Why Your Septic System Is Probably Failing (and How to Fix It Fast)

March 24, 2025

Your Septic System Might Be Failing—Here’s How to Fix It Before It’s Too Late

Picture this: You’re enjoying a peaceful morning on your property when an all-too-familiar stench creeps into the air. Your drains are sluggish, there’s an odd gurgling sound from the pipes, and your once-perfect lawn has a suspiciously damp patch. Yep, your septic system could be on the brink of failure.

Before you panic, take a deep breath—just maybe not too deep if you’re standing near the tank! A failing septic system isn’t the end of the world, but ignoring the warning signs could leave you knee-deep in a costly mess. And in South Australia, it can also mean falling foul of environmental and public health regulations.

Warning Signs Your Septic System Needs Urgent Attention

Septic systems don’t just quit overnight. They send warnings—if you know what to look for:

Drains That Move at a Snail’s Pace: Slow drains could mean your tank is full or there's a blockage somewhere in the system.
Unpleasant Smells: A functioning system shouldn’t smell. Foul odours can indicate system overload or a leak.
Mystery Puddles and Lush Spots: Wet or greener-than-usual patches may point to an overflowing or failing drain field.
Gurgling and Bubbling Sounds: Odd sounds from sinks or toilets often suggest air or pressure issues in the pipes.
Sewage Backups: If sewage starts backing up indoors, your system has likely reached critical failure. This is considered a health hazard and must be addressed immediately.

What Causes a Septic System to Fail?

Septic systems fail for a number of reasons, most of which are preventable:

Lack of Maintenance: South Australian guidelines recommend septic tanks be pumped out every four years to prevent solids from clogging the system.
Flushing the Wrong Things: Wet wipes (even the “flushable” kind), grease, sanitary products, and chemicals can all damage your septic system.
Water Overload: Using too much water too quickly doesn’t give your tank enough time to treat waste, pushing solids into the soakage area.
Tree Root Invasion: Roots love finding their way into pipes and tanks. They can crack, block, or collapse your system over time.
Physical Damage: Building over your septic tank or drain field, or driving heavy vehicles over them, can compact soil and damage pipes, limiting drainage capacity.

How to Fix the Problem Before It Gets Worse

1. Book a Professional Pump-Out

If it’s been a few years, your tank could be full. Get a licensed septic service provider to pump it out and check for structural damage. In SA, this needs to be done by an authorised contractor and recorded for local council records.

2. Inspect and Repair as Needed

After pumping, have the system inspected for leaks, blockages, or damage—especially from roots or ageing pipes. Any repair or alteration to the system must be approved by your local council in accordance with the South Australian Public Health (Wastewater) Regulations 2013.

3. Modify Your Water Usage

Spread out laundry loads, fix dripping taps, and avoid long showers. Conserving water gives your system time to work and prevents overload.

4. Use Septic-Safe Products

Opt for biodegradable, septic-safe cleaning products. Harsh chemicals kill the beneficial bacteria that help break down waste in your tank.

5. Protect Your Drain Field

Keep vehicles and heavy machinery off the soakage area. Avoid planting trees nearby, and don’t build over it. This helps your system absorb wastewater efficiently.

6. Schedule Regular Inspections

Preventative care is key. A licensed wastewater technician can inspect your system every 2–4 years and help you spot early warning signs. Keep documentation of any inspections or maintenance work, as required under South Australian law.

How to Keep Your Septic System Running Smoothly

Once you've sorted the issue, keeping your system in good shape is all about consistency:

Have your tank pumped every 4 years (or more often if usage is high).
Only flush human waste and toilet paper—nothing else!
Use septic-safe cleaners and minimise chemical use.
Keep an eye out for odours, wet patches, or slow drains.

If you're unsure about your system’s setup or need the right products to keep it healthy, we’re here to help. Maintaining your septic system not only protects your home and wallet—it’s essential for complying with environmental regulations in South Australia.

Got septic woes? Don’t wait until it’s an emergency. A bit of early action can save you from a very messy situation.

Cheers,

Candeece