What's Causing Septic Tank Leaking Into Yard?

Imagine you step out into your yard, ready to soak up some sun and fresh air, only to find yourself sloshing through a mini swamp. Standing water can turn your outdoor area into a ground for pests and an all-around unsightly situation. Before you start searching for solutions, let's get into the potential reasons behind this soggy area and explore the solution to get your yard back to normal.

Common Soil Issues Causing Standing Water

At the root of many standing water issues lies the soil itself. Some soils just can't soak up moisture as well as others. If your yard is rocking a heavy clay or compacted soil situation, that water is going to have a tough time draining properly.

Clay Soil Causing Drainage Problems

Clay soils take their time absorbing water. These dense, compact soils act like a barrier, preventing proper drainage and leaving you with puddles all over your lawn. 

Compacted Soil Restricting Water Flow

Compacted soils, whether from natural causes or human activities like construction, can also contribute to standing water. When the soil gets packed down too tightly, it loses those precious air pockets that allow water to seep through.

Grading Gone Wrong

Proper grading is key to ensuring water flows away from your home and yard, but if the grading game is off, you're likely to end up with a soggy situation in your drain field.

Low-Lying Areas Collecting Water

If your yard has low-lying areas or dips, water is going to collect there. These low spots become tiny reservoirs, holding onto moisture instead of letting it drain properly.

Improper Sloping of Your Yard

On the flip side, if your yard isn't sloped correctly, water can pool instead of flowing away from your home and into the appropriate drainage systems.

Weather Issues

Sometimes, no matter how well-prepared your yard is, nature has other plans. Heavy rainfall or rapidly melting snow can overwhelm even the most efficient drainage systems, leaving you with a temporary lake situation in your drain field.

Heavy Rainfall Flooding Your Yard

Intense storms can dump an excessive amount of water in a short period, essentially flooding your yard before it has a chance to drain properly.

Snow Melt Overwhelming the System

When winter's icy grip finally loosens, all that melting snow has to go somewhere. If your yard isn't equipped to handle the increase of water, you could end up with puddles in your yard.

Signs of Septic System Failure

If you have septic systems, standing water could be a sign that something's amiss. If your septic tank fails or you have a faulty drainage field, this can lead to sewage water seeping into your yard.

Distribution Box Failures

Most septic system owners have a nifty little device called a distribution box that's supposed to evenly disperse water into the drainage field. But if this box is broken or clogged, water can back up and overflow into your yard, turning it into a mini swamp.

Leach Field Problems

If your septic system's drainage field (also known as a leach field) isn't functioning properly, solid waste water as well as unhealthy water can saturate the soil and rise to the surface, creating smelly puddles all over your yard.

Solving the Septic Tank Leaks

Now that we've explored some of the potential causes behind your yard's situation, let's get into some steps you can take for a septic tank leak.

Soil Solutions

If your soil is the root of the problem, there are a few options to explore!

Aeration

Poking holes in compacted soil can help improve drainage by creating pathways for water to seep through.

Amending

Adding organic matter like compost or mulch can help break up dense clay soils and improve their drainage capabilities.

Raised Beds

For areas with particularly stubborn soil or high water tables, raised garden beds can provide a well-draining oasis for your plants.

Grading Fixes

When it comes to grading, a little help can go a long way for your septic tanks!

Regrading

Hiring a landscaper to regrade your yard can ensure proper sloping and eliminate those pesky low spots where water collects.

Swales and Berms

These strategically placed mounds and ditches can help direct water flow away from your home and yard.

Drainage Solutions

Sometimes, you just need to give that excess water a clear path to follow!

French Drains

These gravel-filled trenches can whisk water away from problem areas and into a dry well or storm drain.

Dry Creek Beds

For a more aesthetically pleasing solution, dry creek beds use rocks and gravel to create a natural-looking drainage channel.

Downspout Extensions

Extending your downspouts can help carry roof runoff further away from your home's foundation and yard.

Improving Septic System Performance

If your septic system is the reason, there are some options to help fix this problem!

Regular Pumping

Pumping your septic tank regularly (typically every 3-5 years) can prevent overflows and backups.

Repairing Septic Components

Fixing issues with your distribution box, drainage field, or any other components causing problems can help your cause. Sometimes, individuals assume their toilets are some sort of garbage disposal which can lead to septic leaks and/or damages.

Upgrading Your Septic System

In some cases, upgrading to a more efficient septic system or installing a water retention system may be necessary.

Need Help With Your Septic Tank Problems?

No matter the cause of your standing water issues, the key is addressing the issue fast before it escalates into a bigger problem.

If you are in over your head, don't hesitate to purchase the solution from Purge Ventures. Our product will have your septic system back to normal in no time!