21 Sep 2025
Can You Neglect Your Septic Tank? Here’s What Happens If You Do
Many homeowners overlook the crucial role that their septic tank plays until they face a problem with it. Unlike most other systems in your home, septic systems are out of sight, but help to treat wastewater. Neglecting such an important system can lead to serious problems. In this article, we'll cover some signs that indicate your septic system needs attention, what happens when you ignore it, and some ways to naturally fix septic system problems. If you want to learn more, call Rooter Septic Services today.
Signs Your Septic System Needs Attention
- Slow Draining Sinks and Toilets: If you notice your drains taking longer to clear than usual, this might be a sign that your septic system is full and isn’t cleaning waste as effectively.
- Pooling Water in Your Yard: If you notice water pooling in your yard or other unexplained wet spots near your drainfield, this often indicates that your septic system is oversaturated.
- Sewage Backups: One of the biggest signs of a septic system problem is when you see sewage backing up into your home. This is a major sign that you should immediately stop using water and schedule a septic service with a professional.
- Green Grass Above the Drain Field: Green grass indicates a healthy growth. However, if you notice an unusually green and lush grass above your drain field, it can mean that it's absorbing excessive nutrients from a leaking septic system.
What Happens When You Ignore Your Septic System
- Clogs and Backups: Solid waste that settles to the bottom of the tank builds up over time. Most bacteria help to break down this waste, but not all waste can be fully broken down. If you don’t give the necessary attention to the septic system, this waste can clog the drainfield. This can result in sewage backups to your home.
- Costly Repairs: If you ignore maintenance of your septic system, this can cause the tank to crack or the drain field to fail. These may seem like low chances of happening, but when they do, homeowners may face costly repairs and replacements which could’ve been solved with a simple maintenance service.
- Bad Odors & Health Hazards: A failing septic system is known to come with bad odors. Bad odors are not only unpleasant for your home environment, but can create unsanitary conditions, posing health risks to you and your environment.
- Contamination of Groundwater: If a septic system is neglected, wastewater can leak into the surrounding soil without proper filtration, contaminating nearby groundwater sources. This affects the local ecosystems along with drinking water supplies.
How to Fix Septic System Problems Naturally
If you face a septic system issue and it is still in its early stages, fixing it can be simple and natural with a few steps. The first thing most homeowners should know is the role of natural septic tank additives. Beneficial bacteria are the main contributors to the waste breakdown in a septic tank, and additives help accelerate the microbial populations within the tank. Along with this, homeowners should be aware of their water usage. If you use too much water and flush non-biodegradable items down the toilet, this can overload and disrupt the septic system’s natural balance. Using only the necessary water is a simple but powerful way to prevent septic system issues. Lastly, as with many other fixtures in a home, the septic system also needs maintenance. Septic pumping is important to prevent overflows and backups to the system and should be done at least once every three years. If you want to learn more about ways you can fix septic system problems naturally, call Rooter Septic Services today.
Rooter Septic Services
Are you looking to work with a septic company for your oversaturated septic system? At Rooter Septic Services, we offer affordable and quality services. With our experienced team and proven expertise, septic cleaning has never been easier. Call us today to learn more about us and our services.