Many people have their homes connected to the public sewage system. If they live in rural areas, however, they will probably require the services of a septic tank. There are about ten different types of underground tanks that people can install. They are designed to collect wastewater so that it decomposes during the anaerobic process. This involves the chemical activity of bacteria. Once this has occurred, the wastewater drains through a soakaway. 

Whilst one-quarter of homes in Florida have septic tanks, over one-tenth of them have failed at some point. A person may wish to keep an eye on theirs, yet be unsure what to check. After all, the tank is underground - so how can anyone know if something is wrong? 

This article provides seven telltale signs to look for should your system be failing. 

1. Gurgling Pipes

They would occur when you run water in the house (e.g. when using the sink or shower) or flush the toilet. It could be that some debris has got stuck somewhere. If the septic tank is getting full for some reason, it will need pumping. You would therefore need to call a specialist and ask them to drain the excess water.

The internet can be really helpful at times like these.  There are websites devoted to septic tanks and pumps, and they will often display reviews of different services and products. People frequently go online to look for FAQs or helpful blogs on the different tanks, and how to maintain them. 

2. Bad Odours 

It’s never a pleasant experience when this occurs. After all, it’s septic gas. A first port of call might be to check your toilet. Check the seals at the bottom, where it connects with the floor. It may be that the wax seal has dried, and the area is no longer airtight. Alternatively, a floor drain may have a dry tap. 

Check all your exposed fixtures. If this doesn’t reveal anything, do a smoke test to find the leak. Go outdoors and stand near the septic tank. See if the rotten egg smell is stronger there. If the odor of toxic sulphur is heavily present, it could be that raw sewage has escaped into the tank. In this scenario, a plumber should be called. 

3.The Water Is Backing Up

You may find that the water leaving your washing machine is coming back into it. This reverse flow could be bringing unpleasant sewage into your home. Why is this happening? Because the effluent is not soaking into the soil and being absorbed by it. Unfortunately, if wastewater has nowhere to go it will return to the source. 

This could be the first symptom of a failing drain field. Pipes may need replacing, or clogged pipes be cleared. 

4. Water At Ground Level

Someone’s yard may suddenly contain pools of water. If there has been heavy rain, it may be that the septic tank was simply not coping. The same thing could apply if you use too much water in one go, and overload the system (Such things as low-flush toilets and short showers can help in this regard). Allow the tank time to recover and fully drain. Don’t use washing machines or baths that could simply add to the problem. 

If there is damp solely above the tank, a leak could be responsible. If the issue is more widespread, there could be an issue somewhere else in the system. Alternatively, it may be that the drainage conditions need to be improved. This would once again require the services of a contractor. 

5. Green Grass

Whilst this may be lovely to behold, it could be indicative of an underlying problem. The grass above the septic tank may normally be quite dry and parched. This makes sense because the soil below it would be more shallow than the surrounding area. Should it be more lush, however, it means that an excessive quantity of nutrients and water are being released into the drain field. 

The wastewater will be basically acting as fertiliser for your grass, making it grow tall and green. As good as it may appear, it could pose a health hazard. You should call a plumber urgently.

6. Slow Drainage

It may be that the water in your bathroom sink is only slowly leaving. Check if this occurs just here, or also at the kitchen sink, and at the drains for the bath or shower. If the issue is localised, you may simply have a clogged drain to deal with. 

If the slow drainage issue is affecting all your household drains, however, you should swiftly call a plumber. Should this be left too long, a complete failure of your septic tank could occur. This is where it would simply switch off. 

7. Blocked Pipes

If anything is not biodegradable, it shouldn’t be flushed down the toilet. This could be anything from diapers to paper towels, or from tampons to unflushable wipes. If this is disregarded, you risk clogging up the pipes and creating a blockage. 

Waste disposal pipes aren’t as resilient as people imagine. Be careful how much food is put down, as matter can congregate and cause problems here too. 

A drain snake is one method for clearing blocked pipes. Many people use bottles of commercial drain cleaners, too. Whilst they may provide a simple and quick solution, they can also cause problems. The harsh chemicals can actually damage your pipes over time. Whilst the septic tank relies on enzymes and bacteria to break down the sewage, many drain cleaners will actually kill them. The best solution would be to use a natural product. Interestingly, it will contain its own bacteria and enzymes. This will help clean the tank, and also keep it safe. 

It’s wise to have your septic system checked at least once a year and to have it pumped every three to five years. Should there be any damage, cracks, or rust a plumber will be able to identify it. Provided your system is adequately maintained, it could serve you for up to thirty years.