Has Your Septic System Actually Failed?

If you’re dealing with wastewater backing up into your home or if there is a sewage smell and standing water near the septic system in your yard, your septic system may have failed. But those symptoms don’t always signal total system failure.

What Is Septic System Failure?

A septic system is considered to have failed when it can no longer properly treat and dispose of the wastewater generated by your home or business. This can be due to blockages, leaks, system overuse, or aging components. A failed system can release untreated sewage into the ground or back into your home, posing serious public health risks. A septic system can be typically be determined as “failed” and in need of replacement if one of two things is occurring:

  • wastewater is backing up into the house or business, or
  • wastewater is surfacing on the ground.

While those events certainly indicate a problem with the system, there can sometimes be a smaller issue that doesn’t require an entirely new septic system be installed. Bowman is here to help assess your system and determine whether it’s a full failure or an issue that can be fixed. You can read more about the dos and don’ts for failed water systems in this guide.

Septic System - Vermont

Common Signs Your Septic System May Be Failing

  • Slow Drains:
    Persistent slow draining in sinks, tubs, or toilets may signal a clog or backup.
  • Gurgling Sounds:
    Bubbling or gurgling noises from plumbing can indicate trapped air from blockages.
  • Bad Odors:
    Strong sewage smells near the home or drainfield often mean a system overload or backup.
  • Overly Green Grass:
    Unusually lush grass over the drainfield may point to surfacing wastewater.
  • Standing Water:
    Puddles or soggy ground around the system can signal leaks or system saturation.
  • Home or Business Backups:
    Sewage backing up indoors is a critical sign of failure needing urgent repair.

Need Help Evaluating Your Septic System?

At Bowman, we specialize in evaluating and designing on-site septic systems.. Whether you’re dealing with a minor problem or a full system redesign, our licensed engineers and designers will help you make an informed, cost-effective decision. We understand septic systems; how they fail, if they can be fixed, and when it’s appropriate to replace them. 

Give us a call today at 802-879-6331 or send us a message to get your next project started.