How to Tell if There Is a Leak in Your Drain Field System

Posted: Oct 10, 2013
Author: William Dustin Septic

Septic tanks work effectively and safely to treat organic waste when they are functioning correctly. Defective septic systems can be very hazardous, and improperly treated water can harm your health and hurt the environment. Bugs, vermin and other disease-carrying pests are attracted by leaking sewage pipes.

Before calling a professional to attend to the matter, there are some things you can do to check for leakage in your drain field system:

• Wet, Soggy Surface Areas: Take note of gray water on soggy surface areas or sewage puddles in the vicinity of the drain field. If there is leakage in your septic system, sewage can seep above the ground. Puddles on the ground can also come from fluid in the septic tank itself. In addition, grass above the drain field might be wet, even in dry weather.
• Patches of Healthy Lawn: A common sign of a leaking septic system is very healthy patches of lawn over the drain field. The nitrates contained in raw sewage act as lawn fertilizer.
• Odor: If the area over the drain field has a sewage odor, it could well be caused by a sewage leak or the presence of coliform bacteria or nitrates. Odors may also be present in toilet bowls, shower drains and other pipes.
• Backup Flow: With this symptom of septic leakage, sewage starts to backup in the drains and toilets. Also while showering, smelly, mucky water comes in through the drain. A toilet may run slow or need flushing more than once, while sinks and showers will drain slowly.

If you need service on your drain field in Lakeland FL, contact us at William Dustin Septic. We are ready for even the toughest and dirtiest septic jobs! Request a free estimate today.