How do I know if my septic system needs a repair or if it is failing?

If you are concerned about the status of your system, some signs that may indicate failure are:

  • Fixtures are draining slowly
  • The ground above the drain field is soggy and has unusually lush vegetation
  • Sewage is backing up into the house
  • Sewage is surfacing on the ground over the drain field or septic tank
  • There is a strong sewage odor

Show All Answers

1. What is a septic system?
2. Do I have a septic system?
3. How is a septic system sized?
4. How do I maintain my septic system?
5. How often do I need to have my tank inspected and pumped?
6. What things are safe to put down my drain and into my system?
7. Can I put food down my garbage disposal if I have a septic system?
8. How do I know if my septic system needs a repair or if it is failing?
9. What do I do if my system is failing or in need of a repair?
10. How do I obtain a septic system permit?
11. How do I renew my septic application permit?
12. What should I do if I need a septic system and a well?
13. How do I report a septic system problem?
14. How do I clean an indoor sewage spill?
15. Who needs septic as-built information?
16. What information is in an as-built record?
17. Where does septic information on the as-built site come from?
18. What should I do if my as-built record is difficult to read or incorrect, and how do I go about getting my as-built corrected?
19. How do I decommission or abandon my septic system?
20. Resources