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Grass Is Always Greener with a Drainfield Leak

The grass always being greener may sound like a good thing, but this saying may not always be true. The grass around your septic system can give you a clue as to the condition of your septic system’s health. Bright green grass in your yard may indicate a leak or early failure of your septic system’s drainfield. This could be the first indication to call FloHawks for a septic system inspection.

What’s Going On In My Drainfield?

What’s Going On In My Drainfield?Your drainfield is an important part of your septic system. Once wastewater effluent leaves your septic tank, it flows along into the drainfield where it percolates into the soil. If the drainfield is clogged, it will flood and cause sewage backups. The blockage creates an unclean environment for the grass. Areas of more lush grass growth over the septic tank may be signs that the tank is leaking or backing up and spilling effluent – a sign of potential trouble. Although it may not necessarily mean that you need a septic system replacement, it’s still a good idea to get it checked out before it gets worse.

Other Signs Of Drainfield Failure

Identifying a failing septic system can be difficult to an untrained eye. If you notice any of the warning signs listed below or have any suspicions that your system may have problems, our first suggestion is that you get an inspection from a licensed FloHawks professional. Septic systems do not typically show signs of failure until they are in an advanced state of deterioration. There are a few telltale indicators when trying to determine if your septic system has failed:

  • Standing water or soggy spots in the lawn in drainfield area or around septic tank area with lush, bright green grass
  • Sewage flowing up to the surface or backing up into the home
  • A foul “rotten egg” odor
  • A stinky, slimy, blackish liquid in the drainfield area
  • Plumbing backups, gurgling sounds, and slow draining sinks, toilets, and other fixtures
Caring For Your Drainfield

Failing septic systems are expensive to repair or replace, and poor maintenance is often the culprit. Having your septic system inspected regularly is incredibly cost effective when you consider the cost of replacing the entire system. To keep your system in good working order, treat your drainfield with the same care as your septic system. An unusable septic system or one in disrepair will lower your property value and could pose a legal liability. Maintaining your septic system saves you money! Learn more about our septic tank maintenance tips here.

If you suspect that your system is having some issues or just want some peace of mind, call FloHawks today. We are the area’s leading provider of professional septic system inspections, repair, maintenance, and installation. Our trained technicians can properly identify system failures and provide you with individual solutions. Call us at (800) 356-4295 or contact us today for an appointment.

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OUR SERVICES

Isaiah Taylor

Service Advisor

Tacoma native Isaiah Taylor has been part of the FloHawks team for four years. As a Service Advisor, he focuses on building strong relationships with customers and making sure they feel confident in the solutions being provided.

Isaiah believes the company’s culture sets FloHawks apart. He appreciates working alongside people who genuinely care about customers and take pride in doing the job right.

At 26, Isaiah is focused on building his career and continuing to grow in the industry. When he’s not working, you’ll likely find him in the gym lifting weights and staying active.

Kevin Elbert

Service Advisor

Born in Olympia and now living in Lacey, Kevin Elbert has spent 11 years serving customers with FloHawks. As a Service Advisor, he is focused on helping homeowners and businesses find solutions when plumbing or septic issues arise.

Kevin’s favorite part of the job is working with customers who need help and finding a path forward that solves the problem. He values being part of a team that takes pride in delivering dependable service when it matters most.

In his free time, Kevin enjoys staying active outdoors. Hiking, camping, fishing, photography, soccer, and travel are some of his favorite ways to spend time when he’s not at work. At home, he stays busy with his four teenagers.

Stephen Redford

Service Advisor

Stephen Redford was born in Tacoma and now lives in Gig Harbor. With 14 years at FloHawks, he’s built a reputation as both a trusted Service Advisor and a key contributor to the company’s growth and outreach.

Stephen plays a role in business development, trade shows, and marketing while also supporting service operations across multiple areas. He appreciates FloHawks’ unique culture and commitment to customer service, believing the team consistently goes above and beyond what most companies offer.

Outside of work, Stephen enjoys walking, playing golf, and riding motorcycles. He’s married to his wife, Lori, and is the proud father of three children.

Janie “J” Kirkland

Service Advisor Assistant

Janie “J” Kirkland was born in Miami, Florida, and now calls Roy, Washington, home. Despite being newer to FloHawks, joining the team mid-2025, she has already become a valued member of the Service Advisor support team.

J enjoys the strong sense of teamwork at FloHawks and the relationships she has built with the people she works alongside each day. That collaborative spirit helps the team deliver the dependable service customers count on.

Outside the office, J loves spending time outdoors, especially at the beach, as well as making memories with her family. She’s the proud mother of two sons and a grandmother to four grandchildren.

Carl Evanson

Service Advisor

A Puyallup native who now lives in Spanaway, Carl Evanson has been helping customers at FloHawks for more than 13 years. As a Service Advisor, he brings deep experience and a practical approach to solving plumbing and septic challenges.

Carl takes pride in helping customers find real solutions to their problems. At FloHawks, the philosophy is simple: if water runs through it, the team can handle it, and Carl has spent more than a decade proving that to customers across the region.

When he’s not working, Carl enjoys camping and spending time with his growing family, which includes two grown sons and seven grandchildren.

Luke Schneider

Service Advisor Assistant

Originally from the Midwest and now living in the Puyallup area, Luke Schneider has spent the past three years supporting the FloHawks service team as a Service Advisor Assistant. His role focuses on logistics and administrative coordination, making sure the details are handled so the team can deliver excellent service in the field.

Luke especially enjoys the moment when everything comes together to solve a customer’s problem. Helping turn a complicated situation into a clear plan and a successful outcome is one of the most rewarding parts of the job.

When he’s not working, Luke loves hosting and entertaining with his wife. Much of their free time is spent with family, often gathered around the table for board games and good conversation.

Crystal Lyons

Service Advisor Assistant

Born and raised in Tacoma and now living in Puyallup, Crystal Lyons has been part of the FloHawks team for four years. As a Service Advisor Assistant, she helps keep operations running smoothly while making sure customers feel supported every step of the way.

Crystal’s favorite part of the job is simple: helping people. Whether she’s assisting the service team behind the scenes or making sure customers get the answers they need, she takes pride in being part of a company that puts people first.

Outside of work, Crystal enjoys camping and spending time with her family. She’s married, and the proud mom of one daughter, and she also helps care for her niece, keeping family at the center of everything she does.