Your home's septic tank sees quite a bit of everyday usage, which can have a significant amount of wear and tear on your septic system over time. A malfunctioning or broken septic tank can pose a number of issues for your home, since wastewater will have nowhere to drain. Understanding some of the early warning signs associated with a septic tank that has begun to fail can help you identify such issues early on so that you can contact a septic professional about replacing your system.

Backed Up Sewage

One of the most common signs of a failing septic tank, and one that is pretty hard to miss as well, is if you notice that there is water or sewage seeping back up through your drains and into your sinks, tubs, toilets, and other water fixtures. If this happens just once, it can sometimes point to nothing more serious than a clog that needs to be broken apart by a drain snake, but chronic backups or ones that are severe in nature can point to a complete system failure that will require a replacement. In either case, a professional inspection is necessary.

Strong Smells

Another indication of septic tank failure that is hard to not notice is the smell of sewage that may permeate your home or yard. Just like sewage backing up through your drains, the smell of sewage in your home or yard is a health hazard and can point to a system failure that is allowing gases – and most likely liquids and other pieces of waste – to leak out of your septic tank and either enter your yard or back up your drains.

Pooling Water

Finally, one of the most serious signs that your septic tank has failed or is about to is if you notice that there is pooling water in your yard, especially if in concert with one of the above symptoms. This can happen when your septic tank suffers from structural damage, which can occur due to fluctuating temperatures or shifting soil. A leaking septic tank is a serious concern, not only because it exposes you to raw sewage which can carry diseases, but also because a leaking septic tank comes with the risk of sewage entering your groundwater. If you have a well, this means that your home's drinking water may become contaminated, which can add an additional expense to replacing your septic tank. 

Contact a company, like Rob's Septic Tanks Inc, for more help.