Learning About Septic Services

3 Subtle Indications Your Septic System Needs Immediate Repair

27 December 2021

Rose Austin

Some signs of septic trouble are obvious, like sewage backing up into your home. Other signs are more subtle, and you may notice them in your yard before you notice them inside your house. If you see any of these signs around your house, it's likely your septic system needs to be fixed to prevent potentially serious damage.

Land Sinking or Cracking

If there's a leak somewhere in your system, such as in the tank itself or any of its drain pipes, leaking liquids can seep into the nearby soil. This in turn can cause it to compact or settle, which will cause the soil around the affected area to sink a little.

This doesn't always happen suddenly unless a leak is very serious, so keep a close eye on the soil around your tank and drain field. You may notice the soil appearing to crack before it starts to sink. If there is any concrete close to the leak, such as sidewalks, patios, or driveways, the soil underneath can start to erode, which can make the concrete or your home's foundation unstable. Look for signs of moisture or muddy water near the edges of the concrete, especially if there's no visible source. 

Sudden Damp Spots in Yard

Sometimes the leak may show itself more obviously; when this happens you may see patches of damp earth or small puddles in your yard. These might not look out of the ordinary, especially if you've recently had any rain, so watch to see if they dry up or change; if the puddles remain even when there's no reason for them to, the source of water could be from a leak underground.

If you don't see puddles, you may still see patches of plant growth suddenly appear. This happens when soil becomes consistently saturated with liquid, so even if you don't see any liquid itself, watch for plants suddenly growing in specific areas.

Needing Frequent Tank Pumping

If nothing is broken, the only sign of trouble may be from needing to have your tank pumped more than usual. Ordinarily, you shouldn't need your tank pumped more than once every few years depending on factors like house size and how large your tank is, but if you are needing your tank pumped more and more, this could signify a failing drain field. When your drain field fails, liquids in your tank that would normally be absorbed safely into nearby soil instead remain in the tank, causing it to fill more quickly than it should. Beyond having your tank emptied, you may need your drain field repaired or replaced.

For more assistance, consider contacting and working with local septic repair companies. 

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