Septic System Inspection Near Muskegon MI: 5 Red Flags You Should Never Ignore
1. Why Homeowners in Muskegon Should Care About Septic Inspections
You don’t think much about your septic system—until something goes wrong.
If you’re like most homeowners in Muskegon County or the surrounding areas, you’re busy juggling work, kids, and keeping up with your home. The last thing you want is a septic issue bubbling up (literally) when guests are over, or worse—when you’re trying to sell your house.
At Ryerson Brothers Excavating, we’ve worked with families across Muskegon, Oceana, Ottawa, and Newaygo Counties who thought their systems were “fine”—until a surprise backup or a failed sale told them otherwise.
The truth is, most septic problems don’t start with a flood. They start with small signs. Things you might shrug off. But ignoring those signs is like ignoring a check engine light and hoping for the best. That’s where inspections come in.
Let’s break down the 5 red flags we wish every homeowner knew—before things got messy.
2. Red Flag #1: Slow Drains Throughout the House
We’re not talking about one sink here. If your kitchen, bathroom, and shower all start draining like molasses, your system may be trying to tell you something.
Sure, it might just be a clog. But if it’s happening all over the house, it could mean your septic tank is full—or worse, that your drain field isn’t doing its job anymore.
What it feels like:
You run a load of laundry and suddenly your tub fills up with gray water. Or you flush the toilet, and it gurgles like it’s choking.
What it could mean:
Your system might be reaching capacity, or the pipes leading to the tank could be blocked or collapsed.
What to do:
Call for a septic inspection before you call a plumber. We’ve seen folks spend money on drain snakes and chemicals only to find out the problem was deeper—literally.
3. Red Flag #2: Sewage Smell in the Yard or Basement
There’s nothing like stepping outside to enjoy a summer evening in Muskegon—only to be hit with a smell that makes your stomach turn.
A sewage smell in your yard or basement isn’t just gross. It’s a serious sign your system could be leaking. That means raw waste could be seeping into your soil—or even backing up into your home.
What it feels like:
You catch a whiff every time the wind changes. Or your basement smells musty even when it’s dry.
What it could mean:
A cracked tank, clogged vent pipe, or overloaded system that’s pushing gas and waste where it shouldn’t go.
What to do:
Schedule an inspection. We’ll check tank levels, connections, and drain field health to catch the leak before it spreads.
4. Red Flag #3: Soggy Spots or Standing Water Near the Tank or Drain Field
Heavy rain is normal here. But if your yard stays soggy days after the storm—or you see standing water near your tank or drain field even when it hasn’t rained—something’s off.
What it feels like:
Your yard squishes when you walk on it. You notice puddles in places where you’ve never seen them before.
What it could mean:
Your drain field might be saturated or failing, and untreated wastewater could be pooling on the surface.
Why this matters:
This isn’t just about a muddy yard. Wastewater exposure is a serious health hazard for kids, pets, and your well water—especially in rural areas.
What to do:
This is one of those times when waiting can make things worse. An inspection can tell you if it’s a simple fix or if the system needs a repair or upgrade.
5. Red Flag #4: Gurgling Sounds in Pipes and Toilets
This one’s easy to ignore—until it becomes a habit.
If your toilet sounds like it’s trying to talk to you, or your sink gurgles after you use the dishwasher, it could mean air is getting trapped in your plumbing. That’s usually a sign your septic system isn’t venting properly—or that it’s beginning to clog.
What it feels like:
You flush, and instead of the usual whoosh, you get a long burping noise. Or your shower gurgles when someone runs water in another part of the house.
What it could mean:
Backpressure in your pipes from a full or failing tank—or worse, a blockage between your house and the tank.
What to do:
Get the system inspected. These noises often show up before a backup happens.
6. Red Flag #5: Unexplained Spikes in Water Bills
If you’re on city water but septic waste, your water bill can still be a red flag. If you suddenly notice you’re using way more water than usual—and nothing’s changed—it could be that your system is leaking or overloading and causing water to cycle more often than it should.
What it feels like:
You haven’t had guests. You’re not running more laundry. But your water bill has jumped, and you’re not sure why.
What it could mean:
An underground leak, a faulty pump (if you have one), or a system that’s not draining efficiently.
What to do:
You guessed it—get a septic inspection. It’s a small step that can save you from massive bills later.
7. How a Septic Inspection Can Prevent Costly Repairs
You don’t wait for your car to break down before you change the oil, right? Septic systems work the same way.
A routine inspection can catch issues before they become emergencies. We’re talking:
Tree roots growing into your pipes
Cracks in your tank
Drain field overload
Pump failures
Illegal hookups from previous owners
In Muskegon County, we see it all—from inherited issues on older properties to surprise problems during home sales. An inspection gives you peace of mind and a clear plan.
8. What to Expect During a Septic Inspection in Muskegon County
Worried it’s going to be complicated or messy? It’s not.
Here’s what we typically do during a septic inspection at Ryerson Brothers Excavating:
Locate and uncover your septic tank
Check tank levels and condition
Inspect inlet/outlet pipes for damage
Test the drain field’s absorption
Look for signs of backups or failures
Provide a full written report and recommendations
Depending on the age of your system and how accessible it is, the inspection usually takes about 1 to 2 hours.
If you're buying or selling a home, this process is even more important—many deals fall through due to unknown septic issues that pop up during closing.
9. Why Muskegon Homeowners Trust Ryerson Brothers Excavating
We’re not a big company with layers of phone trees. We’re a local team based right here in Muskegon County, and we’ve been helping homeowners across Oceana, Ottawa, and Newaygo Counties take care of their land for years.
Our approach is simple: do it right, do it safe, and make it easy to understand.
We’ve inspected everything from 30-year-old systems that still work like a charm to brand-new installs that weren’t hooked up properly. Every job gets our full attention, because we know these aren’t just tanks and pipes; they’re part of your home, your property, and your peace of mind.
10. Schedule Your Septic Inspection Before It’s Too Late
If you’ve seen any of the red flags in this article—slow drains, weird smells, wet spots, gurgling, or rising water bills—don’t wait. Septic problems never fix themselves, and they usually show up at the worst possible time.
Whether you’re worried about your system, getting ready to sell, or just want to play it safe, we’re here to help.
At Ryerson Brothers Excavating, we’ll give you answers, not pressure. Just a clear, honest look at what’s going on underground—so you can protect your home and your wallet.
