If your home’s backyard starts smelling foul or your water bill is unexplainably spiking, these can be signs your septic tank has a leak that requires immediate attention. In this blog post, we’ll discuss common signs your septic tank is leaking and the steps you can take to fix the problem.
Signs Your Home’s Septic Tank Is Leaking
If you suspect your septic tank is leaking, look out for the signs below and call a professional plumber for assistance:
- Foul Odors: One of the most blatant signs your septic tank has a leak is a pungent odor that lingers in the air. If you notice a foul odor similar to the smell of sewage, it's likely that the waste isn't being properly disposed of. Take note of where the smell is coming from in your yard or home to pinpoint the location of the leak. Sometimes the cause of the bad odor may not be a leak, but instead a buildup of sludge and scum in the septic tank. However, if the odor persists, professional help may be necessary.
- Wet Spots in Yard: If your yard has wet patches even after a dry spell, it could indicate a leaking septic tank. When wastewater isn't disposed of correctly, it soaks into the ground, which can cause the soil around the septic tank to become saturated. This wet spot could also be from rain or some other type of leak, so it's important to have it checked before jumping to conclusions.
- Slow Drains: If you notice that the drains in your home are clogging and/or draining slowly, this could mean your septic tank has a leak. As the tank begins to back up, the wastewater has nowhere to go, causing a blockage or slow drainage. If left unattended, this could cause sewage backup. It's best to call a professional to assess and solve the issue promptly.
- Increased Water Bill: If you find that your water bill has spiked and there has been no change in your water usage, it could be a sign of a leaking septic tank. If the wastewater isn't being correctly disposed of, it's likely that the excess water usage is due to an influx of water to the tank. This could be caused by leaks in the system or a damaged tank.
- Lusher Greener Grass: When highly concentrated nutrients enter the soil from a leaking septic tank, the grass in the surrounding areas tends to thrive and become greener. If you see a patch of overly green grass amongst the duller ones in your yard, it could be a cause for concern and require professional attention.
Leaking septic tanks can cause severe damage to your home, your health, and your wallet, so it's crucial to attend to them as soon as possible.
If you suspect your septic tank has a leak, Smith's Plumbing Services is here to assist you. Whether you want to have your septic tank inspected or repaired, we've got you covered. Our team is skilled at handling projects of any size, big or small.
Feel free to reach out to our friendly septic tank maintenance and repair team at (901) 290-1110 or contact us online if you have any questions.