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Signs of Failing System
Private wastewater systems are crucial for the safe, healthy disposal of household wastewater for many homes in De Soto. Knowing the early warning signs of a problem and how to handle them can help prevent a health and safety issue for your household as well as your neighbors. Early detection and repair can also save thousands of dollars by repairing the issue before a full system replacement in required. Below are some signs of a failing private wastewater system as well as potential causes.
If you are experiencing any of the problems below or any other issues related to your septic system, don't wait to contact a licensed private wastewater contractor to repair the problem before it gets any worse. A list of licensed contractors can be found on Johnson County Environmental's Website.
Wet spots in your yard is the most common sign to every homeowner that they may have a problem. Water rising through the ground to the surface can be caused by a number of different things but they all have one in common, the repair is not to bring in more dirt to bury the system deeper.
If the soil your septic system is installed in becomes saturated with biomat from your septic tank it will limit the amount of wastewater that can be absorbed into the soil. When this happens a common sign is a leak to the surface in your yard. This is generally the first sign that there is a problem with your absorption field and repairs or replacement may be necessary.
Another common cause of a leaking septic system is overuse. This can be caused by an excessive amount of household wastewater, leaking plumbing fixtures, or the intrusion of ground water into the system. If the source of the water is found and reduced this may solve the leaking problem by itself without having to contact a septic contractor.
If you have water leaking from your private wastewater system in your yard contact a licensed septic contractor to repair your system before it becomes worse.
If you notice water leaking from the riser and lid installed on your septic tank or the water level of your system is within the riser and no longer contained to just the tank this can signal a problem with your septic system that requires immediate repair. This is different than the normal operating level of your septic tank which is generally within 4-12 inches of the concrete top of your tank.
High water in your tank causing it to leak is caused by your systems inability to disperse the wastewater into the absorption field. This can be caused by clogged pipes, over saturated soils, or broken pipes.
If you notice high or leaking water contact a licensed septic contractor immediately for diagnosis and repair before it backs up into your home.
If you experience any wastewater backups inside of your home this could also be a sign of a problem with your private wastewater system.
More than likely this condition is caused by a blockage or break in the pipe that connects your home to your septic tank if there are no issues with the interior plumbing of your home. In this case a licensed plumber or septic contractor can generally diagnose and repair this problem for you rather quickly.
Sometimes the problem is not a clog or break in the line between your house and can be caused by issues further down in your septic system. Water will find the path of least resistance to get out when there is any blockage in your system and sometimes this is back into your house instead of leaking to the surface in your yard.
If you are experiencing any sewer gas odors in your house more than likely this is caused by a dry p-trap or a broken pipe within your house. However, this can also be a sign of an issue with your private wastewater system and should always be investigated by a licensed contractor immediately to prevent any further problems or health hazards to your household.