A septic tank that’s well-maintained and used correctly can have a lifespan of thirty years or more. At the same time, however, there are plenty of places where things can go wrong. The fact that the whole system is underground means that assessing potential issues with your septic system can be nigh on impossible. The following are some typical septic tank warning signs, meaning that if they occur, it’s a good idea to call a plumber.
Stink from sinks (or toilets, etc…)
A bad odor is often the first warning sign that something is wrong with your septic tank. It’s definitely enough to send cautious homeowners into a panic. The good news, however, is that not all septic odors equal a costly plumber’s bill. Sometimes the issue can be as minor as a dried-out wax seal where your toilet meets the floor, which is letting funky smells leak. A dry trap in a floor drain could also be the culprit. If you are smelling sewage, it’s best to check all exposed fixtures before calling a pro.
Yuck! Wastewater is backing up in my house!
The most common culprit for sewage backing up from your septic tank into your house is that the tank is too full. In fact, plumbers say that this is the number one septic tank problem that they are called out to fix. Also, a blocked pipe or distribution line could be impeding the smooth flow of sewage through the system. Most often, this is caused by items that shouldn’t be flushed being flushed down the drain and getting stuck. This includes sanitary items, wipes (“flushable” or otherwise), diapers, or little kid disasters like socks and toy cars.
Lush, healthy grass on top of the septic tank
Who would possibly think that nice grass was a problem? It turns out that it is much more normal for the grass on top of the septic tank to die of dehydration, since it is planted more shallowly than the rest of the lawn. But thick, verdant grass is getting nourished somehow, and over a septic tank, the culprit is most likely leaking sewage (ick!) acting as fertilizer. To upkeep your system, you should have your septic flushed every year and pumped every three to five years to catch issues before they become disasters.
You’ve landscaped too close to the system
Bushes and trees may add aesthetic appeal to your yard, but their long, branching roots can play hell on a septic tank. Since roots seek water, they may crack your sewer pipes to get a hold of some water, allowing dirt to enter or even completely collapsing the pipes altogether! To prevent this from happening, find out how tall a tree or shrub will grow at full maturity, and then plant it that same distance away from the septic tank.
