Approximately 30-70% of the water homeowners use every day is for outdoor use. Experts estimate up to 50% of it can go to waste due to backyard water issues, such as:
- Wind
- Overwatering
- Evaporation
What about the other side of the coin? What about when water doesn’t go away but creates a stagnant pool? If it gets too close to crucial areas of your home, it can go from unsightly to dangerous.
Read on to learn why you might be having water pooling in yard areas around your septic system and what to do about it.
Common Septic System Problems Connected to Water Pooling
Septic system problems often lead to pooling water in the yard. It could be related to how your system is built. The system could be clogged or overwhelmed. It could also come down to age or maintenance.
Poor Yard Drainage
Having enough yard drainage is one of the most important parts of preventing water from pooling in your yard. Your septic system needs to be designed in such a way that gravity will pull water away from it.
Some drainage problems are easy to fix, such as clearing out compacted soil. Others are more complicated. The grading of your house when it was constructed could be less than ideal. You could also have impermeable layers of soil beneath the surface that the water can’t get through.
Using Too Much Water at Once
There are several reasons why your system may process more water than usual, ranging from visits from friends to major rainstorms. According to Extreme Weather Watch, 2025 is the 54th wettest year in Clarksville’s history at an average of 51.6 inches of rain.
Your drain may not be able to process all of this extra water. It can begin to pool around the drain field of your septic system.
Clogged or Blocked Drain Field Pipes
Your septic system pipes are like Grand Central Station because they ensure everything goes through. Blockages can come from:
- Grease
- Tree roots
- Waste solids
They stop water in its tracks. It gets backed up and gathers in your yard. This is especially common if you haven’t had regular septic tank pumping in Clarksville, TN.
Full or Failing Septic Tanks
The station that is your septic system can only let through so many passengers. Getting past capacity is even more likely after a storm or high water usage.
Signs of a full tank, beyond water pooling in your yard, include:
- Slow draining
- Gurgling sounds from your pipes
- Unpleasant odors from the septic tank
- Sudden grass growth
These are also signs that the tank is starting to fail and may need to be serviced or replaced.
Damaged Drain Fields
It’s important to protect your drain field because it is one of the most important parts of the septic system. It helps distribute and filter wastewater. There are several ways it can become damaged, such as:
- Parked cars
- Compacted soil
- Tree roots
Once it becomes damaged, it can’t filter water. That leads to wet spots in your yard.
Chemical or Bacterial Imbalances
Septic systems need good bacteria to break down waste. Avoid flushing anything that could kill off these bacteria, such as:
- Bleach
- Antibacterial products
- Paint
- Solvents
- Medication
Only use products that are labeled safe for septic systems. Otherwise, waste builds up in the system, leading to a clog and pooling water.
Age and Improper Septic Maintenance
Septic systems can last up to 30 years with proper maintenance. Extending their lifespan requires effort on your part. You’ll need to:
- Maintaining the drain field
- Conserving water
- Using septic-safe products
- Getting regular professional inspections and pumping
Failing to take these steps or keeping a system that’s too old can leave you with pooling water.
Risks of Water Pooling in Yard Areas Near the Septic System
Pooling water can expose your family and the local wildlife to bacteria and pathogens. It can contaminate drinking water, especially if you have a well. You may be exposed to bacteria that cause illnesses such as:
- Dysentary
- Hepatitis
- Typhoid fever
- Gastrointestinal illnesses
These contaminants often go unnoticed, but they do give off signs. Use your nose and eyes before they make your family or your community sick. Signs of contamination include:
- Sudden grass growth over the drain field
- Slow drainage
- Sewage smells
- Frequent backups
Get professional testing if you notice water pooling in yard areas around your sewer system. It ensures that your water hasn’t become contaminated. It can also help you take the next steps to fixing the problems causing the pooling.
How to Address and Prevent Lawn Flooding
There are many simple ways to prevent lawn flooding. Regular professional service is one of the most important. A few minor changes to your routine can also have a major impact.
Schedule a professional septic tank pumping. How often you’ll need it depends on factors such as your:
- Tank size
- Household size
- Water usage
- Garbage disposal usage
Spread out your water-related chores throughout the week to avoid overloading the system. Try doing your laundry on Sunday and then bathing on Monday. Do dishes at night after the system’s had time to process everything.
Only put septic-safe products down your drain. Identify septic leaks or issues as soon as possible. Pay attention to signs such as slow draining or foul odors. Get them repaired before you have a large puddle around your septic system.
Keep anything that could damage your drain line far away from it. That includes trees and heavy vehicles.
What if you continue to have water pooling in yard areas near your septic system? Add or extend your drainage solutions, such as:
- Gutters
- Downspouts
- French drains
- Dry wells
- Rain gardens
- Dry creek beds
They’ll help steer water away from your system.
Get Septic Service Today
There are several reasons you may notice water pooling in yard areas around your septic system, and it’s not an issue you should ignore. There are too many potential risks to your health and that of your community. Getting prompt service solves the problem before it gets worse.
The Hometown Septic has over 30 years of experience solving septic system problems in Clarksville and beyond. Our team offers quality, long-lasting results.
We focus on personalized service and community health. We also provide on-time service with no hidden fees. Contact us for septic service today.