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Maintaining Your Septic Tank

Proper care of your on-site sewage system is absolutely essential to keeping your septic system up and running. Regular maintenance will not only save you money on costly repairs, but it will also help protect your living environment by ensuring water quality. Fortunately, septic system maintenance isn’t difficult. Here’s our guide on how to properly care for your septic tank.

Pump Your Septic Tank

Over time, a septic tank accumulates solid material, which must be pumped out. Allowed to accumulate, this sludge will eventually overflow into the drain field, which can cause extensive damage. Household septic tanks are typically pumped every three to five years. However, there are a number of factors that can influence the frequency of septic pumping which includes: household size, amount of wastewater generated, volume of solids in wastewater, and the size of the septic tank.

It is advised that you should inspect the tank yourself, or have a septic service professional check the levels, once a year. You should also regularly inspect the drain field areas for wet spots, odors, or surfacing sewage. The tank should be pumped when:

  1. The bottom of the scum is within 3 inches of the bottom of the outlet device. Or;
  2. The top of the sludge layer is within 12" of the bottom of the outlet.

To keep track of when to pump your tank, write down the sludge and scum levels found by the septic professional.

Maintenance Routines

There are a number of additional maintenance routines that you should carry out to ensure that your septic tank remains in the best condition. This includes:

High-pressure water jetting - All septic systems will also accumulate solids in their drain pipes, which can clog the pipes that connect the septic tank to the drain field. We therefore recommend high-pressure water jetting every five years to eliminate and clear any debris that could prevent your system from operating efficiently.

Install an effluent filter - This prevents solids from entering into your drain field, and should be properly cleaned or replaced whenever you service your system. If your septic system does not have a filter, then contact a professional septic company.

Use a bacteria additive - Use a live organic bacteria in your septic system that breaks down the presence of unnatural substances, such as soap and detergents. This will help to keep your pipes clean and clear, and your system functioning properly.

Check Warning Signs

It is extremely important to inspect your septic tank regularly and look for any warning signs, which includes: gurgling sounds coming from the plumbing systems, a slowdown in draining, and odors, wet spots, or surface sewage in the drain field area. You should contact a professional septic company immediately if you notice any of these warning signs. You risk having to replace the whole septic tank if repairs are not carried out on systems straight away.

Septic System Do’s

Do perform regular maintenance - This includes inspecting your tank at least once a year and pumping your tank when necessary. We advise using a professional septic company to check the levels and condition of your tank.

Do save inspection and maintenance records - If damage is reported, then you should hire a professional to carry out repairs as soon as possible. Always keep an accurate record of the system maintenance, including information of any potential or existing leaks, as well as sludge and scum levels, and possible damage, for future owners.

Do conserve water - Reducing the amount of water you use is a simple was to extend the life of your drain field and maintain an efficient septic system. Try to purchase high-efficiency appliances that use less water. 

Septic System Don’ts

Don’t flush items down the toilet - To prevent blocking and breaking your system, avoid flushing anything down the toilet that isn’t toilet paper. This includes things like: makeup wipes, sanitary pads, disposable diapers, dental floss, and cigarette butts.

Don’t pour chemicals down the drain - Heavy-duty cleaners, along with varnish, motor oils, and other similar chemicals, can kill the beneficial bacteria in a septic tank. This means that solids won’t break down as well. It is therefore best to avoid them, or use them as little as possible - try using boiling water or a drain snake instead.

Don’t enter a septic tank - Poisonous gases and bacteria or lack of oxygen can be fatal. Any work to the tank should be done from the outside and you should always get assistance from a professional septic company. Never open or enter a septic tank.

If regular septic tank maintenance is performed and precautions are taken, then your system should provide many years of trouble free service.

The information provided in these articles is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. The content is created to the best of our knowledge and is based on information available. We may make changes to the material on our Website, or to the products and prices described in it, at any time without prior notice. If you would like to find out more and discuss your specific application with us further, please contact us and a member of our expert team will gladly assist you.

Thursday 28th March 2024
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