Signs Your Drainfield is Failing

Flooded Drainfield

Your septic system and drainfield go hand in hand. When your home’s wastewater enters the septic tank, it pushes a portion of the tank’s contents into the drain field, and a functional drain field will hold the water until it can be absorbed into the soil. If your system begins to fail, this can lead to issues with your drainfield as well. It’s crucial you can detect the signs that your drainfield is having problems. A fast response makes the difference between minor repairs and a complete system replacement. Here is how to spot if your drainfield is failing.

Slow Drainage

An early sign that your drainfield is beginning to have issues is slow draining appliances. Your showers and sinks may become backed up and your toilet won’t flush properly. Slow drains can also be caused by clogged pipes. It’s best to have a professional inspect the problem to determine if it’s related to the drainfield.

Puddles

When pipes crack or break, excess water will be released onto the surface of your yard. Keep an eye on your drainfield to see if there are any puddles or soggy grass around it. If it hasn’t rained recently, then there’s most likely a problem with your system.

Overgrown Plants

You may notice patches of greener grass or weeds beginning to grow over your drainfield. This can be another sign that your system has malfunctioned. When the system is failing, the excess water and nutrients can lead to visibly faster plant growth around it.

Strong Odors

Pay attention to the smells around your drainfield. Any sewage or toilet odors, even if they are faint and hard to detect, may indicate you need an immediate inspection. The smell is caused by the drain field’s liquid waste rising to the surface of the soil.

Contact Supeck Septic Services

If you notice any of the warning signs that your system may be failing, contact a professional like Supeck Septic Services to avoid further damage to your system. As Northeast Ohio’s largest septic provider, we offer exceptional routine and emergency care. For assistance, give us a call at (888) 725-0209.