Any time something goes wrong with your septic system, it’s crucial to take fast action. The longer you leave an issue unresolved, the higher the chance of costly repairs. Fortunately, you don’t have to be a trained plumber to know when the system needs service. In fact, your landscaping will likely provide you with several clues to talk to a professional.
The Part of the Yard Directly Over the Drainfield and Lateral Lines
The grass in your yard is highly sensitive to your septic system and its overall health. This is why it’s so important to pay close attention to the part of the yard that is directly over the drainfield. And you’re going to want to look for two very different signs that are opposite extremes.
If this part of the yard looks much better than the rest or grows much thicker, this might not be a good thing. There’s a chance the septic tank is leaking, allowing nutrient-rich wastewater to penetrate the soil. This type of over-fertilizing can make patches of the yard look incredibly lush, or you might see distinct stripes of grass where the lateral lines are located.
You may also notice the yard over the drainfield looking yellow or burnt; this could be another major clue that the septic system is not working as it should. The soil may be waterlogged from excess wastewater, which chokes off the oxygen to the grass, thus explaining why it looks burnt or discolored. Getting the problem resolved as fast as possible is essential to preventing further damage to the septic system and the surrounding property.
Your Trees, Gardens, Shrubbery and Flower Beds
Next, you’ll want to look at your trees and shrubbery. Are some of them growing faster than others? If so, it might be because their roots have infiltrated the septic system through a crack or leak. All of the extra moisture and nutrients that they take in will make them grow faster and healthier than the surrounding plants. The same goes for your flower beds and gardens, depending on whether they have shallow roots.
If you see a bunch of weeds or rings of mushrooms over the lateral lines, this is a definite clue to schedule service. It means the top layer of soil is staying damp and nitrogen-rich, most likely because of a septic system leak. Most experts recommend keeping all trees at least 20 to 50 feet away from the septic system. Shrubs, gardens and flower beds with shallow roots should be at least 10 feet away.
The Air in Your Yard
Another part of your yard you’ll want to inspect to determine if there’s a septic problem is the air. Does it have a sewage-like scent to it, or do you notice an odor of rotten eggs? These smells are the result of gases escaping from the septic system and emerging through the saturated soil.
If you’ve walked on your lawn and suspect your septic system isn’t working correctly, the best thing to do is call a licensed plumber. You don’t want to risk the problem getting worse. It can lead to expensive repairs and even certain health and safety hazards. If you live in Tampa, FL or a surrounding area and need septic systems services, make your first call to Tampa Septic Company.