What is a common sign that a septic system may be failing?

Pooling water around the drain field is a strong indicator that a septic system may be failing. This phenomenon occurs when the system is unable to effectively process and absorb wastewater. Ideally, the drain field should allow effluent to percolate into the soil, but when it becomes saturated or compromised, it leads to standing water. This can result from a range of issues, such as clogs in the pipes, the drain field area being overwhelmed with water, or the soil's inability to absorb wastewater due to saturation or compaction.

In contrast, healthy grass growth above the septic system may mislead some into thinking the system is functioning well; however, lush grass can simply indicate that the area is receiving nutrients from the effluent. Minimal odor in the area is another sign that the system is functioning adequately since strong odors often accompany failures. Regular flushing without issues suggests that there are no immediate operational problems either, which does not reflect the health of the entire system. Therefore, pooling water is a clear and concerning sign that necessitates further investigation into the septic system's performance.