Wet Spots in the Yard? It Could Be a Septic Leak

Have you noticed unexplained wet or soggy patches in your yard, even when it hasn’t rained recently? While it might seem harmless at first, pooling water can be a sign of a more serious issue—like a septic system leak.

If you live in Everton or the surrounding areas and rely on a septic system, it's important to understand the warning signs. At Sims Septic, we help homeowners identify and resolve septic problems early—before they become expensive, disruptive, or hazardous.

What causes wet spots over your septic system?

Your septic system is designed to safely collect, treat, and distribute wastewater underground. When everything is working properly, you should never see or smell anything above the surface. But when one part of the system fails—whether it's the tank, pipes, or drain field—wastewater can rise to the surface.

Common causes of wet spots include:

• • A full or overloaded septic tank that hasn’t been pumped recently
  • Clogs or blockages in the outlet pipe, preventing wastewater from flowing to the drain field
  • Cracked or damaged pipes allowing wastewater to escape underground
  • A failing or saturated drain field that can no longer absorb water
  • Tree root intrusion, which disrupts or collapses buried components

If left unaddressed, these issues can cause widespread property damage, strong sewage odors, and even health risks from wastewater exposure. That’s why wet areas should never be ignored.

How to identify a septic-related wet spot

Not all yard puddles mean trouble, but if the issue is persistent or located near your septic tank or drain field, it’s worth investigating.

Here are signs your soggy yard might be linked to a septic system leak:

• • Wet ground in dry weather
  • Soggy or spongy patches near the septic tank or drain field
  • Bright green grass that grows faster than the rest of the yard
  • Mild or strong sewage odors coming from the area
  • Standing water that appears repeatedly in the same spot

These symptoms typically indicate that untreated or partially treated wastewater is escaping from your system and surfacing in your yard.

What to do if you suspect a leak

If you think you might have a septic leak, don’t wait. Acting quickly can prevent more serious damage and avoid potential contamination of soil, well water, or nearby streams.

Here’s what to do:

1. 1. Avoid walking or driving over the affected area to prevent soil compaction or further damage
   2. Stop using excess water in the home—limit showers, laundry, and dishwasher use
   3. Check for other symptoms, such as gurgling drains, sewage odors inside, or slow toilets
   4. Contact Sims Septic to schedule a septic system inspection or repair service

At Sims Septic, we offer full diagnostic services to pinpoint the source of the leak. Whether it’s a cracked tank, collapsed pipe, or failing drain field, we’ll provide an honest assessment and the right solution.

Real example: Wet yard leads to major repair

A homeowner in Webster County noticed a patch of saturated ground near their backyard patio. Thinking it was irrigation-related, they waited weeks before calling. By the time they contacted Sims Septic, wastewater had begun pooling on the surface, and odors were strong.

We discovered that the septic tank was overdue for pumping, and wastewater had been backing up into the drain field, causing saturation. After a thorough septic inspection, we performed a full tank pumping, replaced a damaged pipe, and installed a septic riser and lid for easier future access.

This could have been a quick fix—but waiting turned it into a more expensive repair.

Don’t overlook your drain field

Your drain field is just as important as your tank. When the soil becomes clogged with sludge or too compacted to filter water, wastewater begins to rise. In many cases, homeowners don’t realize the drain field is failing until wet spots or backups occur.

Sims Septic can help you avoid this by offering:

• • Routine septic pumping to reduce solid buildup
  • Drain field assessments to catch signs of failure early
  • Septic system repairs to replace broken or collapsed components
  • Lift station pumping and dose pump repairs for systems using pumps

We’ll help you maintain a healthy, balanced system from the tank to the field—keeping your yard dry, clean, and safe.

Proudly serving Southwest Missouri

Sims Septic proudly provides professional septic inspections, pumping, and system repairs in the following areas:

• • Dade County
  • Greene County
  • Lawrence County
  • Polk County
  • Cedar County
  • Christian County
  • Webster County
  • Dallas County
  • Springfield, Missouri
  • Willard, Missouri

Our team is licensed, experienced, and committed to keeping your septic system running the way it should.

Concerned about wet spots? Call Sims Septic today

If you're seeing wet patches in your yard and suspect a septic leak, don’t ignore the signs. Sims Septic provides fast, honest, and professional service across Southwest Missouri.

Whether you need a full septic system inspection, emergency pumping, or drain field repairs, we’re here to help. Call today or request a free estimate and let us protect your property from serious septic damage.