Uh-oh. Your septic system just went from “out of sight, out of mind” to “front and center” in the worst way. Maybe you noticed slow drains, a foul smell creeping through the yard, or—worst of all—sewage backing up in the house. Whatever the sign, one thing’s clear: you need to act fast.
But don’t panic! A septic problem is messy, but it’s fixable. Let’s talk about what to do when things go wrong, how to spot the warning signs before they get worse, and how to find a trusted plumber to handle even the messiest septic problems.
First Things First: What to Do Right Now
The second you suspect a septic system failure, take these steps:
- Stop using water. The more water you send down the drain, the worse the problem gets. Hold off on showers, laundry, and flushing until you figure out what’s going on.
- Check for obvious issues. Do you see standing water near the drain field? Are your sinks and toilets draining slowly or making gurgling noises? Is sewage backing up into the house? These are major red flags.
- Keep kids and pets away. A failing septic system isn’t just inconvenient—it’s a health hazard. Avoid the area and keep your family safe.
- Call for emergency septic repair. This isn’t the time for DIY fixes. A professional can find the problem fast and get your system working again.
Signs Your Septic System Is in Trouble
It won’t always be obvious that your septic system is in trouble, so it helps to know the early warning signs. Catching a problem early can save you from a full-blown disaster.
- Slow drains: If sinks, tubs, and toilets take forever to drain, your system could be clogged or overloaded.
- Gurgling sounds: Bubbling noises from the pipes mean something isn’t flowing the way it should.
- Sewage backups: The last thing you want to see. If wastewater is coming back up, your system is either full, clogged, or failing.
- Soggy yard: Puddles or unusually green grass near the drain field could mean the system isn’t processing wastewater properly.
- Bad smells: A healthy septic system shouldn’t stink. If you catch a whiff of something nasty, don’t ignore it.
Why Does My Septic System Smell?
A little odor near your tank isn’t unusual, but strong, lingering smells mean something’s wrong. Here’s what could be causing it:
- A full tank: If it’s been a while since your last pumping, the tank might be overflowing.
- Blocked vents: Septic systems have vent pipes to release gases. If they get clogged, those gases have nowhere to go—except into your yard or home.
- Drain field problems: If wastewater isn’t filtering properly, it could be sitting on the surface and causing odors.
- Bacterial imbalance: Your tank needs good bacteria to break down waste. Harsh chemicals and antibacterial products can kill off those helpful microbes.
How to Prevent Future Septic Disasters
No one wants to deal with septic emergencies. The good news? A little maintenance goes a long way. Here’s how to keep your system running smoothly:
- Pump your tank regularly. How often depends on usage, but most households need a septic tank pumping every 3-5 years.
- Watch what you flush. Stick to toilet paper—no wipes, feminine products, or paper towels. Even “flushable” wipes can cause big problems.
- Be kind to your drains. Keep grease, coffee grounds, and harsh chemicals out of your sinks.
- Protect your drain field. Don’t park vehicles on it, plant trees too close, or flood it with excess water.
- Fix small issues fast. If you notice slow drains, gurgling sounds, or mild odors, don’t wait for things to get worse.
Finding a Plumber For Septic Services in Bonham, TX
If your septic system is acting up, don’t wait for the problem to get worse. Underwood Plumbing & Septic offers 24-hour emergency service to get things back to normal—fast. Call us now, and we’ll take care of the mess, so you don’t have to!
Septic Trouble? Underwood Plumbing & Septic is Here 24/7 to Fix It!
experiencing a septic crisis? Call Underwood Plumbing & Septic! Our team is available 24/7 to handle emergencies, from backups to foul odors and complete system failures. We’ll quickly diagnose the problem and get your septic system working again before things get worse. Call us today for fast, reliable service!
Call (903) 474-2658 to contact Underwood Plumbing today and save your septic!