Maintaining your Septic Tank

Your septic tank system is a biological system which utilizes useful bacteria to break down human waste. Most septic tank problems are cause by one or more of the below.

You may have a problem with your septic system when :-

• There is a bad odor coming from your septic system
• Toilets and plugs drain very slowly or not at all
• Waste water is pooling on the dripper field
• Any alarm is ringing

These problems can be caused by any one or more of the following factors :-

• A sludge build up in the tank caused by infrequent emptying
• Non-biodegradable chemicals are being put down the drains, killing the useful bacteria required to make your septic system work efficiently
• Other unsuitable items such as fats and grease are being disposed of into the system, a build-up of these items can lead to clogging of the gravel in the dripper field or can cause the blocking of the inlet pipe to the septic tank
• There is damage to the pipes, either by tree roots or by fractures in the pipes
• The dripper field is in a water logged area
• Excess use or over loading of water into the system

To maintain your system and allow it to function correctly we recommend the following :- 

• Regular 6 monthly services & maintenance ie :- keeping filters clean
• Protect the dripper field by avoiding driving vehicles or grazing stock on it and divert your storm water away from the area
• Do not allow deep rooting trees or shrubs to grow over drainage pipes or the dripper field
• Do not pour greases, fats or oils down any drain
• Do not attach a waste disposal unit to your sink for disposal of foods that are difficult to biodegrade
• Do not dispose of paints or any household chemicals down any drain, use biodegradable washing powders or liquids where possible (i.e., do not use or dispose of bleaches, whiteners, nappy soakers, stain removers & disinfectants, chemicals, pesticides and oils, paints, varnishes & paint thinners, cold water soap powders)
• Do not dispose of automotive fluids down any drain including petrol, oil, transmission or brake fluid, grease or antifreeze
• Do not rinse pesticides, herbicides or any other toxins down the drains
• Do not dispose of any non-biological item down your toilet or drains e.g. :- Cigarette butts, disposable nappies, baby wipes, make-up wipes
• or any feminine hygiene products
• Do not waste unnecessary amounts of water while washing dishes or thawing foods. Utilise water saving devices where possible
• Do not run half loads in the dishwasher or washing machine. Where possible stagger laundry wash loads throughout the week
• Do not use chemicals to "clean out" your system
• Do not attach "clean water" sources such as sump pumps or storm water to your system
• Do not use anti-bacterial hand washes or non-biodegradable fabric softeners