General Tips on Septic Tank
How often should you empty your Septic Tank or package treatment system?
According to environmental Protection Agency (epa):
You should have your septic tank or individual wastewater treatment system inspected and de-sludged (where necessary) at least once a year:
- If you never have to empty your septic tank/system it may be because it is leaking and the effluent is not being properly treated before it comes in contact with groundwater. This could result in contamination of nearby drinking water wells an may result in problems for you or your neighbours.
- If the tank is required to be emptied more frequently, then either it is sized too small for the number of people in the house or there is an inflow of groundwater into the tank.
- Either way the tank should be water-tight
- Only permitted waste contractors should be used to remove the sludge
Safety Note: - it is dangerous to enter a septic tank or wastewater treatment system as they emit harmful gas, fumes or vapours and only certified personnel should carry out this work in these areas.
Do’s and Donts
- Do treat grey water from washing machines ad sinks in the wastewater treatment system.
- Do no allow rainwater from roofing into the wastewater treatment system and divert away properly constructed soakaway.
- Do not pour fat and grease down the sink
- Do not over use of bleach and disinfectants
- Do not use sink macerators as they can increase the organic load by 30% and result in additional maintenance
- Do not locate driveways or paved areas over the percolation area or polishing filte
Managing your System
- All domestic wastewater treatment systems should be properly installed by a competent person. You should obtain a certificate of installation upon completion.
- Maintenance of systems is an essential element for all domestic wastewater treatment systems. You should ensure that your system is properly maintained in accordance with the guidance in the EPA Code of Practice and manufacturer’s instructions.
- If you see effluent sitting on the ground near the tank/system then you should check that the septic tank/system has been emptied and that the sludge has not blocked the drainage pipes. It could also be due to poor drainage conditions at the site and should seek specialist advice.
Water Saving Tips
You can install high efficiency shower heads
You can install water saving devices in toilets
Fill the bathtub with only as much water as you need
Turn off the taps while brushing your teeth or shaving
Only run the dishwasher or washing machine when they are full
Maintain your plumbing to eliminate leaks
How Much does it cost to empty my Septic tank/desludge my septic tank?
The Cost of emptying and cleaning septic tank/bio-cycle unit
- Where are you located?
- Is the tank exposed?
- Are the drains blocked?
- Septic tank or bio-cycle ?
- Do you want your air blower/pump cleaned and serviced on a bio-cycle unit ?
It is necessary to empty/pump your septic tank/bio cycle unit when sludge and scum accumulation exceed 30pc of the tank volume or encroach on the inlet and outlet baffle entrances, according to the EPA.
PP Drains Recommend - Things you never put down your toilet/sink:
- face/baby wipes
- sanitary towels/pads
- light plastics
- cotton buds
Our engineering branch
If your Tanks fails inspection ?
Percolation area . Drain field area ?
Our engineering branch will design and install an new septic tank / bio-cycle unit or percolation area as required . Work completed including full assessment and redesign of system to meet current regulations.
Septick tank service and maintanance*
Locate tank .
Open tank
Open man holes/inspection covers
Agitate, liquid sewage, scum and sludge solids then remove agitated material
Inspect tank .
Unblock blocked drains .
Check drains and toilets are flushing and working properly.
Close man holes and tank .
Fill out waste collection docket
* We offer a call back service and maintenance contract service . Tailored to each unit .
Bio-cycle unit service and maintenance
Locate unit
Open unit
Open man holes/inspecting covers
Agitate sewage in tank and then remove agitated material
Inspect tank .
Clean and service air blower .
Check submersible pump is working . If there is one .
Unblock blocked drains
Check drains and toilets are working properly
Close man holes and tank .
Fill out waste collection book .
Examples of failed percolation area / drain fields
95% of drain fields fail because of anaerobic bacteria slime or bio mat clogging the signs and symptoms of this are black nasty pools on top of the soil in your drain field area.
