What is a common sign of a failing drain field?

A common sign of a failing drain field is the presence of standing water or wet spots in the yard above the drain field. This occurs because a properly functioning drain field is designed to allow wastewater to be absorbed into the surrounding soil. When the drain field is not operating effectively due to saturation, clogging, or other issues, the wastewater cannot be adequately processed, leading to pooling or surface saturation. This visible accumulation of water indicates that the system is overwhelmed or that soil conditions have changed, preventing proper drainage.

In contrast, dry patches or increased grass growth might suggest other issues, such as an overly dry environment or specific nutrient deficiencies in the soil, and unpleasant odors near the house may point to problems with other components of the septic system rather than the drain field itself.