Many of us assume that our septic systems will continue to process the waste from our homes without incident. So, we do not give them a second thought until something goes wrong. But when things do go wrong, they can escalate from a simple issue to a full-blown plumbing nightmare faster than you can say “backed-up sewage.” Understanding how to spot the early warning signs of safety issues is the single best way to protect your wallet and, most importantly, the people living in your home.
What Your Nose and Ears are Trying to Tell You
A distinct, unpleasant odor is one of the first clues that your septic system might be struggling. You should not smell any sewer gas near your home, even if you are standing directly over the tank itself. If you step outside into your yard and are hit with a sudden whiff of rotten eggs or a musty, earthy smell, call a plumber straight away. These odors come from methane and other toxic gases that should be contained inside the tank or venting far away from your family.
Another sign to look out for is a strange sound. When you flush your toilet or let the water out of the bathtub, listen for a distinct, rhythmic gurgling or glugging sound that seems to vibrate through the floor or walls. This bubbling noise means that something is blocking the smooth flow of waste, whether it is a full tank or a clogged pipe. It is a major signal that your system is on the verge of a dangerous backup.
Check to See if You Have a Super-Green Yard
Your backyard can provide the most obvious and early warning signs of septic system failure. However, you have to know what you are looking for. The liquid that flows out of your septic tank is rich in nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, which are basically the primary ingredients in commercial fertilizer.
If your drainfield, the section of your yard where that treated water should soak safely back into the ground, is failing, it will no longer filter that liquid properly. Suddenly, you might notice that a specific patch of grass right over the drain field is significantly greener, thicker, and faster growing than the rest of your lawn. While it may look pretty, it is actually a neon sign flashing “danger” in this situation.
Why Sinks and Toilets Offer the Final Warning
The last early warning sign you will get often happens inside, where you can’t possibly ignore it. You know you are in real trouble if all the drains in your house, not just one, begin to get sluggish at the same time. A single slow drain, such as in a bathroom sink where hair is a constant battle, is likely a simple clog you can fix yourself. But when the toilet, the shower, and the utility sink are all choking simultaneously, you have a much larger systemic problem.
Never ignore these problems in hopes they will fix themselves. Call for help to prevent the situation from worsening. If you live in College Station, TX or a surrounding area and need septic inspection services, make your first call to Mustang Septic.