Drain lines are the network of pipes that connect to your septic tank and distribute wastewater out to the surrounding yard, away from your home. These lines can be anywhere from 30 to 150 feet long, stretching far across your backyard.
When your drain lines are working properly, they pull the liquid out of your home’s septic system, allowing it to slowly percolate into the soil and evaporate through what’s called your “leach field.” Not only does this process clean the wastewater, it empties your septic tank faster than it’s filled.
But when your drain lines fail, you can experience serious septic tank issues that back up your whole plumbing system. Luckily, many drain line problems are easy to solve—if caught quickly.
Here are three signs of failing drain lines you should never ignore:
-
You’ve got an inexplicably slow drain
A slow or gurgling drain throughout your whole home indicates your drain lines may be clogged or blocked. There are several common culprits, like tree roots breaking into the lines, debris buildup in the network of pipes, or wastewater flowing into the tank faster than it’s removed.
If left unchecked, a backup can seriously damage your septic system and home plumbing—potentially causing wastewater to flood back through your main drains, including your bathtub or shower, toilet, and sinks.
-
Your yard takes on a smell of its own
A foul-smelling yard is one of the clearest signs of a faulty drain line. A crack or blockage in the lines can cause wastewater and other products to leak straight into your yard—bypassing the percolating filtration stage. Not only can this damage your septic take, the unpleasant leakage can pollute your lawn and landscaping. Another sign this is happening is lush, green grass or weeds growing that does not match the surrounding growth. This happens because the leakage is acting like fertilizer in that area.
If your yard develops a foul odor, we’ll use specialized tools and equipment to clear the blockages and repair the faulty lines. If necessary, we may also add bacteria or enzymes to your septic tank to help speed up the draining process.
-
Your yard becomes a splash pad
Standing water in your leach field is another telltale sign of septic tank drain line failure. This excess of water is typically caused by a blockage backing up the drainage system, causing too much water to permeate one area of your yard. This flooding isn’t just unsightly—it can create a breeding ground for mosquitoes!
When you call Burton, we’ll work to clear the culprit clog and repair any drain lines damaged by tree roots or landscaping. We’ll even show you our best septic system health tips for maintaining a high-functioning system for years to come.
Burton’s sewer and drain team members are plumbing pros!
Looking for guaranteed upfront pricing, an unbeatable satisfaction guarantee, and the friendliest service in Omaha? Just Call Burton. We’re available 24/7, whenever plumbing issues strike.
