Get matched with top aquarium service pros in Wrangell, AK

If your leach field becomes clogged or saturated, it can cause several problems with your home's septic system. The clog can cause sewage to back up into your home, leading to unpleasant odors and mess. A backed-up septic system can be a health hazard, particularly if the sewage starts to leach into the ground surrounding the leach field.

There are several ways to fix a saturated drain field, including cleaning out your septic tank, adding enzymes and additives to your drain system, and installing a larger septic system.

When your septic system is failing, you’ll probably smell it. Common signs of a septic system failure include sewage odors in the home or around the yard, flooding in the yard above the septic tank or in the leach field, and wastewater or even raw sewage backing up into your home’s drains.

Toilet paper is the only material that you should flush down toilets. Other items like wipes, paper towels, feminine hygiene products, dental floss, and medications should be disposed of in the trash. Flushing these items can lead to plumbing issues and damage to sewage systems. Grease and cooking oils should also be avoided as they can solidify in pipes, causing blockages. Proper disposal helps prevent clogs and ensures the efficient operation of wastewater treatment systems while protecting the environment.

A septic smell may be harmful because sewer gas is dangerous depending on the exposure amount and length of time. Sewer gas is made up of multiple gases, including hydrogen sulfide, methane, ammonia, and carbon dioxide. Some of these gases, like hydrogen sulfide and ammonia, are toxic to humans and can be fatal in high concentrations or long exposures.