Septic System Troubleshooting
Identify and address common septic system problems before they become expensive emergencies.
Septic Emergency?
If you have sewage backing up into your home or notice sewage surfacing in your yard, take these steps immediately:
1. Stop all water use in the house immediately
2. Do not flush toilets or use any drains
3. Keep family and pets away from affected areas
4. Open windows for ventilation if odors are present
5. Do not attempt to open the septic tank yourself
6. Call a licensed septic professional immediately
7. Document the problem with photos if safe to do so
Common Problems & Solutions
Slow Drains Throughout House
Medium SeverityPossible Causes:
• Septic tank needs pumping
• Clogged inlet baffle
• Drainfield beginning to fail
• Main sewer line blockage
DIY Checks:
• Check when tank was last pumped
• Run water in multiple fixtures to confirm issue is system-wide
• Look for other warning signs like odors or wet spots
Solution:
If tank hasn't been pumped in 3+ years, schedule pumping. If recently pumped, call a professional to inspect for blockages or drainfield issues.
Call a ProfessionalSewage Odors in Yard
High SeverityPossible Causes:
• Failing drainfield
• Full septic tank
• Damaged tank or pipe
• Vent pipe blockage
DIY Checks:
• Locate where smell is strongest
• Check for wet spots or standing water
• Look for unusually green grass in drainfield area
Solution:
Outdoor sewage odors typically indicate a serious problem. Have the system professionally inspected immediately to prevent contamination.
Call a ProfessionalSewage Backup in House
Emergency SeverityPossible Causes:
• Full or blocked septic tank
• Clogged main sewer line
• Failed drainfield
• Damaged pipe or collapsed line
DIY Checks:
• Stop all water use immediately
• Check if backup is in lowest drains first
• Do not use drain cleaners
Solution:
This is an emergency. Stop using water, keep family and pets away from affected areas, and call a septic professional immediately.
Call a ProfessionalGurgling Sounds in Pipes
Low SeverityPossible Causes:
• Venting issue
• Partial blockage forming
• Tank needs pumping
• High water use event
DIY Checks:
• Note when gurgling occurs
• Check if associated with specific fixtures
• Listen for gurgling when other fixtures drain
Solution:
Occasional gurgling may be normal. Frequent gurgling often indicates a developing problem - schedule an inspection before it worsens.
Wet or Soggy Areas Over Drainfield
High SeverityPossible Causes:
• Drainfield failure
• Hydraulic overload
• Clogged distribution box
• High water table (seasonal)
DIY Checks:
• Note if problem is constant or after heavy rain
• Check for sewage smell in wet area
• Compare to areas outside drainfield
Solution:
Persistent wet spots indicate effluent is surfacing. This is a health hazard and indicates drainfield problems requiring professional evaluation.
Call a ProfessionalUnusually Green Grass Over Drainfield
Medium SeverityPossible Causes:
• Effluent too close to surface
• Shallow drainfield installation
• Early stage of drainfield stress
DIY Checks:
• Compare grass color to rest of yard
• Check for any wet spots or odors
• Note if there's been excessive water use
Solution:
Green grass without other symptoms may be normal. Combined with odors or wet spots, it suggests the drainfield is struggling. Reduce water use and schedule inspection.
Toilets Flush Slowly or Incompletely
Medium SeverityPossible Causes:
• Partial blockage in line
• Full septic tank
• Toilet-specific issue
• Venting problem
DIY Checks:
• Test multiple toilets
• Try plunging the toilet
• Check if other drains are also slow
Solution:
If only one toilet is affected, the problem may be toilet-specific. If multiple fixtures are slow, the septic system needs attention.
Odors Inside House
Medium SeverityPossible Causes:
• Dry P-trap
• Damaged wax ring on toilet
• Cracked vent pipe
• Full septic tank venting back
DIY Checks:
• Run water in rarely used drains
• Check for visible damage around toilets
• Identify which room has strongest smell
Solution:
Start with simple fixes: run water in all drains to fill P-traps, check toilet seals. If odors persist, have plumbing and septic system inspected.
When to Call a Professional
While some minor issues can be monitored, these situations always require professional help:
Emergency - Call Immediately
Sewage backup in house, sewage surfacing in yard, or strong sewage odors
Urgent - Call Within 24 Hours
Multiple slow drains, gurgling with odors, or wet areas over drainfield
Schedule Soon - Within a Week
Persistent slow drains, occasional odors, or tank not pumped in 5+ years
Routine - Schedule at Convenience
Annual inspection, scheduled pumping, or general questions about your system
Prevention is the Best Solution
Most septic problems are preventable with proper care. Follow these practices to avoid costly repairs:
Regular Pumping
Pump your tank every 3-5 years to prevent solids from reaching the drainfield.
Water Conservation
Spread laundry loads throughout the week and fix leaky fixtures promptly.
Proper Disposal
Never flush non-biodegradable items or pour grease down drains.
Annual Inspections
Have your system inspected annually to catch problems early.
Safe DIY Tasks
✓Visual inspections of drainfield area
✓Running water to fill dry P-traps
✓Checking for leaky faucets and toilets
✓Monitoring water usage patterns
✓Keeping records of issues and maintenance
✓Diverting surface water from drainfield
Never DIY
✗Opening the septic tank (toxic gases!)
✗Entering or working inside the tank
✗Pumping the tank yourself
✗Digging near or into the drainfield
✗Using chemical drain cleaners
✗Adding "miracle" septic additives
Learn more about keeping your system healthy