Which of the following is a sign of septic system failure?

Pooling water in areas near the septic tank is a significant indicator of septic system failure. This occurs when the system is unable to properly handle the wastewater, leading to saturation of the surrounding soil. Ideally, a functioning septic system should effectively absorb and treat effluent in the drain field, preventing surface pooling. When there is pooling, it often signifies that the soil is saturated, the system is overloaded, or there may be a blockage in the system, all of which can lead to serious environmental and health risks. This situation requires immediate attention to prevent further complications.

In contrast, healthy grass growth over the drain field is typically a sign that the system is functioning correctly, as the grass often thrives on the nutrients in the effluent. Regular maintenance checks are a routine best practice for keeping a septic system in good working condition, while normal odors indicate that everything is functioning as expected, as there should not be any foul smells escaping from a properly functioning septic system.