Septic Services in Spanaway, WA.
Summary: When your septic tank has issues, there are some warning signs that may let you know. Some of them include water draining slowly, bad smells indoors and outdoors, sewage backups, green grass over the drain field, and pooling water in your yard. It’s vital that you get professional help quickly if you suspect that you have a septic problem.
Intro: Signs of septic issues might seem to be minor inconveniences, but they are just symptoms of a larger problem. Some of the signs that people notice first are water draining slowly and bad smells in the home. If you suspect that your septic system is in trouble, it’s best to be safe and get in touch with an experienced plumber. Flow-Rite Septic Solutions can assess your septic system and resolve the problem.
There are multiple warning signs that could indicate you have a problem with your septic tank. Being aware of these signs can help you act quickly if you spot them.
1. Slow Drains in the House
When you take a shower, flush the toilet, or use the kitchen or bathroom sink, you want the dirty water to drain away quickly so it isn’t standing inside your home. When your drains are working correctly, they’ll carry wastewater to your septic tank. If one fixture starts draining more slowly, it’s possible that that particular drain could be clogged. However, if multiple drains are draining slowly? That could indicate septic failure.
The first thing you should do is reduce water usage for the time being. Schedule a plumbing inspection for as soon as possible. The professionals can figure out what the problem is and make recommendations. Your septic tank may need to be pumped, if it’s been a while, or there could be damage. A backup can lead to more serious issues, so it needs to be addressed as quickly as possible.
2. Sewage Backups
Sewage backups are what happen when the slow draining problem escalates. If you see actual sewage in your tub, sinks, or other fixtures, something is seriously wrong. This is an emergency plumbing situation. It either indicates that the septic tank is completely full, or there is a severe obstruction in the sewage system.
This is not a minor issue that can be ignored. You need to call plumbers immediately for an emergency inspection. Not only is this problem unpleasant, but it’s also unsanitary and can lead to health risks for you and your family. Sewage carries dangerous pathogens that can cause significant harm to people and pets. Sewage backups can also damage your plumbing fixtures and pipes, leading to expensive repairs. A plumber can stop the damage from worsening.
3. Foul Sewer Odors
If you smell sewage anywhere on your property, whether by the drain field or around drains inside your home, something is wrong. The foul smell is unmistakable, and may get worse when you use water. This smell is another indicator that your septic tank is backing up. It means that sewage is in places it shouldn’t be, escaping through a failing seal, through leaking pipes, or through the full drain field.
Act quickly if you notice a recurring sewage smell. Not only is this smell a nuisance, but it can mean that people in the home are being exposed to methane gas. Don’t just mask the smell with perfumes or air fresheners- you need to actually address the root problem. If you detect foul odors inside or outside of your home, contact a plumber to assess your septic system.
4. Lush Grass Over the Drain Field
If you notice particularly green, thick, fast-growing grass over your septic tank’s drain field, it could mean that there’s a leak. The wastewater could be acting as fertilizer for the grass, causing it to be extra lush. It may seem like a positive thing that your grass is healthier, but it can also come with contaminated soil and groundwater. It indicates that you have a drain field problem.
5. Standing Water in Your Yard
It can be hard to tell if there’s extra water in your yard when it rains so often, but if there’s consistently a puddle above your drain field then it’s worth checking out. It can indicate that the drain field is saturated with water and can’t absorb any more. Keep people and pets away from the area, because this wastewater can be a health hazard. You may need to have your drain field replaced if it isn’t doing its job.
Conclusion: Flow-Rite Septic Solutions knows how to treat septic problems in the Pacific Northwest. We specialize in the unique septic issues that arise in a wet climate, and know how to fix them. We work harder than any plumber you’ll ever hire, and get the job done right the first time. We strive to fix septic problems for people living in and around Puyallup. If you notice any early signs of septic issues, reach out to us today to set up an inspection.
FAQs:
If the problem is caught early, it's possible that measures can be taken to save the drain field. However, if the problem is severe then the only thing that can be done is replace it.
If you have a failing septic tank or drain field, then getting the tank pumped will not fix the problem. Pumping it may reduce some of the issues, but it only a temporary solution and you need to have an inspection done.
For most homeowners, neglect causes septic system failure. It's easy to forget about your septic tank because it's outside, but not pumping your septic tank, overloading it with water, and not taking care of it can all cause failure.
It's not usually a problem that develops over night. Septic system failure can get worse over the course of several years, so it's important to not ignore early signs of problems.
If you notice any signs of septic system failure, call a professional plumber as soon as possible. They can do an inspection and determine the best way to resolve the issues.