What can indicate a failed onsite sewage system?

A failed onsite sewage system often presents itself through visible and olfactory indicators, and one of the most telling signs is the presence of unpleasant odors or pooling water. These symptoms suggest that the system is either not functioning properly or that the effluent is not being adequately treated or absorbed into the surrounding soil.

When sewage leaks or accumulates, it typically creates a noticeable foul smell and leads to standing water in areas where the effluent is supposed to be dispersed into the ground. This pooling can occur near the drain field or other components of the system, indicating that the soil's absorption capacity has been exceeded or that there may be blockages or other failures within the system.

While regular maintenance checks are beneficial in preventing system failures, they do not serve as direct indicators of a failure happening. New construction nearby might affect the local water table or drainage patterns, but it is not a definitive sign of an onsite sewage system failure. Similarly, increasing property value does not correlate with the functioning of a sewage system; in fact, issues with a sewage system could potentially lower property value rather than enhance it. Thus, observing unpleasant odors or pooling water is a clear indication that an onsite sewage system has failed or is on the verge of failure.