How To Deal With A Septic Tank Overflow In Yard

An overflowing sink is a problem, but you haven’t seen trouble yet until you have to deal with something way worse - a septic tank overflow in yard.

The scary part here is that it’s not that easy to spot this issue right away. This is why you need to know the main warning signs as they’re going to help you circumvent this disaster and tackle the issue before it gets out of hand.

Continue reading this article to learn how to spot the signs of a septic tank overflow in yard and what you should do about it. 

What To Do If You Suspect You Have A Septic Tank Overflow In Yard?

Before delving deeper into the issue, it’s important to understand what you can do if you discover or suspect your septic tank is overflowing.

You don’t have many options, sadly. Pretty much, your only move in this situation is to stop using all the plumbing fixtures in your home immediately. If you make the mistake of flushing a toilet, you could cause significant damage to your septic tank. 

Disclose this information to your family and contact a professional emergency plumber as there’s nothing else you can do yourself. 

Now that that’s out of the way, let’s talk about spotting a septic tank overflow in yard.

Signs Of A Septic Tank Overflow

While your hands are tied if a septic tank overflow in yard happens, you can stay vigilant and catch this problem early.

Keep an eye out for the following signs:

1. Unpleasant smells

It doesn’t take a genius to connect a burst septic tank with the horrible smell of sewage, especially when the water in your home starts smelling bad.

The problem here is that this scent is usually faint, which is why you should be on the lookout for any faint sewage odors in your home or on your property.

It’s better to be safe than sorry, so as soon as you discover this smell, you need to contact a professional. Even a tiny amount of sewage stink could point to a serious problem brewing on your property.

2. Issues with draining

One of the major signs of an imminent septic tank overflow in yard is the way water flows in your septic system.

For instance, if your toilet has problems flushing, sinks are draining too slowly, and water in the shower is constantly backing up, your septic tank is struggling to complete its basic task. Your sinks and showers are draining slower because your septic tank is so full there’s no room for any additional water.

Keep in mind that this problem can also occur due to damaged pipes or a clog. If only one fixture has trouble draining, then a clogged pipe is a more likely cause. 

3. Standing water on your lawn

If you have a habit of spending a considerable amount of time in the yard, you’re in a better position to spot a potential problem with your septic system. What you should look out for are wet patches on your lawn or any puddles of standing water. 

If you can confirm no rainfall or storm happened the previous night and your lawn is turning into a swamp, your septic tank is to blame.

This generally happens when pipes leading to the septic tank burst and release water onto your lawn. Once again, your best course of action is to call a plumber.

4. Increased plant growth

Do you know what plants love? Manure. 

The contents of your septic tank are the best manure there is. If you notice the plant life flourishing, chances are you have a septic tank overflow in yard. It is more than likely that the plants around your septic tank leak  are feeding on all the excess nutrients in the ground - bummer.

If you suspect you have such a problem, find the portion of your yard where the tank and the pipes are located and look for signs of increased plant growth. You may need a professional plumber if the place looks like a stunning botanical garden.

How To Avoid This Problem Altogether?

If you don’t have a septic tank overflow in yard but  are determined to bypass the issue completely, there are several things you can do. We recommend trying the following few tips:

1. Keep chemical use to a minimum

Septic tanks naturally contain a hefty amount of useful bacteria that help break down the waste. Still, heavy use of chemicals can put this process out of whack as the chemical compounds may kill these microbes. This is a problem because the waste in your septic tank won’t break down as easily, which could lead to overflows.

We recommend you sidestep using chemicals in your plumbing fixtures if possible. If not, limit their use to ensure you’re not eliminating the microbes that are keeping your septic tank ‘’healthy’’.

2. Practice regular maintenance

Septic tanks require regular cleaning and maintenance to live long and prosper, so to speak. This is why you should have a septic tank inspection at least every three years.

The same goes for hiring a septic tank cleaning specialist who can help you keep problems at bay.

3. Keep your septic tank warm

Just like you, your septic tank gets cold over the winter. This is why you must take the necessary precautions to protect it against the harsh temperatures and keep it from freezing.

For example, a septic tank needs to be buried deep (or deeper, depending on the current depth) and properly insulated if you want it to function hassle-free. 

Contact Guardian Angel Inspections To Schedule A Septic Tank Inspection

Knowledge is power. By being familiar with the signs of a septic tank overflow in yard and the ways to avoid it, you can make certain your septic system always functions properly. 

While keeping a lookout is certainly important, your septic tank is deep underground. You may not even know its exact location. This is why you should hire a third-party contractor who can inspect the entire system and see to it there are no leaks or other issues.

For a comprehensive septic tank inspection, you can’t go wrong with Guardian Angel Inspections. We have decades of experience, thanks to which we can evaluate all the septic components inside your home and examine every nook and cranny of your system to see if there are any warning signs.

Call us today at 561-512-7854 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment, and steer clear of a septic tank overflow in yard and the mess it can cause.