Septic problems
What are the signs of drain field failure?
Straight answers from a family owned septic company serving Denver and the Colorado Front Range for over 20 years.
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Drain field failure Drain field failure is the loss of a dispersal field's ability to absorb effluent into the soil, usually because solids or a biological mat have sealed the trench surfaces. Wastewater then backs up or surfaces.
A failing field is the most expensive septic outcome, and catching the early signs is the only way to influence what it costs.
The clearest signs of drain field failure are standing water or soggy ground over the field, sewage odor outdoors, drains that slow again within weeks of a pump-out, a tank that refills to a high level quickly, and unusually lush grass in stripes over the laterals. One sign alone can have another cause. Two or more together usually means the field has lost absorption capacity and needs evaluation before it fails completely.
What you are seeing
- Soggy ground or standing water over the field
- Sewage odor outside, strongest on warm days
- Slow drains that return within weeks of pumping
- Tank refills to the outlet quickly after a pump-out
- Bright green stripes of grass over the trenches
What it usually means
Ranked by how often we find each one on Front Range properties.
- 1
Biomat buildup at the trench bottom
Most likelyNormal aging. Over years the biomat thickens until the soil can no longer absorb effluent.
- 2
Solids carried in from an unpumped tank
CommonThe fastest way to kill a field early. Solids plug the gravel and never leave.
- 3
Hydraulic overload
CommonMore daily water than the field was designed for, from added bathrooms, occupants, or a leaking fixture.
- 4
Soil compaction from traffic
PossibleVehicles, trailers, and livestock compact the soil and crush laterals.
- 5
Surface water or high groundwater
Less commonRunoff and spring water table swings leave the field with no capacity to work with.
What to do right now
- Cut water use and spread laundry across the week.
- Keep all traffic off the field.
- Fix running toilets and dripping fixtures.
- Redirect downspouts and grading away from the field.
- Call 720-427-7557 for a pump and recovery test.
When it is an emergency
Call 720-427-7557 right away if any of these are true.
- Effluent is surfacing where people or pets walk
- The house is backing up
- You are under a county notice for a failing system
What the fix typically involves
Pump and test recovery
We pump, then measure how fast the tank refills. Slow return means the field still works.
Rule out the simple causes
Filters, baffles, D boxes, and crushed laterals are repairable and are checked before anyone talks replacement.
Plan replacement if needed
A failed field needs county permitting and design. We walk you through the sequence for your county.
What drives the cost
We do not post flat prices, because the same symptom can be a filter cleaning or a drain field replacement. These are the factors that set the number on your property. You get the price before we start the work.
- Repair versus full field replacement
- County permit, soil testing, and design requirements
- Field size needed for the home
- Site access, slope, and excavation depth
Tell us what your system is doing
Send the details and we will tell you what we think is going on and what it takes to fix it. We serve Denver, Westminster, and the Colorado Front Range.
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Family owned and operated, serving the Front Range for over 20 years.