How Do I Know If My Septic System Is Failing?

Early Warning Signs Every Homeowner Should Know

Until something goes wrong, septic systems are usually one of those “out of sight, out of mind” parts of a home. As home owners, we should be viewing septic systems as one of the most important appliances in our home. Just like air conditioners or furnaces, if we maintain them they will last longer and won’t surprise us with costly and inconvenient failures. The good news is, most septic system failures don’t happen overnight. Your system will typically show signs of trouble long before a full-blown backup or costly repair is needed.

Here are the most common warning signs that your septic system may be failing and what you should do about them.

1. Slow Drains Throughout the House

Are all your sinks, showers, and toilets draining more slowly than usual? A single slow drain may just be a clog, but if multiple fixtures are sluggish, that could indicate a septic issue.

What it means: Your tank may be too full or the outlet to the drain field could be partially blocked.

Tip: Don’t reach for chemical drain cleaners, they can damage your system. Call a professional instead.

2. Sewage Odors Indoors or Outdoors

A strong sewage smell inside your home or around your yard is a major red flag. These odors might be especially noticeable near your drain field or septic tank.

What it means: Your system may be overloaded or leaking. It could also indicate a clog in the vent or plumbing system.

Act fast: Septic gases can be dangerous. If you smell sewage, it’s time to call your septic provider.

3. Soggy Spots or Standing Water in the Yard

If your lawn has mysterious wet spots or standing water, especially near the septic tank or drain field, it’s time to investigate.

What it means: Your drain field may be saturated with wastewater, possibly due to an overloaded tank, broken pipe, or system failure.

Look for: Areas that stay green or wet even during dry weather.

4. Unusually Lush Grass Over the Drain Field

A patch of grass that’s especially green or fast-growing compared to the rest of your yard may seem like a good thing, but it’s not.

What it means: Nutrient-rich wastewater may be leaking into the soil, which means your system isn’t properly treating or containing it.

5. Gurgling Sounds from Drains or Toilets

If you hear strange noises when water drains or after you flush a toilet, that could be more than air in the pipes.

What it means: Gurgling can occur when wastewater struggles to move through a blocked or failing system.

6. Frequent Need for Pumping or Emergency Service

If you find yourself calling for septic service more than every few years, or you’ve had one or more emergency pump outs recently, your system might be trying to tell you something.

What it means: It could be undersized for your usage, nearing the end of its lifespan, or experiencing a mechanical failure.

What to Do If You Notice These Signs

1. Don’t ignore them. Septic problems don’t go away, they get worse.

2. Call a septic professional to inspect your system.

3. Avoid using water excessively until the issue is addressed.

4. Schedule regular maintenance to prevent future issues.

Prevention Is Key

The best way to avoid septic failure is routine maintenance and keeping an eye on early warning signs. Most systems should be pumped every 3–5 years, but frequency depends on your household size, water usage, and tank capacity.

Ask us about our regular maintenance plans and inspection services. If you’re interested in preventative maintenance, we do offer a monitoring system that will keep tabs on your tank levels, so you’re not caught off guard. If you are interested in a longer-term solution, we offer a field rejuvenation system that has the potential to extend the life of your septic system indefinitely. We’re here to help you catch problems before they become emergencies.

Call us today at (517) 295-7757 or fill out our contact form to learn more about our maintenance plans, monitoring systems, and field rejuvenation solutions. Let’s keep your septic system running smoothly—before small issues turn into big headaches.