You probably didn’t wake up today thinking, “I bet my septic system needs attention.” And yet, here you are — something feels off, and now you're digging for answers.
If you’re like most folks in Montgomery County, your septic system isn’t top of mind until it starts showing signs of trouble. Maybe it’s a weird smell. Or a toilet that suddenly gurgles like it’s haunted. Whatever the case, we want you to know: you’re not alone, and you’re not overreacting.
At A&J Septic Services LLC, we’ve worked with hundreds of families across Montgomery, Waller, Grimes, and beyond. And one thing we hear all the time is: “I wish I had called sooner.”
So let’s walk through the most common signs your septic system needs help — before that small sign turns into a big, expensive problem.
If your sinks, tubs, or showers are draining like molasses, don’t ignore it.
A single slow drain might be a clog. But if multiple drains are sluggish, especially ones far apart in the house, it could point to a bigger issue — like a problem in the septic line or tank.
Gurgling sounds in your pipes after you flush the toilet or run the laundry? That’s often air trying to escape a blocked or backed-up line. Think of it like your plumbing trying to “breathe.”
These are early signs. Fixable signs. Don’t wait for the next one.
No one wants to admit it, but if you’re catching a whiff of sewage, especially near your drains or out in the yard, that’s a serious red flag.
It usually means gas is escaping — and gas doesn’t leak unless something’s wrong. That could be from a cracked tank lid, a failing drain field, or a backup working its way into your home.
Even if it seems faint, or comes and goes, this is not something to put off. In Texas heat, these smells can go from barely noticeable to unbearable — and fast.
You walk outside and notice bright green grass in a weird patch, even during a dry spell. Or maybe the ground over your septic area feels squishy.
What’s happening here?
Chances are, your drain field is saturated or even failing. When the system can’t properly process wastewater, it starts rising to the surface. That’s not just water — that’s untreated waste leaching into your soil.
This is a sign we see all too often in rural and semi-rural parts of Montgomery County, especially in clay-heavy or low-lying areas. If you see it, call someone before it turns into a full-blown replacement.
A toilet backing up is frustrating. But when bubbles appear in your bowl after flushing, or the toilet gurgles when other water is running, that’s your system crying for help.
This typically means the line to your septic tank is blocked — or worse, the tank is full or failing to distribute wastewater properly.
If you’ve already tried a plunger or a basic drain snake and the issue keeps returning, it’s time to stop guessing and start looking deeper.
If you have an aerobic system or advanced septic setup, it likely came with an alarm. When it goes off, most folks panic or ignore it.
Here’s the truth: that alarm is your friend. It’s there to alert you that something’s not working as it should — often, the pump has failed, the tank is overfull, or there’s an electrical problem.
If you’re in Montgomery County and your alarm just started blinking or beeping, give us a call. We know how to troubleshoot it fast and figure out if it’s a minor fix or something more.
We get this question a lot: “Do I need a repair, or is this just routine maintenance?”
Here’s a simple breakdown:
If in doubt — we always suggest getting it checked. A simple diagnostic visit costs less than a full-scale repair later on.
We get it. Life gets busy. And calling someone about your septic system isn’t exactly thrilling.
But here’s the cost of waiting too long:
Sewage could back up into your home — damaging floors and drywall
Your yard could become unusable due to standing waste
Your repair could turn into a full replacement
Your property value could drop if issues persist
Your neighbors (or HOA) could file complaints
Septic systems don’t fix themselves. And time is rarely your friend once problems start showing up.
At A&J Septic Services, we’ve built our reputation around doing things thoroughly and honestly. Here’s what we typically do when someone in Montgomery County calls us out for a septic issue:
Ask questions about the symptoms and how long they’ve been going on
Inspect the tank, including fluid levels, solids buildup, and lid condition
Check the drain field for signs of failure
Run camera inspections (if needed) to look inside pipes without digging
Explain the problem in plain English — no pressure, no jargon
We’re not here to sell you something you don’t need. If it’s just a cleanout or filter issue, we’ll tell you that. If it’s more serious, we’ll explain the options and cost.
Let’s bust a myth: not all septic repairs involve tearing up your yard.
Some repairs are straightforward — like replacing a pump, fixing a broken baffle, or sealing a lid. Others are more involved, like patching a pipe or reviving a failing drain field. But even then, the right tools (and the right team) can limit the damage.
Beware of companies that go straight to “you need a new system.” Sometimes that’s true — but often, there’s a middle ground.
Septic issues aren’t the same in every part of Texas. What works in Frisco might not work in Magnolia. And what we’d recommend for someone in rural Waller might be overkill for someone on a smaller property in Conroe.
Because we’re based here, and because we’ve worked across Waller, Montgomery, Grimes, Harris, Fort Bend, and Austin Counties, we’ve seen it all. And we tailor every repair to your land, your soil, and your system.
You won’t get a cookie-cutter solution from us — just honest work, done right.
Septic repairs don’t have to be a nightmare. But ignoring the signs? That’s what turns a small issue into a big, messy, expensive problem.
So if something doesn’t feel right — even if it’s just a gurgle or a patch of green grass where it shouldn’t be — trust your gut. It’s okay to ask for help.
We’re A&J Septic Services LLC, and we’ve helped families just like yours all over Montgomery County. We’re not here to upsell you or scare you. We’re here to help you make smart decisions before the damage is done.