The leach field is the final destination for water in your septic system. When it’s working correctly, it safely filters effluent back into the soil. When it fails, it can lead to a messy, smelly, and incredibly expensive plumbing repair. For 951 homeowners, catching these signs early can be the difference between a simple fix and a $20,000 replacement.

At Davis Plumbing, we want to help you protect your property. Here are the red flags that your leach field is in trouble.

1. Bright Green, Lush Grass

While a beautiful lawn is usually a good thing, a patch of grass over your leach field that is significantly greener and faster-growing than the rest of your yard is a warning sign. This “super-growth” happens because the grass is being over-fertilized by surfacing sewage that isn’t being absorbed deep into the soil.

2. Soggy Spots or Standing Water

If you notice “mushy” ground or puddles near your septic area—even when it hasn’t rained in the Inland Empire—your leach field is likely saturated. This means the soil has become clogged (often due to a missing septic tank filter) and can no longer process liquid waste.

3. Slow Drains and Gurgling Pipes

When a leach field fails, the water has nowhere to go, so it backs up into the house. You might notice that your toilets flush slowly or your sinks gurgle. This is often mistaken for a simple clog, but if it’s happening throughout the house, it’s a septic system design issue.

4. Sewage Odors Outdoors

A healthy septic system shouldn’t smell. If you catch a whiff of raw sewage while walking through your yard, it’s a sign that gases and liquid are escaping to the surface instead of being filtered underground.

5. Testing Your System

If you’re unsure, a professional septic tank inspection is the only way to know for sure. We use dye tests and soil probes to determine if your field is just stressed or if it has reached the end of its lifespan.

Don’t Ignore the Warning Signs

A failing leach field only gets worse with time. Davis Plumbing provides expert diagnostics and septic service near me for homeowners throughout Riverside County. We’ll help you determine if your system can be saved through jetting and chemicals or if a replacement is necessary.

Call Davis Plumbing at (951) 657-0393 to schedule a leach field evaluation today!