A septic system is a critical part of any home not connected to a municipal sewer system. Septic systems are used to treat and dispose of household wastewater. While most septic systems are designed to last for many years, it doesn’t mean that they are not indestructible.
Over time, they can become damaged or even fail. When this happens, repairing or replacing the septic system can be extremely costly. A failed septic system can pose a serious health risk to homeowners and their families. Therefore, homeowners need to be aware of the signs that their septic system may be compromised. This article will detail some of the most common signs that your septic system needs repair or replacement. If you notice any of the following signs, contact a plumbing service professional in Mansfield, TX, for assistance.
You Had Multiple Repairs Recently
If you’ve had multiple repairs on your septic system recently, it’s a sign that your system is compromised and needs to be replaced. A septic system should last for decades with proper care, so something is wrong if you have to repair it multiple times in a short time. It could be that the materials used in the original installation were of poor quality, or it could be that the system wasn’t installed properly.
In either case, continuing to patch up the system is only a temporary fix – eventually, you’ll need to replace the entire system. Waiting too long to do so will only worsen the problem and could lead to expensive damage to your property. If you think your septic system needs to be replaced, call a plumbing service professional for an assessment. They’ll be able to tell you for sure whether you need a new system, and if so, they can help you choose the right one for your home.
Sudden or Excessive Lush Green Growth Over the Septic Tank or Drain Field
Greenery over the septic tank or drain field is not necessarily a sign of a problem. However, if you see sudden or excessive growth, it could signify that waste is leaching into groundwater. Lush green growth is often a sign of an overloaded and overflowing septic system. When there is an overflow, plants can absorb the nutrients in the wastewater, causing them to grow more rapidly. If you see sudden or excessive lush green growth, it’s important to have your septic system inspected by a plumbing service professional. They’ll be able to determine whether there is an overflow and if so, they can help you resolve the issue.
Septic Odors In Your Home or Yard
While it’s normal for there to be some odors associated with a septic system, strong or persistent odors are a sign of a problem. If you smell sewage in your home or yard, it’s a sign that waste is not being properly treated. There are several reasons why you may be having septic odors. It could be that the septic tank is full and needs to be pumped, or it could be that there is a blockage in the system. In addition, septic odors could be a sign of a cracked septic tank or leach field. Whatever the reason, it is important to have your septic system inspected by a plumbing service professional as soon as possible to avoid further damage.
Mossy Lawn
If you have a mossy lawn, it could be a sign that your septic system is compromised. While moss is typically found in shady, damp areas, it can also thrive in areas with high nitrogen levels. When septic systems are not functioning properly, they can release nitrogen-rich water into the soil. In addition, if your septic system is not functioning properly, waste material may build up in the leach field and prevent water from draining away. As a result, the ground becomes waterlogged and provides an ideal environment for moss growth.
In addition to being unsightly, moss can damage your lawn by competing with grass for nutrients and light. If you notice that your lawn is starting to look like a forest floor, it’s time to call a plumbing service professional in Mansfield, TX, to look at your septic system. With proper care and maintenance, your septic system can be repaired, and your lawn can be restored to its former glory.
Discolored Patches On Your Lawn
Brown and yellow patches on your lawn are classic signs that your septic system is not functioning properly. When septic systems malfunction, they release waste material and water into the soil. This can discolor the grass and make it more difficult for new grass to grow. In addition, septic systems that are not functioning properly can release harmful bacteria into the soil. These bacteria can kill grass and other plants, leaving behind unsightly patches on your lawn.
If you see discolored patches on your lawn, it’s important to have your septic system inspected by a plumbing service professional in Mansfield, TX. They can help you determine the cause of the problem and take steps to repair the damage.
Unusual Water Pooled In Your Yard
If you notice pooling water above or around your septic tank or drain field, it means effluent rises to the surface, and your system can no longer adequately filter it. This is often a sign of clogged or broken drain lines. In addition, if you see water pooling in your yard, it could signify that your leach field is saturated. When this happens, effluent can no longer seep into the ground and is forced to the surface. If you notice water pooling in your yard, a plumbing service expert must examine your septic system as soon as possible. You don’t want effluent seeping into your home or contaminating your water supply.
