If your septic field smells like sewage, it could be due to saturation. A saturated drain field occurs when the soil around the septic system becomes overwhelmed with water, either due to high water levels or excessive wastewater. When the ground is too wet, it can’t properly filter out the waste, causing sewage odors to escape into the air.
What You Can Do:
- Check for Pooling Water: If you notice standing water or soggy areas around the septic field, it may be an indication of saturation. A septic professional can assess the situation and determine if the field is overloaded.
- Install Drainage Solutions: Improve drainage around the septic field by grading the area or installing French drains to direct excess water away from the field.
2. Full or Overloaded Septic Tank
A full or overloaded septic tank can cause the system to malfunction, leading to backup and the release of foul odors from the drain field. When the tank is too full, it cannot effectively break down waste, and the excess waste can enter the drain field, causing unpleasant smells.
What You Can Do:
- Pump the Septic Tank: Schedule regular septic tank pumping every 3-5 years to prevent overloading and ensure that the tank is functioning properly. If the tank is full, pumping it out can prevent further issues with odors.
- Monitor Water Usage: Reduce excessive water use to prevent overwhelming the septic system. Avoid doing multiple loads of laundry or running the dishwasher at once to prevent overloading.
3. Drain Field Blockage or Damage
If the pipes in the septic drain field are clogged or damaged, it can prevent wastewater from being properly filtered through the soil. This can lead to waste and gas buildup, resulting in strong sewage smells coming from the field.
What You Can Do:
- Inspect the Drain Field: A septic professional can inspect your drain field for any blockages or damage to the pipes. If necessary, they can repair or replace damaged pipes to restore proper drainage.
- Avoid Driving Over the Drain Field: Avoid driving or parking vehicles over the drain field, as this can compress the soil and pipes, leading to damage and blocked flow.
4. Improper Septic System Design or Installation
If the septic system was not designed or installed properly, it could be contributing to odor issues. A poorly designed septic system may not allow for proper wastewater treatment and filtration, leading to the release of gases and sewage odors into the drain field.
What You Can Do:
- Consult a Septic Professional: Have a professional septic service inspect the system for any design flaws or installation issues. A poorly installed system may need to be redesigned or modified to improve functionality.
- Ensure Proper Sizing: Make sure your septic system is appropriately sized for the number of people living in the home and the amount of wastewater being produced.
5. High Groundwater Levels
If the groundwater level around your septic system is high (often due to seasonal changes or heavy rain), it can cause the septic field to become overwhelmed. High water levels can push waste and sewage back into the drain field, causing unpleasant odors to escape from the soil.
What You Can Do:
- Check for Groundwater Issues: If there’s been a lot of rainfall or snowmelt, it could increase the groundwater level around your septic system. Check for signs of water pooling near the drain field.
- Improve Drainage: Ensure that water is being diverted away from the septic field by improving surface drainage with proper grading or installing French drains.
6. Insufficient Soil Percolation
If the soil in your drain field doesn’t have the proper percolation rate (the ability for water to filter through), wastewater can’t properly filter and is forced to rise to the surface. This can cause the smell of sewage to escape from the field.
What You Can Do:
- Test the Soil: A septic professional can test the soil’s percolation rate to see if it is suitable for wastewater filtration. If the soil isn’t adequate, the system may need to be relocated or modified.
- Consider a New System: If the soil is unsuitable for a traditional septic drain field, alternative systems, like mound systems or sand filters, may be necessary to ensure proper filtration.
7. Tree Roots in the Drain Field
Tree roots can invade the pipes in your septic drain field, causing blockages and preventing wastewater from draining properly. This can lead to sewage and gas buildup, which will release foul odors from the field.
What You Can Do:
- Remove Tree Roots: If tree roots are growing into the septic field pipes, a professional septic technician can clear the roots and repair any damaged pipes.
- Plant Away from the Drain Field: Avoid planting trees or shrubs near the septic drain field to prevent root intrusion in the future.
Conclusion
If your septic field smells like sewage, it is likely due to issues such as a saturated drain field, a full septic tank, drain field blockages, or soil percolation problems. Regular maintenance, proper drainage, and timely inspections are essential for keeping your septic system working efficiently and preventing unpleasant odors. If the problem persists, it’s important to consult a septic professional to inspect and resolve the issue.