Common Septic System Problems
How Septic Systems Fail
If your septic system is showing signs of failure, don’t wait—Septic Genie is here to help.
Watch this video to see how our innovative solution can restore your system, eliminate stubborn issues, and save you from costly repairs.
Have questions or need expert advice? Contact us today—we’re here to help you get your system back on track.
Signs Your Septic System May Be Failing:
- Wet spots or pooling water above the tank or drain field
- Unusual green patches or dead grass over the system
- Gurgling sounds in plumbing lines
- Toilets, tubs, or sinks draining slowly
- Strong sewage odors inside or outside the home
- Sewage backup into the house
- Septic tank liquid level higher than the inlet pipe
What Causes Septic System Problems?
- Tree or plant roots invading the tank or drain field
- Tank settling or shifting
- Driving or parking on the drain field
- Animals digging or compacting the drain field
- Medications or household chemicals are killing helpful bacteria
- Use of water softeners
- Harsh cleaners, oils, and paint entering the system
Ineffective “Solutions” That Only Mask the Problem
Pumping the Septic Tank
This is a temporary fix. Without Septic Genie, conventional systems need pumping every 3–5 years to prevent solids from building up. If solids block the inlet pipe or enter the drain field, it can lead to costly failure. Pumping may relieve symptoms, but it won’t solve the underlying issue.
Effluent Filters
Filters help keep solids out of the drain field but do nothing to remove existing Biomat. If your field is already clogged, filters are too little, too late.
Aerobic Systems
Adding oxygen can slow Biomat growth, but it doesn’t introduce the right bacteria needed to restore the field. Aerators alone won’t prevent failure long-term.
Bacteria & Enzyme Additives
These products often promise a quick fix but can do more harm than good. Enzymes can break down solids into suspended particles that flow into the drain field, clogging the soil faster. Also, added bacteria can die quickly in the septic tank’s anaerobic conditions—requiring constant reapplication with little benefit.
Replacing the Drain Field
The most commonly recommended fix—and the most expensive. Drain field replacement can cost $10,000 to $50,000 or more, tears up your yard, and still doesn’t stop new Biomat from forming. It’s just a reset button that delays the next failure.
Safe, Simple, Proven Care
Restore your septic system safely and easily with Septic Genie.
Prevent biomat buildup and get your system flowing again
Our system is the only treatment that combines two critical elements to remove existing biomat and prevent future buildup. Septic Genie Bacteria Blend Tablets and Aerobic Bacteria Generator. With results in as little as two weeks.
The root cause of most septic failures is microbial, and so is the solution. Septic Genie uses nature’s most effective tool: beneficial bacteria.
Leach Field or Drain Field Problems?
Don’t Replace—Restore Your Septic System
Have You Been Told You Need to Replace Your Leach Field?
In the septic industry, the go-to solution for most drain field issues is simple—replace the leach field or add more pipes. But these options are often messy, expensive, and disruptive, costing anywhere from $10,000 to $50,000—or more!
Not all septic issues require replacement. Many problems can be resolved without digging up your yard, especially when identified early. The key is understanding the real cause and using the right solution.
When Replacement Might Be Necessary
While rare, some situations do require a complete drain field replacement:
Drain field pipes are damaged or crushed
Household water usage exceeds system capacity
Most septic failures, however, have a different culprit.
The Real Culprit: Biomat
Over 95% of leach field failures aren’t caused by broken pipes or overuse—they’re caused by biomat.
Biomat is a slimy, black layer created by bacteria in waste. It clogs drain field pipes and soil, eventually stopping your system from working properly. Even regular pumping can’t remove it.
The Good News: Biomat Is Reversible
Septic Genie offers a patented solution that can restore your drain field without digging or replacing, at a fraction of the cost.
Solve your Septic Problems
Get a free consultation with one of our septic experts.