Soggy Soil
A soggy lawn over the leach field is a sure sign that your septic system is in trouble. Unlike pools of water, which you can see, soggy soil is often harder to detect. You have to be standing on the leach field to know it’s wet. Soggy soil is a sign that your septic system is not draining properly and effluent is seeping into the ground. This can saturate the soil and make it difficult for new grass to grow
Soggy soil can also lead to the growth of mold and mildew. Soggy soil is mostly an early stage sign that your septic system is not functioning properly. If you have soggy soil, it’s important to have your septic system inspected by a plumbing service professional as soon as possible. Otherwise, the problem will only get worse.
Whitish, Fuzzy Patches On Your Lawn
If you see whitish, fuzzy patches on your lawn, it’s a sign that your septic system is not functioning properly. These patches are caused by a build-up of algae, which thrives in areas with high concentrations of nutrients and moist conditions. While algae is not harmful to your lawn, it can indicate an issue with your septic system that needs to be addressed. If you notice algae growth on your lawn, it’s important to have your septic system inspected by a plumbing service professional in Mansfield, TX, as soon as possible.
Sometimes, the issue can be resolved with a simple repair or adjustment. However, if the problem is more serious, you may need to replace your septic system entirely. Either way, contacting a plumbing service company as soon as possible is important to avoid further damage to your lawn.
Slow Drains or Toilets
When most people think of a septic system, they think of the tank that stores all the waste material. However, the tank is only a small part of the septic system. The rest of the system comprises a network of pipes and drains that carry effluent away from your home. If these pipes or drains become clogged, they can cause effluent to back into your home. This can lead to slow drains and toilets and bad odors.
Therefore, even if you cannot go to your septic tank or drain field for a visual inspection, you should still look for slow drains and toilets. If you notice either of these problems, it’s important to have your septic system inspected by a plumbing service professional as soon as possible. They can help you determine the cause of the problem and prescribe a course of action to remedy it.
Sinkholes In Your Yard
Sinkholes are advanced stage signs that your septic system is not functioning properly. Sinkholes form when effluent leaks from the leach field and begins to eat away at the soil beneath it. This can cause the ground to collapse, forming a sinkhole. Sinkholes are not only unsightly, but they can also be dangerous. For example, if you have small children and pets, they could fall into a sinkhole and hurt themselves.
If you notice a sinkhole forming in your yard, it’s important to have your septic system inspected by a plumbing service professional as soon as possible. In many cases, the only way to fix a sinkhole is to replace the leach field entirely. However, if the problem is caught early enough, you may be able to avoid this costly repair.
Presence Living Things Around Your Septic Tank or Drain Field
Your septic tank should be home to a community of bacteria that break down sewage. However, if you start to see other living things around your septic tank or drain field, it’s a sign that something is wrong. There is a high chance of untreated raw sewage leaking from your septic system. The organic matter in the sewage is a food source for other living things, such as rodents, worms, insects, and birds. If you see any of these creatures around your septic system, it’s important to have it inspected by a plumbing service professional in Mansfield, TX, as soon as possible. Raw sewage can contaminate your drinking water and make you very sick. Therefore, taking action as soon as you notice anything out of the ordinary is important.
Contaminated Groundwater and Drinking Water
One of the most serious consequences of a septic system failure is contaminated groundwater and drinking water. Your septic system is designed to protect groundwater from contamination. However, if effluent leaks from your system, it can contaminate the groundwater beneath your home. This can make your drinking water unsafe.
One sign that your drinking water may be contaminated is if you notice changes in your water’s taste, smell, or appearance. Another sign is if you start having health problems that could be linked to contaminated water, such as stomach issues or skin rashes. If you suspect that your drinking water is contaminated, it’s important to have it tested and take steps to treat the water before using it again.
Ignoring These signs Can Lead to Extensive Damage
If you notice any of the above signs, don’t hesitate to contact a plumbing service professional in Mansfield, TX, for an inspection. A failed septic system can cause major damage to your home and present serious health risks to you and your family, so it’s important to stay on top of maintenance and call for help as soon as you suspect there may be an issue. A plumbing service professional can assess the situation, diagnose the problem, and prescribe a course of action to remedy it.
We Are the Plumbing Experts to Call
If you require a plumbing service professional in Mansfield, TX, to handle all of your septic system needs, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth is the company to call. We are a plumbing services company dedicated to providing our customers with the best possible service. Some of our plumbing services include septic system installation and maintenance, drain cleaning, leak detection, and pipe repair. We also offer 24/7 emergency plumbing services. So, if you have a septic system emergency, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We’re always here to help! Call us now to schedule a consultation.