Septic tank maintenance is essential for households which rely on septic systems to manage the wastewater from their toilets, bathrooms and kitchens because they aren’t connected to the main sewer network. Septic tanks are generally very reliable, but they do require a little attention. Without proper care and maintenance, they can become inefficient and even hazardous.
Maintenance can extend your septic tank’s lifespan – a septic tank stocked by Tanks for Everything could typically be expected to last up to 40 years with proper maintenance. Proper maintenance can also reduce the risk of system failure and avoid the expense of costly repairs or replacements, as well as cutting the likelihood of sewage backups and foul odours in your home.
Here’s what you need to do for a trouble free system:
Schedule regular pumping – routine septic tank emptying is essential to keeping your system working efficiently. Over time, solids settle at the bottom of the tank, forming a layer of sludge. If this sludge isn’t removed, it can build up and clog the system, leading to backups or damage to the drainage field. Most tanks will need emptying every three to five years, but it may be more often, depending on your household size, tank capacity and water usage. If you’re not sure when it is due, check your last service report for the recommended emptying date.
Routine inspections - even if your septic tank seems to be working well, you should schedule annual inspections with a professional. A professional inspection can pick up on small issues before they become an expensive problem, including minor leaks, pipe blockages or even early signs of system failure.
Conserve water - using too much water, or too much water at once, can overload the system and prevent solids and liquids from separating properly. This can lead to untreated waste entering your drainage field, causing contamination. Install low flow toilets, fix dripping taps, don’t put the washing machine and dishwasher on at the same time and spread your laundry out over a few days to give your system time to process the wastewater effectively.
Be careful what you flush - only flush the three Ps – pee, poo and paper. A septic tank is designed to deal with these materials, which break down easily, allowing the system to process them effectively. Avoid flushing wipes, dental floss and sanitary products, as they can clog pipes, block outlets and reduce the efficiency of your tank.
Keep food waste out - the septic tank isn’t designed to deal with food scraps or grease. Grease and fats can solidify, clog pipes and disrupt the waste treatment process, while vegetable peelings and the remains of your dinner can overload the system.
Don’t use harsh chemicals - strong cleaning agents such as bleach, oil based cleaners and industrial strength detergents can destroy the bacteria in the system which are essential for breaking down waste. Use biodegradable or septic safe products to clean your home instead. These maintain the bacterial balance in the tank, while also keeping your house hygienically clean.
Protect the drainage field – the drainage field is an area of ground (probably your garden) where the treated wastewater is dispersed. It is essential to keep this area clear of vehicles, heavy machinery, permanent structures or any plants whose roots may cause damage to the pipes.
Check the drainage field – carry out a check of the drainage field yourself at least twice a year. Signs of potential problems to look out for include pooling water or lush vegetation – which could be an indication of plants getting fertiliser straight from your septic tank.
Keep access clear - your sewage tank’s access points should be easy to locate and free from obstructions to make inspections, maintenance and emergency repairs straightforward.
If you do all of this, you should improve the lifecycle of your septic tank and minimise the risk of any problems, but it is still important to look out for warning signs, which may show that your system isn’t working properly and needs attention.
Warning signs include:
- Slow draining: If your sinks, showers or toilets are slow to drain, it could be a sign the septic tank is overloaded or has a blockage.
- Foul smells: Unpleasant odours around your home or near the septic tank or drainage field could indicate a system failure or leak.
- Water pooling: Standing water or wet patches near the drainage field could indicate a blocked or malfunctioning system, which is preventing proper wastewater dispersal.
Finally, it is important that everyone in the household knows the rules and knows to follow them. Having just one person responsible for ensuring the right things are flushed, food waste isn’t rinsed down the sink and water is used carefully won’t be enough to preserve the life of your septic tank.
As soon as children are old enough to use the bathroom themselves, it is important they are made aware of what can and can’t be flushed and that they understand water consumption to protect the safety and longevity of your septic tank.
