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What are the Signs of a Failing System? |
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Sewage backup into the home is one possible sign of a failing system.
However, backup can also be simply the result of a blockage somewhere
between the house and the septic tank (this is relatively easy to fix).
Another possible sign of failure is a smell of sewage outside the house. If
this smell is more noticeable after a lot of water has been put into the
system - multiple showers or several loads of laundry (if the laundry waste
discharges into the septic system), for example - this may be an indication
that the leach field is failing. The smell may also be accompanied by a
"spongy" feeling in some areas of the leach field, near the distribution
box, or near the septic tank. The "spongy" feel may be caused by water and
waste being pushed to or near ground level. If ponding water is also seen,
this is called "breakthrough" and is an almost positive indication of
failure of one or more parts of the system. This smell, however, can also
originate at the plumbing vent. In either case, further investigation is
warranted.
If you see such signs, a dye test may confirm your suspicions. For this
test, a special strong dye is put in the system - usually by flushing it
down the toilet. A significant amount of water is then washed into the
system. If there is "breakthrough", the dye will become visible on the
ground surface. If the dye is seen on the surface, this would be a very
strong indication that the system has failed. Your Home Inspector, a
licensed professional engineer, or a septic system contractor can usually
perform this test for you if it is needed. | |
2970 Lake Bradford Rd, Tallahassee, FL, 32310
Phone (850) 575-8200 Fax (850) 575-8201
