16
Jan
2025

How Do I Know If My Septic Tank Is Damaged?

There can be a lot of problems with septic tanks. But some can be more grave than others. So, if you feel like your septic tank isn’t working properly, you need to look out for these signs to indicate damage or failure and consult septic companies.

Water Drains Slowly

This is one of the most common signs of septic tank failure and that is water draining at a snail’s pace down the drain. This is frustrating and can be very difficult to narrow down the problem. There are a lot of things due to which this can happen. Either the septic tank is full and can’t take any more waste. So, that causes the water to drain slowly or not at all.

Another reason why this can happen is because of the septic tank being clogged. The drain of the septic tank can get clogged and this can cause the wastewater to flow slowly. This can be a problem and sometimes it can lead to septic tank failure because the tank can overflow at some point and it can also lead to cracks in the tank.

This is why you want to get to the bottom of the problem and fix it before it reaches a point of no return. This is bad because too much wastewater and nowhere for it to go is going to lead to a lot of pressure on the walls of the tank and you don’t want that.

Gurgling Noises In Plumbing

Have you ever heard those really loud, almost gurgling or churning noises in the plumbing? If you’ve ever been in the attic, then you have probably heard them. Well, it’s not just water or air. It is going to lead to a lot of problems if you don’t deal with it right away.

Gurgling noises can occur due to air being trapped and it can also be because of the wastewater backing up. This is not good at all and you need to have the septic tank inspected before it’s too late.

Bacteria In Well Water

If you have a well in your house, then it can also give you a good idea about whether your septic tank is damaged or not and that is done by checking the water in the well. Since the water well and the septic tank are both underground, if there is any problem with the tank, it will show in the well as well. How? By the appearance of bacteria.

Bacteria usually aren’t found in wells, especially if you take good care of it. But if the waste water is escaping out of the septic tank, you will see bacteria and other microorganisms in the well water test report.

Sewer Backing Up

This is also another very common problem when it comes to a damaged septic tank and that is water backing up from drains and in the sink.

You will see water not draining at all, and sometimes, there will also be a dark lining of sorts around the drains and sink and that shows that water has backed up. This happens because the septic tank isn’t able to take any more water and it regurgitates it back. It’s also common when you have a clogged drain, but in septic tank problems, many or all drain back up.

Weird Smells

Another very common sign of your septic tank being damaged is putrid and very bad smells coming from the drains, sinks, and even outside. When you get closer to the septic tank, the smell will increase in intensity.

This is bad and this is also an associated sign of water backing up. So, this is not ideal at all and it indicates serious damage or some sort of septic tank failure. So, this is the sign that you need to get your septic tank checked because something is wrong with it.

Wastewater Puddles

Have you ever seen water puddles out of the blue? Even though it’s not raining, where are these puddles coming from? Well, this is because of the septic tank. Sometimes, if the septic tank is overflowed, it can cause the wastewater to escape and form puddles on top of the ground. If there aren’t puddles, then the ground will feel very moist and that is an alarming sign.

Septic tank overflowing can be a major issue and that is not something that needs to be left on hold. You need to call a professional and get the tank checked immediately because you don’t know if it’s only overflowing because it’s full or is it also damaged. An expert will perform septic tank pumping Clear Spring and then also inspect the tank.

Appearance Of Grass

The appearance of lush and bright green grass is also not normal, even though you might think otherwise. This is because of the septic tank.

Even if it’s not water puddles, the ground can be very wet and it is also great manure for the ground to grow grass. This is common to see when a septic tank overflows. So, you want to keep a lookout for grass and if you have a dry and barren backyard, well, then it will be easy to spot it. However, this can be hard if your backyard or front porch garden is covered in grass.

Mold Near The Septic Tank

Another very common sign of your septic tank failing or being damaged is the appearance of mold. This can occur on the top where the septic tank is or nearby places. If water backs up a lot and the pipes are leaking, then it can be a huge problem and mold will begin to grow on places like the walls and in every nook and cranny of the house.

So, if you don’t want your house to become infested with mold, then you need to take the signs seriously. The appearance of mold is probably a very alarming sign because overflowing septic tank is making everything in its path wet.

Rodent Problem

Are you seeing a lot of rodents and cockroaches all of a sudden? This is common to occur if your septic tank is failing or damaged. Rodents and cockroaches are attracted to the scent and the wetness of the wastewater and then you are left to deal with the aftermath.

So, if you see a lot of critters roaming around, it’s not happening without any reason. You need to get to the bottom of the problem right away.

Indentation In Pavers

If you have pavers on your front porch or backyard and you want to see whether the septic tank is damaged or failing, then these very pavers will give you a sign. Pavers are usually secured on a thick bed of packed sand, but if the ground underneath is moist because of water spilling from the septic tank, then it will slowly eat away the sand and the pavers will fall.

This is visible through indentation and it is a serious problem, so you need to do something about it quickly.

Conclusion

Septic tank damage or failure is very hard to deal with. But these signs will let you know before things go downhill. You need a septic tank service Maugansville who can inspect the tank and repair or replace it.

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