If you’re lucky enough to have a natural septic system like the NaturalFlow™ or BioPod™, you’re already ahead of the game — turning household wastewater into clean, usable water with the help of nature’s quiet heroes: worms. These little workers play a huge role in breaking down waste efficiently, sustainably, and without odour. But just like any living system, they need a bit of care to stay happy and healthy.

Here’s everything you need to know about keeping your worm-based septic system thriving.

Learn about the power of vermiculture here. 

Know your worms: they're not just soil dwellers

The worms in your NaturalFlow (or similar natural system) are specially selected composting worms — not your average garden variety. They thrive in moist, dark environments with a steady supply of organic material. In your system, they work alongside beneficial microbes to break down solids, filter water, and keep everything flowing.

These worms are hardy, but their environment matters — a lot.

Feed them right (without overfeeding)

Your system is designed to handle the usual household wastewater: toilet flushes, showers, sinks, and washing machines. But overloading it with harsh chemicals, fats, or non-organic solids can upset the balance.

Do:

• Use septic-safe, biodegradable cleaners.

• Scrape plates into the bin, not down the sink.

• Keep wipes, sanitary products, and synthetic materials out of the system.

Don’t:

• Pour fats, oils or grease down the drain.

• Use harsh bleach or antibacterial cleaners in large amounts — they can harm microbial life and your worms.

• Introduce anything you wouldn’t feed to a garden compost.

Mind the climate inside your system

Worms love a stable, moist environment — too dry, and they dehydrate. Too wet and cold, and they go dormant or drown.

• If you’re in a hot, dry area, make sure your system has some shade and stays moist.

• If you're somewhere colder, your system could be insulated and installed to prevent freezing or temperature drops.

A good system is designed with all this in mind, but external factors (like heavy water use, leaks, or weather) can affect internal conditions.

See the signs

A healthy system:

• Has no foul smell.

• Processes wastewater without pooling or backup.

• Doesn’t need frequent pump-outs or interventions.

If you notice strong odours, slow drainage, or backups, it might be a sign the system is under stress — and the worms could be struggling. Most often, the fix is simple: reduce chemical input, space out high water usage, and give the system time to rebalance.

Annual check ups go a long way

Even nature needs a bit of tender care. Most worm-based systems benefit from an annual service check. This isn’t about digging things up — it's usually a quick inspection to make sure:

• Flow levels are steady

• Worms are active and in good numbers

• No unusual build-up or clogs are forming

Your service team will give the system a once-over and make minor tweaks if needed — think of it like a health check-up for your wastewater ecosystem.

Let life flow naturally

Keeping your system healthy means more than avoiding issues — it’s about protecting your land, your water, and your local environment. A well-functioning worm-based system turns waste into clean, filtered water that safely re-enters the soil. That’s circular living at its best.

At Waterflow, we’re all about smarter, cleaner wastewater solutions that work with nature — not against it. By looking after the worms, you’re doing your bit to keep the whole cycle flowing, clean and green.

Got questions about worm care or need a system check? Give us a call, we're always happy to help.