A well-installed septic system can last 25 to 30 years or more. But all systems eventually reach the end of their useful life. Here are the warning signs:
1. Slow Drains Throughout the House
Multiple slow drains (not just one sink) may indicate your septic tank is full or your leaching bed is saturated.
2. Sewage Odours Inside or Outside
Sewage smells near your home, tank, or leaching bed indicate a problem — full tank, damaged lid, failing bed, or broken pipe.
3. Wet, Soggy Ground Over the Leaching Bed
Persistently wet ground over the bed (especially when it hasn’t rained) means the bed is no longer absorbing effluent properly.
4. Unusually Green or Lush Grass Over the Septic Area
A significantly greener patch directly over the bed may be feeding on untreated sewage reaching the surface.
5. Sewage Backup Into the Home
The most urgent sign. This is a health emergency — contact us immediately.
6. Your System is Over 25 Years Old
Even without obvious problems, an older system may be nearing the end of its lifespan and may not meet current OBC standards.
7. You’re Buying or Selling a Property
Septic inspections during real estate transactions may reveal problems requiring replacement as a closing condition.
What to Do
Don’t wait for complete failure. Call Marchington Excavation at (613) 612-1136 for an assessment. We serve Lanark County, Renfrew, Arnprior, Mississippi Mills, West Carleton, Manotick, Greely, Kemptville, Smiths Falls, Merrickville, Cumberland, Rockland, Embrun, Vars, Limoges, and Ottawa.
