Signs You Should Repair or Replace Your Septic Tank

Greener Grass

When you notice your grass turning greener than the rest of your yard, this might indicate your septic tank leaks. The vibrant green color suggests an excess of nutrients, which can be attributed to a leaking or overflowing septic tank.

This situation occurs when the tank reaches capacity or experiences damage, leading to sewage seepage into the surrounding soil. As a result, the grass directly above the septic tank or drainfield receives an abundance of nutrients, causing it to appear healthier and greener than the rest of your lawn.

Toilet Flushing Issues

When your septic tank reaches its capacity, it becomes less efficient at correctly processing waste and maintaining a healthy balance of bacteria. As a result, the waste doesn’t break down as effectively, leading to blockages and clogs in your plumbing system. These blockages can cause toilets to flush slowly, become easily clogged, or even back up into the house.

Stinky Yard

When your septic tank reaches its limit, the waste and bacteria can produce a foul smell that permeates the air around it. This pungent odor arises from the decomposition of organic matter, including human waste, which releases gases. As these gases rise to the surface, they permeate the soil and emerge as a stench.

This distinctive smell often intensifies during warm weather or after heavy rainfall when the ground becomes saturated, hindering proper drainage.

Puddles

When your septic tank begins to fail or deteriorate, it often leads to an inefficient drainage system. Consequently, wastewater accumulates in the tank instead of efficiently dispersing into the soil and can overflow into the surrounding areas. As a result, you may notice puddles in your yard or other unexpected places.

These puddles arise from the excess wastewater that has surfaced instead of being effectively absorbed underground. Their presence signifies the compromised functionality of your septic tank and the need for a potential replacement.

Well Water Contamination

Water contamination in a well occurs when untreated sewage and other harmful substances infiltrate the groundwater supply, compromising the well water’s quality and safety. The presence of contaminants, such as bacteria, viruses, nitrates, or chemicals in the well water, highlights the failure of the septic tank system to contain and treat wastewater properly. Consequently, the compromised septic tank poses a risk to both human health and the environment.

Slow Water Flow

A deteriorating or malfunctioning septic tank may struggle to separate solids from liquids effectively. This could result in the tank reaching its maximum capacity or the accumulation of excessive sludge and debris. Consequently, water takes longer to drain, and you may observe backups or gurgling noises in the plumbing system.

Inspection Results

Inspection results provide valuable information from a thorough septic system assessment, highlighting any existing issues or concerns. The results reveal various problems, such as cracks, leaks, or structural damage. Additionally, the inspection may detect excessive sludge or scum accumulation, indicating that your septic tank no longer functions efficiently.

Furthermore, the inspection results may highlight issues related to groundwater contamination or potential health hazards. These findings emphasize the urgency of replacing the septic tank to ensure proper waste management and prevent environmental pollution.

Bass Reddy Rooter provides reliable septic system maintenance in New Bedford, MA, and nearby areas. We inspect your tank and drains, offering top-notch service to fix any issues and ensure your system functions properly. Contact us today for expert septic tank maintenance solutions.