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Septic guide

Signs Your Septic System Is Failing

Catch problems early and you may avoid a full replacement. Here's what to watch for.

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  • Plain-English answers
  • Written for East Mountain homes
  • Call with questions
Backhoe digging a deep excavation for a septic tank on a high-desert lot
Excavating for a new tank.

Inside the house

  • Slow drains in several fixtures
  • Gurgling sounds in pipes
  • Toilets that back up or flush slowly
  • Sewage smell indoors

Outside

  • Wet, spongy ground over the tank or field
  • Standing water or sewage on the surface
  • Strong odors in the yard
  • Unusually green, lush grass over the field in dry weather
Diagram: septic system side view — sewer line, two-compartment tank, distribution box and drain field trenches
How a septic system works.

What to do

  1. Cut water use right away
  2. Keep people and pets away from wet areas
  3. Have the tank pumped and checked
  4. Call (505) 886-7941 if problems continue

Health and safety

Surfacing sewage is a health hazard and can affect wells. Don't wait on it.

Septic questions

Will pumping fix my problem?

If the tank was just full, yes. If the field has failed, pumping helps only briefly.

Can a failing system contaminate my well?

It can be a risk, which is why setbacks and repairs matter.

Is it always a full replacement?

No — sometimes it's a line, a filter or a distribution box.

Keep reading

Planning a new or replacement septic system?

Edgewood, Moriarty, Tijeras, Sandia Park and the East Mountains.

Call (505) 886-7941
Call (505) 886-7941