Symptoms of a Failing On-Site Waste Management System (OSWMS or septic system)
A malfunctioning OSWMS can be an expensive and smelly ordeal. Check your drain field often and watch for these warning signs of a failing septic system before it's too late. Overlooking these symptoms could lead to sewage backing up in your home.
Mushy Soil
1. Repairs may be necessary if the soil surrounding the drain field or septic tank becomes soft and swamp-like. Water may even puddle up to several inches deep on the surface when the system is in complete failure. Check your drain field regularly, particularly after heavy water usage periods.
Outdoor Odor
2. Sewage odor near the septic tank or drain field, especially after rain, tells you that too much contaminated water is reaching the soil surface. Odors from a failing septic system can become very strong.
Green Grass
3. An abundance of green grass and atypical plant growth is a sign of excess seepage from the septic system. The vegetation over a drain field should be equivalent to the neighboring ground. Excessive plant growth signifies an ongoing septic problem of at least a couple of weeks.
Toilet Won't Flush
4. Flooded Septic Drain Field ~ Slow water drainage, such as toilets not flushing even when plunged, can be a sign of a full septic tank. Heed this warning, or the next step might be a back flow of sewage.
Contaminated Water
5. Contaminated water in a nearby well is a dangerous sign of a septic problem. Contaminated water can cause health problems, and an experienced professional should be consulted. Nearby ponds, riverbeds and streams can also become contaminated. Changes in water color, smell and plant growth can all be signs that your septic system is malfunctioning.
Sewage Backup
6. If sewage is backing up into your toilets, sink drains, dishwasher or washing machine.
Mushy Soil
1. Repairs may be necessary if the soil surrounding the drain field or septic tank becomes soft and swamp-like. Water may even puddle up to several inches deep on the surface when the system is in complete failure. Check your drain field regularly, particularly after heavy water usage periods.
Outdoor Odor
2. Sewage odor near the septic tank or drain field, especially after rain, tells you that too much contaminated water is reaching the soil surface. Odors from a failing septic system can become very strong.
Green Grass
3. An abundance of green grass and atypical plant growth is a sign of excess seepage from the septic system. The vegetation over a drain field should be equivalent to the neighboring ground. Excessive plant growth signifies an ongoing septic problem of at least a couple of weeks.
Toilet Won't Flush
4. Flooded Septic Drain Field ~ Slow water drainage, such as toilets not flushing even when plunged, can be a sign of a full septic tank. Heed this warning, or the next step might be a back flow of sewage.
Contaminated Water
5. Contaminated water in a nearby well is a dangerous sign of a septic problem. Contaminated water can cause health problems, and an experienced professional should be consulted. Nearby ponds, riverbeds and streams can also become contaminated. Changes in water color, smell and plant growth can all be signs that your septic system is malfunctioning.
Sewage Backup
6. If sewage is backing up into your toilets, sink drains, dishwasher or washing machine.
