4 Signs of a Failing Septic System

1. Sewage odor near the septic tank or leach field.
2. Standing water over the tank or leach field.
3. Slow running drains and toilets.
4. A patch of bright green grass over the leach field in the winter, or lush green growth in the summer when other grass is slow-growing.   All of these are signs of hydraulic failure.

Unfortunately, for a phosphorus treatment failure, there may be no visible sign at all.

One way to tell if this is occurring is to test the drinking water in nearby wells. If a high level of phosphorus is found, a treatment failure may be occurring.

Foam in lake water and along the coast is usually not a sign of a failed septic system. Foam can be created naturally by the interaction of wind, water and decomposing plants and fish. It is frequently found on windward shores, coves and in eddies.
One way to tell whether foam is natural or detergent-caused is by smell. Natural foam has a somewhat earthy or fishy aroma. Detergent foam, by contrast, has a noticeable perfume scent.