Should you observe any of the following symptoms, it might be time to consider a professional inspection of your septic system:

• Slow drainage in sinks and toilets
• Unpleasant smells or the scent of sewage emanating from your yard
• Areas of standing water on your property
• Contamination in the well water used by your property
• Unhealthy or dead vegetation around the septic system area

Signs that your septic system isn't functioning properly include:

• The backup of sewage into the household plumbing
• Slowly emptying bathtubs, showers, and sinks
• Plumbing noises resembling gurgling
• Wet or muddy areas near the septic system or leach field
• Unmistakable sewage odors near the septic system area
• Unusually lush and green grass atop the septic system area, regardless of weather conditions
• Unfiltered sewage directly discharged onto the ground
• Increased algae growth in nearby bodies of water
• Elevated nitrate or coliform levels in nearby surface or well waters

Your local health or environmental agency responsible for permits and inspections should have the records for your septic system. Contacting them will provide you with access to your property’s septic design documentation ("as-built" drawings) and any related permits, which include useful information like installation date and soil characteristics.

Waterproofing a basement is tailored to each situation, with costs varying based on the property owner's specific needs and goals. There's no universal solution; each project requires a bespoke approach.

Several signs can alert you to water in your basement beyond just obvious leaks:

• A noticeable increase in mold or mildew presence
• Persistent musty smells
• Wet patches on walls or floors
• The appearance of efflorescence, a powdery white substance, on walls
• Visible cracks in the basement walls or floor
• Flaking or bubbling paint or wallpaper coming away from the wall
• Corrosion on metal fixtures
• Signs of dry rot in wooden structures
• Distortion or warping of wood paneling