Septic systems and modern plumbing, in general, have revolutionized the way that families live in this society. However, like any system, septic systems require routine maintenance and periodic repairs in order to keep them functioning as intended. Most homeowners don’t pay much attention to their septic systems until something goes wrong, but anyone who wants to extend the life of his or her septic system should be sure to keep an eye, and a nose, out for the following signs that Septic Repair in Olympia WA will soon be necessary.
Terrible Smells
One of the most obvious signs of trouble is the odor of sewage. Sewage has a very distinct smell, so it would be difficult for any homeowner or family member to ignore the fact that something is wrong. The most frequent sources of unpleasant smells are clogged or otherwise damaged pipes and issues with the drain field, which allow the waste to build up in the home’s sewage pipes.
Sewage Backups
Most of the time sewage makes its presence known by smell, but this isn’t always the case. If there is black water or sludge building up at the base of toilets or any other drains in the home it should be considered a good reason for taking immediate action even if it is not accompanied by a noticeable unpleasant smell. Calling for Septic Repair in Olympia WA as soon as the sewage backup is noticed can help to prevent the need for more serious repairs further down the line.
Changes in Grass Growth
One less unpleasant, but equally serious, symptom of sewage troubles is changes in grass growth. The grass above a drain field should grow at a similar rate to the rest of the lawn, so if it suddenly dies or appears exceptionally green compared to the rest of the yard it should be considered a sign of trouble. This usually occurs when leaks in the drain field allow effluent to escape, impacting plant growth above the field.
Pooling Water in Lawn
If the yard has a swampy appearance even when it hasn’t been raining there’s a good chance that the drain field is over-saturated. When this occurs, wastewater is able to seep through and make an appearance above ground. This can lead to unsanitary conditions, so call in a professional for help immediately.