Foul Smell

One of the more noticeable signs of a malfunctioning septic system is the presence of a foul odor around your drains or septic field. Drains that smell, even after clogs and blockages have been removed from your pipes, may be a sign of a deeper problem within your septic system. If your drain field is damaged or clogged, it cannot output wastewater at the same rate as it is being received. The result is an overfilled septic system that cannot accommodate the water usage of your household, causing wastewater to linger and smell in your pipes.

If the foul smell is concentrated above your drain field, that means your drain field is not processing your wastewater properly. Drain fields only smell when there is an accumulation of wastewater, or your field is not sufficiently sized for your septic system.

Noisy Drains

Noisy sinks, showers, or toilets can be a sign of a severe blockage in your pipes or septic system. If professional drain cleaning services haven't been able to address your noisy drains, then the problem is likely further down your septic system than expected. Clogs or backups in your septic system can result in gurgling sounds as wastewater struggles to move through the pipes of your drain field.

When left unchecked, these clogs will only worsen, increasing your risk for a total sewage backup inside your home.

Pooling Water Above Drain Field

Excessively wet soil above your drain field is a clear sign that your septic system needs professional attention. If your drain field is too small for the wastewater output of your septic system, or there is a clog somewhere within your drain pipes, water will pool in your yard without being effectively filtered.

Sewage Backup

The most destructive sign of a poorly functioning drain field is sewage backing up into your home. Sewage backing up through your drains is a clear sign that your septic system is failing. Your drain field is not able to properly dispose of wastewater due to clogs, damage, or excess water use, and you should call a professional plumber immediately to avoid further damage to your property or septic system.

Slow Drains

Slow-draining sinks and showers, or toilets that require multiple flushes, are signs of a drain field in desperate need of maintenance. If your drain field cannot process your wastewater at a reasonable rate, your septic system will become overfilled, making it difficult for the drains in your home to empty at their normal speed.

Uneven Patches of Vegetation

If your drain field is not filtering your wastewater effectively, excess nutrients will pool in the ground around your field. This unnaturally nutrient-rich soil results in suspiciously lush, fast-growing patches of grass, weeds, or other vegetation. Unusual plant growth near your drain field is a sign that your drainage system is not able to filter and disperse the nutrients from your wastewater effectively across the field.

At Jones Plumbing & Septic Service, we know that caring for your septic system can be complicated and overwhelming for the average homeowner. That's why we only hire honest, experienced plumbers who strive to make this process as painless for our customers as possible. If your drain field is showing signs of inefficiency or damage, our drain field services can help! Contact us today to learn more!