Top 5 Septic Tank Warning Signs Homeowners in Somerset Should Never Ignore
- Drain Cleaner
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
By Aquablast Drain Services Ltd – Rural Drainage Experts Covering Somerset, South Gloucestershire & South Wales
Your septic tank is one of the hardest-working systems on your property — quietly treating and disposing of wastewater every day.
But like any system, it can show early signs of trouble long before a full failure occurs.
At Aquablast Drain Services Ltd, we’ve seen it all — from slow-draining sinks to full septic overflows across Somerset, South Gloucestershire, and South Wales.
In this guide, we’ll share the five key warning signs that your septic tank may be in distress, why they happen, and what to do before they turn into a costly environmental emergency.
Slow Draining Toilets, Sinks & Baths
If your water is slow to drain, or you hear gurgling sounds from your plugholes or toilets, it could be an early indicator that your septic system is struggling.
Why It Happens
Sludge buildup has reduced your tank’s holding capacity.
The outlet pipe or soakaway is partially blocked.
There’s backpressure preventing wastewater from flowing out.
What to Do
Don’t pour chemicals or bleach — these can worsen the problem.Instead, book a CCTV drain inspection and a septic tank emptying service.
Learn more about our CCTV Drain Survey Service for fast, non-invasive diagnosis.
Foul Odours Indoors or in the Garden
A healthy septic system should never smell.If you notice sewage odours near drains, vents, or your garden, take it seriously — this often means your tank or soakaway is backing up.
Why It Happens
Overfilled septic tank (needs emptying).
Blocked vent pipe or outlet line.
Anaerobic (oxygen-poor) conditions creating gas build-up.
Cracked tank or leaking joints allowing gas to escape.
What to Do
Book a full septic tank clean and jet wash to remove the sludge causing gas build-up.
Discover our Septic Tank Emptying Services across Somerset and South Wales.
Pooling Water or Soggy Ground Near the Tank
Standing water or boggy soil near your tank or soakaway is a major red flag. Why It Happens
Effluent is escaping through cracks or leaks.
The drainage field is clogged or saturated.
Groundwater is infiltrating through damaged seals.
Rainwater runoff from roofs or driveways is entering the system.
What to Do
Keep vehicles off the area to avoid compaction.
Check gutters and downpipes are diverted away.
Schedule a CCTV inspection to assess the outlet line condition.
If your soakaway has collapsed or failed, Aquablast can carry out a non-dig drain repair or relining solution to restore full flow.
See our Drain Repairs & Relining Service.
Frequent Blockages or Backups
If you’re plunging the same toilet every few weeks or your drains are repeatedly slow, it’s time to act.
Frequent blockages suggest that your system isn’t processing waste efficiently — a symptom of a failing tank or blocked outlet.
Why It Happens
Excess solids and grease in the system.
Collapsed drain pipes or root intrusion.
Inlet/outlet T-pipes damaged inside the tank.
What to Do
Arrange a septic tank service and a high pressure jetting to remove stubborn deposits.Our jetting process scours pipes clean without chemicals — perfect for eco-sensitive rural areas.
Learn about our High Pressure Jetting for restoring septic efficiency.
Lush Green Grass or Algae Growth Over Your Drain Field
While green grass is usually a good sign, unusually lush, bright, or wet patches directly over your soakaway area often indicate a leak or overflow.
Why It Happens
Untreated effluent seeping into the soil.
Soakaway pipes saturated or broken.
Excess nutrient leakage causing rapid vegetation growth.
What to Do
This is a serious environmental warning — untreated wastewater may be entering nearby soil or watercourses.You must repair or replace the affected soakaway to remain compliant with the Environment Agency’s General Binding Rules.
📞 Call our Emergency Drainage Team if you suspect contamination or overflow.
Expert Septic Diagnostics: How We Help
At Aquablast Drain Services Ltd, we use a combination of:
CCTV inspections – to identify cracks, leaks, or blockages.
High pressure jetting – to clear pipes and soakaways.
Vacuum tankers – for clean, safe sludge removal.
Non-dig relining repairs – for damaged pipework.
All work is fully Environment Agency compliant and carried out by trained drainage engineers.
Book a Septic Tank Inspection today — serving rural homes across Somerset, South Gloucestershire & South Wales.
Legal & Environmental Compliance
Homeowners are responsible for ensuring their septic tanks meet General Binding Rules (England & Wales).
You must:
Empty your tank regularly (at least once a year).
Prevent any discharge to ditches, streams, or groundwater.
Use a licensed waste carrier for emptying (Aquablast is fully certified).
Repair or upgrade any failing systems promptly.
Failure to comply can result in fines or enforcement notices — but simple maintenance and inspections keep you protected.
Learn more at our Septic Tank Services Page.
Our Coverage: Serving Rural Communities Across the South West
Aquablast Drain Services provides septic tank support throughout:
Somerset: Weston-super-Mare, Wells, Glastonbury, Cheddar, Taunton, Bridgwater
South Gloucestershire: Thornbury, Yate, Chipping Sodbury
South Wales: Cardiff, Newport, Monmouth, Abergavenny, Pontypool
No matter how remote or rural your property, we can reach you with our compact vacuum tankers and fully equipped service vans.
Why Somerset Homeowners Trust Aquablast Drain Services
✅ 25+ years of rural drainage expertise
♻️ Fully licensed waste carrier (Environment Agency approved)
💧 Safe, eco-friendly maintenance (no chemicals)
🕒 24/7 emergency response
🏡 Trusted by homeowners, farms, and holiday parks
We’re proud to be the South West’s most trusted name for septic tank and drainage solutions.
📞 Call us on 0800 097 8255 or contact us online today.
✅ Summary
Early detection is the key to septic tank health.If you notice slow drains, smells, wet patches, or overgrown grass, don’t ignore them — they’re warning signs your system needs attention.
With regular maintenance, expert cleaning, and the help of local professionals, you can avoid costly repairs and environmental risks.
For expert septic tank services across Somerset, South Gloucestershire, and South Wales, contact Aquablast Drain Services Ltd today.
Visit our Septic Tank Services Page to learn more.
📞 Contact Us Today
Aquablast Drain Services Ltd
📍 Serving Bristol and surrounding areas
📞 0800 097 8255
Comments