Four Signs Of Drain Field Issues
Your septic tank's drain field is the underground area that acts as a filter to help remove impurities from the waste that emerges from your septic tank, allowing the water and nutrients to dissolve into the soil. Issues with the drain field can emerge for a variety of different reasons, including a lack of maintenance, too much waste being processed, or simple environmental issues that may be out of your control. Understanding some of the warning signs associated with drain field issues can help you identify when you should contact a septic professional to inspect your system and determine the best course of action to get everything working again.
Pooling Water
One of the clearest indicators that you may have something wrong with your septic drain field is if you notice that there are patches of swampy ground or standing water in your yard. This can point to your drain field not being able to adequately absorb all of the moisture moving through it, leading to wastewater accumulating in your yard. This is a serious health concern, as sewage exposure can be toxic to you and your family, and it should be addressed immediately.
Smells
A more minor absorption issue with your drain field may not result in standing water in your yard, but it may result in a strong and unpleasant smell permeating your yard. The smell of waste points to sewage accumulating in the ground, even if it hasn't risen all the way to the surface yet.
Fertilization
Another interesting and easy to spot sign that your drain field may be operating improperly or, in rare cases, that your septic tank itself has become cracked and damaged, is if you notice that there is a section of increased plant growth in your yard. This is caused by the extra nutrients included within your sewage leaching into the ground, promoting increased plant growth in the affected area.
Drainage Issues
Finally, if your septic tank and drain field are in dire need of servicing or pumping, you may notice that the drains within your home are having trouble quickly and properly draining water. A single slow drain can point to a clog in that drain, but if your entire home is affected, it is much more likely that your septic tank and drain field are at or near capacity and cannot handle the amount of waste that they are trying to process. Pumping and cleaning out the septic tank can help get things flowing again.
For more information, contact a local septic repair company like All County Rooter LLC.