What to do if you're on septic and have slow or gurgling drains
Drain problems can be a minor irritation or a sign of serious trouble with your septic system. Either way, you're in the right place.
This guide walks you through the most common causes and explains what to do next.
Whatever the reason, we can help you get your drains flowing freely again.
You have one slow or gurgling drain
If just one drain is causing problems — but everything else in your home is working normally — the cause is most likely a localized pipe problem, not your septic system.
Signs that point to a localized problem:
- one drain is slow, gurgling, or completely blocked, but others are fine
- water pools briefly before draining away
- a mild smell coming from a single drain
A slow drain is typically caused by a build-up of hair, grease, or soap scum inside the pipe.
A gurgling drain is often a sign of a blocked plumbing vent — the pipe that runs from your drain lines and through your roof to let air escape outside. When it's blocked, drains can't flow freely and air gets pushed back through the nearest fixture.
What to do next
One slow or gurgling drain can be irritating, but it's rarely an emergency.
If your drain is slow, try plunging it first. You can also pour boiling water or a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down the drain to break up blockages. If these methods don't work, contact a specialist.
If your drain is gurgling but still flowing, you can check the vent pipe on your roof and remove debris with a plumber's snake. If the problem persists, or if you're not comfortable with heights, a plumber can take care of it for you.
Your drains are slow or gurgling throughout the house
If the problem affects more than one drain, or keeps coming back, the cause is likely your septic system itself.
Signs that point to a wider issue:
- slow drains in multiple rooms, not just one
- gurgling sounds in one drain when another is used
- drain blockages keep coming back after being cleared
- a faint sewage smell outdoors, near your septic tank or drain field
These signs often point to one of two things: a septic tank that needs pumping or a stressed drain field.
What to do next
This isn't an emergency, but the situation needs attention before it gets worse.
Speak to a specialist. If your septic tank is overdue for pumping, that may be all it takes. If the problem runs deeper, they'll work out the cause and tell you what to do next.
While you wait:
- reduce water use in your home where possible
- note which drains are affected — this will speed the diagnosis
- keep an eye on whether the problem is getting worse
All your drains have stopped working
When you have a house-wide drain failure, the symptoms become impossible to ignore.
Signs that point to an urgent problem:
- all drains in your home have stopped working
- sewage backing up into sinks, bathtubs, showers, or toilets
- waterlogged or discolored ground near your septic tank or drain field
- your septic alarm is going off
- a strong sewage smell outdoors
These signs usually mean there is a problem that prevents your septic system from processing wastewater.
What to do next
This is a serious health risk that can cause damage to your property.
Call a specialist immediately. The cause and solution will only become clear once they are on site. The sooner they can get to you, the better.
While you wait:
- stop using all water in your home — no flushing, no taps, no appliances
- keep children and pets away from any area where sewage has surfaced
- do not attempt to clean up sewage without protective gloves and clothing
Still not sure what to do?
Every drain problem is different. If you're not sure what's causing your slow or gurgling drains, we're here to help.
Tell us what you're noticing and we'll take it from there.
