. What’s more, these chemicals will cause your pipes to deteriorate over time.
Slow drains are also a sign your septic tank is failing. If the problem is not addressed swiftly, your system will stop working entirely, and you will have to contend with a messy situation.
Water Is Pooling in Your Yard
If you notice that water is pooling in your yard near your septic system, your tank and your drain field are overloaded, or there is a leak in your tank that is allowing wastewater to escape. In either case, this problem must be addressed quickly because waste can eventually contaminate nearby water sources, and your system can stop working.
Gurgling in the Pipes
When you are flushing your toilets or using other plumbing fixtures, you should not hear strange gurgling or bubbling sounds. Bubbling and gurgling noises indicate that you either have a clog or your septic tank is full and needs to be pumped.
Contaminated Water
Contaminated drinking water is also a sign there is a problem with your septic system. A leak in your tank could allow untreated wastewater to leak out into your soil and infiltrate your water supply.
Excess Algae in Nearby Water Sources
It is normal to find algae in lakes and rivers; however, if there is suddenly an increase of algae in water sources near your home, your septic tank may be to blame. Have a plumber inspect your septic system to make sure it is functioning well and is not the culprit.
Getting help at the first sign of trouble can prevent total system failure. If you’ve noticed any of these warning signs in your Houston, TX home, call Brown Aerobic today for septic tank replacement or maintenance services.