Why Are My Sinks, Showers, and Toilets Draining Slowly?

If your sinks, showers, and toilets are taking longer than usual to drain, it could be a sign of a problem with your septic system. While a single slow drain might just be a simple clog, if multiple fixtures in your home are draining slowly, your septic system could be the culprit.

For homeowners in Edmonton, Lac Ste. Anne County, Parkland County, Sturgeon County, and Strathcona County, slow drainage is often an early warning sign that your system is overloaded, failing, or in need of maintenance. Let’s go over the common causes and what you can do about them.

1. Your Septic Tank Is Full

Septic tanks collect wastewater from your home, allowing solids to settle while liquid flows out to the drain field. Over time, solids build up, and if the tank isn’t pumped out regularly, there’s less room for wastewater to flow. This can cause slow drains, backups, and even sewage smells inside your home.

🔹 Solution: Septic tanks should be pumped every 2-3 years, depending on usage. If it’s been longer than that, scheduling a pump-out could solve your slow drainage issue.

2. Your Drain Field Is Saturated or Failing

The drain field is where wastewater is filtered into the soil. If the field is clogged, flooded, or failing, wastewater has nowhere to go, causing your drains to slow down.

Signs of a failing drain field include:

  • Slow drains throughout the house

  • Standing water or mushy ground near the septic field

  • A strong sewage smell in the yard

🔹 Solution: A septic professional can inspect your drain field to determine if repairs or a replacement are needed. Ignoring the problem can lead to system failure, requiring a new installation.

3. Pipes Are Clogged or Damaged

Sometimes, slow drains are caused by clogs or blockages in the pipes leading to the septic tank. Grease, food scraps, hair, and non-flushable items can build up over time, restricting flow. In colder months, tree roots or frozen pipes can also cause drainage issues in Edmonton and surrounding areas.

🔹 Solution: If only one or two drains are slow, try using a plunger or drain snake. If the whole house is affected, a professional may need to inspect the pipes and clear any blockages.

4. Too Much Water Usage at Once

Septic systems are designed to handle a certain amount of water at a time. If too many appliances (washing machine, dishwasher, showers) are running at once, the tank can’t process wastewater quickly enough, causing slow drainage.

🔹 Solution: Spread out water usage during the day. Avoid running multiple appliances at the same time, and consider upgrading your septic system if your household size has increased over the years.

5. A Broken or Clogged Septic Baffle

Septic tanks have baffles that help direct wastewater flow and prevent solids from clogging pipes. If a baffle is broken or blocked, it can slow drainage and lead to system failure.

🔹 Solution: A septic professional can inspect the tank to see if a baffle repair is needed.

When to Call a Septic Professional

If you’re dealing with multiple slow drains, frequent backups, or foul smells, your septic system could be failing. At S.A.C. Septic Solutions, we help homeowners in Edmonton, Lac Ste. Anne County, Parkland County, Sturgeon County, and Strathcona County keep their septic systems running smoothly. If your drains are slow and you suspect a septic issue, contact us today for an inspection and expert service.