What is a common sign of septic system failure?

Pooling or backflow of wastewater is a well-established indicator of septic system failure. This condition occurs when the septic tank is unable to effectively process and disperse wastewater, often due to blockages, an overloaded system, or the infiltration of groundwater. As a result, wastewater may rise to the surface of the drain field or backflow into the home, posing serious health risks and environmental hazards.

In contrast, healthy grass growth above the drain field can actually be a sign of a functioning system, as the grass may thrive on the nutrients and moisture present in the soil after proper treatment. An absence of odors around the system typically suggests that everything is operating correctly, as unpleasant smells often accompany septic malfunction. Lastly, clear water running from the system could indicate that wastewater is not being processed properly, as it should be treated and infiltrated into the soil, rather than emerging as untreated water. Therefore, recognizing the sign of pooling or backflow is critical for identifying potential failures in a septic system.