Septic Tank Leaks: 3 Signs to Watch Out For

You may not always be quick to notice signs of trouble with your septic system until you have an obvious problem. Leaks, for instance, can be tricky to notice if you don't know what to look for. Luckily, professional inspections spot a potentially leaky septic system even before other problems arise.

One reason for septic leaks is a poorly designed system. For example, if the drainfield sits on a slopey section or an area with a high groundwater table, most of the wastewater may end up flowing back into the tank. Eventually, the tank will run out of room to hold extra waste, explaining why you may have a leak. But how can you tell when your tank is leaking?

1. Pooling Water

Normally, water may collect around your tank during the rainy season. However, if you notice water pooling without any clear explanation, your septic tank could have a leak.

Three main reasons could explain why your septic tank has a leak:

• Drainfield flooding. Debris or soil blockages force your system to work harder than it should. Eventually, you may have unfiltered wastewater reaching the drainfield. The drainfield might flood and cause some wastewater to flow back into the tank.
• Poor drainage. If the soil around your tank is too compact, rainwater may not drain off properly. You have a high chance that rainwater may eventually find its way into your septic system since it can't run off into the ground. Your septic tank might be overwhelmed by the huge influx and start leaking.
• Full septic tank. When your septic tank is full, untreated wastewater may leak out from your system. You may notice pools of sewage in unusual places across your septic system.

A failing septic system can pose a massive threat to your health if wastewater leaks out where it shouldn't. Call your septic system expert immediately you notice pools of sewage in your yard.  

2. Foul Sewer Odor

Foul-smelling sewer gases in your yard could either come from the drainfield or the tank itself. The smell could be from the untreated effluent leaking out from your system. One of your drainpipes may have a crack from which wastewater leaks out.

Also, the septic tank may not drain off waste as it should. A glitch in regular waste disposal could strain your system and result in unexpected leaks. As a result, untreated liquid waste might enter the soil near the septic tank, and you might start noticing a foul odor near the leak.

Septic odors may not always be from the tank. Be sure to call your septic maintenance expert for a more accurate diagnosis.  

3. Grass Appearance Changes

The appearance of vegetation closest to your tank can be a good sign of a hidden septic leak. For instance, when your septic system overflows, organic waste inside the tank may leak out. The waste serves as a good fertilizer for the grass, rich in nutrients that the grass needs to thrive. As a result, the grass appears lush and greener than the rest of the vegetation in your yard.

On the other hand, your tank may contain large amounts of acidic waste, such as urine and chemical waste. When such waste leaks out, the grass around the leak could turn brown and die off.

A leaking septic tank is a good sign that your septic system is failing. Typically, blockages and clogs are just some of the key reasons behind a leaking septic tank. Without regular pumping, you can expect frequent clogs from accumulated solids in your tank.