Is your septic system failing?

Septic system owners should be alert to the following warning signs of a failing system:

Slowly draining sinks and toilets
Gurgling sounds in the plumbing
Plumbing backups
Sewage odors in the house or yard
Ground wet or mushy underfoot
Grass growing faster and greener in one particular area of the yard
Tests showing the presence of bacteria in well water

None of these warning signs can be considered a sure indication that a system has failed, but the appearance of one or more of them should prompt homeowners to have their systems inspected. Septic system failures also can occur without any of these warning signals. For this reason, yearly inspection of your septic system is recommended and even required by some communities. Information about septic tank inspection is provided later in this guide.