Septic Tank Drainage Problems: Signs Your Absorption Area Is Failing

If your property relies on a septic system, the septic tank itself is only one part of the system. Once wastewater has been treated within the tank, it still needs somewhere suitable to discharge.

Depending on the system installed, this may be through an absorption area, transpiration bed or other form of on-site wastewater disposal.

When this drainage area stops working properly, you may start noticing slow drains, unpleasant smells, unusually wet ground or wastewater backing up around the property.

At Platt’s Plumbing Services, we regularly work on septic and drainage systems throughout Bargo, Picton, Tahmoor, Thirlmere, Wilton and surrounding Wollondilly areas.

What Does a Septic Absorption Area Do?

A septic absorption area receives wastewater from the septic system and distributes it into the surrounding ground.

Rather than simply storing wastewater, the system relies on correctly designed drainage and suitable soil conditions to disperse the treated effluent.

Over time, these areas can become less effective due to age, soil conditions, damaged or blocked pipework, tree roots, excessive water entering the system or deterioration of the existing drainage field.

Signs Your Septic Drainage Area May Have a Problem

Some of the most common warning signs include:

• Wet, boggy or unusually green areas around the septic drainage field

• Unpleasant sewage or wastewater smells outside

• Toilets, showers and fixtures draining slowly

• Gurgling from drains

• Wastewater backing up into fixtures

• Septic tanks or collection areas filling unusually quickly

• Effluent surfacing above the ground

• Problems becoming worse following periods of heavy rain

One symptom doesn’t necessarily mean the entire absorption area has failed. The problem could also be caused by a blockage, damaged pipework or another issue within the system.

This is why inspecting the drainage system is important before deciding on a repair.

Can Septic Drainage Lines Become Blocked?

Yes. Pipework servicing septic absorption or transpiration areas can become restricted by sludge, debris, tree roots or accumulated material.

Depending on the type and condition of the system, high-pressure water jetting may be used to attempt to clear existing drainage lines and restore flow.

CCTV drain camera equipment can also be useful where access and pipe conditions allow, helping identify damaged, blocked or deteriorated sections of drainage.

Clearing the pipework, however, won’t repair an absorption area that has reached the end of its serviceable life or where the surrounding ground is no longer adequately accepting the wastewater.

Why Do Absorption Areas Fail?

There isn’t always one single cause.

Older systems can gradually lose their ability to disperse wastewater effectively. Other contributing factors can include damaged drainage lines, tree-root intrusion, excessive hydraulic loading, poor drainage conditions, unsuitable soil, additional plumbing fixtures being added to the property or stormwater entering the septic system.

Heavy rainfall can also temporarily saturate the surrounding ground and make an existing problem much more noticeable.

Can a Failing Absorption Area Be Repaired?

That depends on what is causing the problem.

If the issue is isolated to blocked or damaged drainage pipework, it may be possible to clear or repair the affected section.

Where the existing absorption or transpiration area is no longer functioning effectively, more substantial work may be required. This could involve replacing or extending the effluent disposal area, subject to the existing system, site conditions and any applicable council or wastewater requirements.

The important part is determining why the system isn’t draining correctly before carrying out unnecessary excavation or replacement work.

Septic Drainage Inspections in Wollondilly

If you’re experiencing ongoing septic drainage problems, an inspection can help determine whether you’re dealing with a simple blockage or a larger problem with the existing disposal area.

Platt’s Plumbing Services can assist with septic drainage investigations, sewer jetting, CCTV drain inspections, drainage repairs and excavation throughout Bargo, Picton, Tahmoor, Thirlmere, Wilton and surrounding areas.

If you’ve noticed wet ground, bad smells, slow drainage or recurring septic problems around your property, get in touch with our team to arrange an inspection.