Troubleshooting Your Septic System

If your septic system is backed up or overflowing, there could be a number of problems causing this septic failure. Fill out the quick form to the right to contact our septic system experts and find out what’s causing your system to fail. →

Typical Septic System

Symptoms of a failing septic system

• Slow draining toilets and sinks.
• Lush green grass growing over the septic field.
• The septic system is backing up through the bathtub or sink in your house.
• There is a foul sewer odor in your home meaning the vent is not working properly.
• There is visible ponding over your septic tank or leeching field.

These symptoms can be caused by a number of things

• A blocked pipe somewhere in the system, either in the house or in the system itself under ground. Sometimes this is caused by tree roots that have penetrated older septic pipes.
• The system is full and needs to be pumped out.
• The system is failing due to the leeching field failing to disperse the sewerage coming from the tank.

Tips to Avoid Septic System Trouble

• Have your tank pumped out and system inspected every 3 to 5 years by a licensed septic contractor.
• Keep a record of pumping, inspections, and other maintenance.
• Practice water conservation. Repair dripping faucets and leaking toilets, run washing machines and dishwashers only when full, avoid long showers, and use water-saving features in faucets, shower heads and toilets.
• Learn the location of your septic system and drain field. Keep a sketch of it handy for service visits. If your system has a flow diversion valve, learn its location, and turn it once a year. Flow diverters can add many years to the life of your system.
• Divert roof drains and surface water from driveways and hillsides away from the septic system. Keep sump pumps and house footing drains away from the septic system as well.
• Use bleach, disinfectants, and drain and toilet bowl cleaners sparingly and in accordance with product labels.
• Don’t allow anyone to drive or park over any part of the system. The area over the drainfield should be left undisturbed with only a mowed grass cover. Roots from nearby trees or shrubs may clog and damage your drain lines.
• Don’t make or allow repairs to your septic system without obtaining the required health department permit. Use professional licensed contractors when needed.
• Don’t use commercial septic tank additives. These products usually do not help and some may hurt your system in the long run.
• Don’t use your toilet as a trash can by dumping non-degradables down your toilet or drains. Also, don’t poison your septic system and the groundwater by pouring harmful chemicals down the drain. They can kill the beneficial bacteria that treat your wastewater. Keep the flowing materials out of your system.

Source: MA DEP