1. That Smell Isn’t Just “Country Living”

You step outside on a crisp Michigan morning, coffee in hand, only to be hit with an unmistakable odor—the kind that makes you wrinkle your nose and wonder if something died under your deck. It’s easy to shrug it off, chalking it up to normal “country smells” or maybe blaming a neighbor’s farm. But what if the problem is coming from your own yard?

If you own a home with a septic system in Muskegon, Oceana, Ottawa, or Newaygo County, your nose might be warning you of something serious: a failing septic system. And that’s not just an inconvenience—it’s a health hazard and a financial nightmare waiting to happen.

At Ryerson Brothers Excavating, we’ve seen it all. We know the warning signs most homeowners ignore until it’s too late. And we get it—no one wants to think about what’s happening underground. But trust us, when septic problems surface, they don’t do it quietly. That’s why catching issues early with a professional inspection can save you thousands of dollars (and a whole lot of mess).

So, how do you know when it’s time to schedule an inspection? Here are five major warning signs that your septic system is begging for attention.

2. Warning Sign #1: A Foul Odor That Won’t Go Away

There’s a big difference between the occasional whiff of a septic tank and a lingering, foul stench that doesn’t go away.

Why It Happens:

Your septic system is designed to break down waste and filter water naturally. When it’s working correctly, you shouldn’t smell anything outside your home. But if your tank is full, leaking, or your drain field isn’t functioning properly, those nasty gases—especially hydrogen sulfide (the classic “rotten egg” smell)—will start creeping into your yard and even inside your home.

Where You’ll Notice It First:

• Near the drain field – The grass might look fine, but a strong sewage smell means something isn’t right.

• Around plumbing fixtures inside – If your bathroom or kitchen starts smelling like a dirty outhouse, it’s time to investigate.

• Near the septic tank – If you catch a strong, persistent odor coming from the tank area, it could be leaking or overflowing.

What to Do:

Don’t ignore it. Call for a professional septic inspection before the situation escalates.

3. Warning Sign #2: Slow Drains, Gurgling Pipes, and Toilet Trouble

Does it feel like your sinks, tubs, and toilets are suddenly taking forever to drain? Or maybe your pipes make a weird bubbling sound when you flush?

Why It Happens:

This is one of the earliest warning signs of a septic issue. Slow drainage can mean that your tank is reaching capacity, your pipes are partially clogged, or worse—your drain field isn’t absorbing wastewater properly. The gurgling noises? That’s trapped air in your pipes, usually caused by waste struggling to move through the system.

What This Leads To:

• Toilets that won’t flush completely or back up frequently

• Water pooling in sinks and tubs

• Gurgling or bubbling noises from drains

What to Do:

If all your drains are slow at the same time, don’t waste money on chemical drain cleaners—they won’t fix a septic problem. Instead, schedule an inspection to pinpoint the issue.

4. Warning Sign #3: Wet Spots and Puddles in Your Yard

Noticed soggy patches in your yard, even though it hasn’t rained? That’s a major red flag.

Why It Happens:

Your drain field is responsible for filtering wastewater back into the soil. If it’s clogged or oversaturated, sewage has nowhere to go—so it rises to the surface, creating wet, smelly patches in your yard.

Where You’ll Notice It:

• Grass that feels extra soft or squishy underfoot

• Unexpected puddles near your drain field

• An area that smells like sewage and stays wet even in dry weather

What to Do:

Standing water means your system is overwhelmed. Call for an inspection immediately before raw sewage starts surfacing.

5. Warning Sign #4: Unusually Lush, Green Grass Over the Drain Field

A green lawn is great—unless it’s only thriving over your septic system.

Why It Happens:

If the grass over your drain field looks thicker, greener, and healthier than the rest of your lawn, it might be getting extra nutrients from leaking sewage. This could mean a small leak, a failing drain field, or an overfull septic tank that’s releasing excess moisture.

What This Leads To:

• Root damage to your septic system

• Blocked drainage, leading to standing water

• Potential groundwater contamination

What to Do:

A septic inspection can confirm if there’s an issue and prevent costly repairs down the line.

6. Warning Sign #5: Sewage Backups (The Worst-Case Scenario)

No homeowner ever wants to deal with this, but if sewage backs up into your home, your septic system has already failed.

Why It Happens:

A full or failing septic tank forces waste back through your plumbing, leading to backups in your sinks, tubs, and toilets. This is more than just a disgusting mess—it’s a serious health risk.

What to Do:

• Stop using water immediately.

• Call for emergency septic service.

• Schedule an inspection to determine the cause and next steps.

7. Why Regular Septic Inspections Save You Time, Money, and Headaches

Ignoring these warning signs won’t make them go away—in fact, it will only make the problem worse and more expensive to fix.

A Septic Inspection Can:

✅ Catch small issues before they turn into major repairs
✅ Extend the life of your septic system
✅ Prevent backups and costly emergencies
✅ Ensure your home stays safe and sanitary

How often should you get a septic inspection?
We recommend at least every 3 years—or immediately if you notice any of these warning signs.

8. Don’t Wait for a Disaster—Schedule Your Septic Inspection Today

If you’re noticing any of these warning signs, don’t wait. A professional septic inspection is the fastest, easiest way to protect your home, your property, and your wallet.

At Ryerson Brothers Excavating, we specialize in custom septic solutions for homeowners across Muskegon, Oceana, Ottawa, and Newaygo County. We aren’t a giant company, but that’s what makes us different—we’re obsessed with making sure your septic system is working properly, with services tailored to your needs.

Call us today to schedule an inspection—before a small problem turns into a big one.