How do you know if your septic system is failing? Answer the following questions:

• Do your toilets flush slowly or back up for reasons other than old, clogged pipes?
• Have you noticed a wet, smelly spot in your yard? Especially after doing laundry?
• Is your septic tank piped to a ditch or stream?
• Is your washing machine or sink piped to a surface in the yard?
• Is the grass over or around your septic tank greener than the rest of your lawn?
• Is the area around your septic tank or drainfield wet or spongy even when it has not rained in a while?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, your septic system may be failing or is near failing. Contact the Loudoun County Health Department for an evaluation at 703-777-0234.

Below are pictures of failing onsite systems. Anything resembling these conditions may indicate a failing system.

Failing drainfield

Failing drainfield

Sewage on ground from overflow of septic tank





Septic system drain full of solids.
Solids are supposed to be retained in the septic tank.

Other Resources

• Learn More about Septic Systems 
• Septic Systems Do's and Don'ts 
• Download Adobe Acrobat Reader (Free)
• Residential Cost-Share Program for Onsite Wastewater Systems