Top 5 Signs Your Septic Tank Needs Attention: Before It’s Too Late

How to Spot Problems Early and Avoid a Messy Disaster

Your septic tank works quietly in the background, keeping everything flowing smoothly — until it doesn’t.

At Ace Septic Tank Services, we’re often called out to emergencies that could have been avoided with a few early checks. Whether you’re a homeowner in rural Norfolk or manage commercial properties, campsites or pubs, here are five tell-tale signs your septic tank needs attention now.

1. Bad Smells Around the Garden or Drains

Let’s be honest — if you can smell it, it’s already overdue a check. Strong, persistent odours around your drains, garden, or tank cover are usually caused by trapped gases or overflowing waste.

If ignored, it can lead to pressure build-up, backflow, or worse — a burst pipe.

A quick CCTV drain survey can confirm the cause before it becomes a costly mess.

2. Slow-Draining Sinks and Toilets

Water taking longer to go down the sink? Toilets not flushing properly? These are early warning signs of a partial blockage or a full tank.

In autumn and winter, ground saturation in Norfolk’s heavy soils slows drainage even more, so even small blockages can escalate fast.

Our drain jetting and inspection service can clear and confirm any issue in one visit.

3. Standing Water or Soggy Ground

If the area around your soakaway or septic tank stays wet even when it hasn’t rained, it’s time to take a closer look.

A saturated soakaway can’t disperse wastewater properly, causing it to rise to the surface — not only unpleasant, but potentially non-compliant with Environment Agency rules.

We can test and assess your soakaway to ensure it’s working correctly and recommend repairs if needed.

4. Strange Noises or Gurgling Pipes

Hearing gurgling from sinks or drains when water flows? That’s trapped air — often caused by poor flow or back pressure in your system. Ignoring it can lead to full blockages or even damage to internal pipework. A quick inspection can often spot and fix this before you face an overflow.

5. It’s Been More Than a Year Since Your Last Empty

Even if you haven’t noticed any issues yet, leaving your tank longer than 12–18 months without servicing is risky.

A regular septic tank empty and inspection not only keeps your system running smoothly but also extends its lifespan by years.

For landlords, letting agents and commercial sites, regular servicing also helps you stay compliant and avoid penalties.

How Ace Septic Tank Services Can Help

We’re Norfolk’s trusted specialists for:

• Septic tank emptying and cleaning

• CCTV drain surveys and inspections

• Soakaway testing and repairs

• Sewage treatment plant servicing

• Emergency call-outs and compliance advice

Fully licensed, local and Environment Agency-compliant — we keep homes, businesses and rural properties running cleanly and safely.

Book Your Septic Health Check Today

If any of these signs sound familiar, don’t wait. The sooner you act, the easier (and cheaper) it is to fix.

📞 Call Ace Septic Tank Services on 01692 670 367💧 Email us at info@aceseptictankservices.co.uk