SEPTIC TANK CLEANING

SUNSHINE COAST TO GYMPIE REGION

SEPTIC TANKS

A properly designed, constructed and maintained septic system can provide very good long-term treatment of household wastewater.

The Septic tank is intended to hold the wastewater long enough to allow partial decomposition of the solid materials by bacteria and allow water discharge into trenches.

A typical septic system’s main components:
Inlet pipe from the home ie laundry, bathrooms, toilets and Grease Trap. (Grease Trap collect all the waste from the kitchen).
A septic tank is typically made of concrete, fibreglass or polyethylene with 3 lids on top, a main lid in the middle with smaller inspection lids either side.
Outlet to drain field / trenches.
Drain fields / trenches.

Alternative Systems

Many areas don’t have soils suitable for typical septic systems or are too close to groundwater or surface water, need an alternative system. Alternative septic systems could include extra tanks after the septic tank like a Holding Tank, Pump Tank or a different systems like Treatment Plants.

Why should I maintain my septic system?

A well-maintained Septic tank will provide your household with safe treatment of your household sewage for many years, prevent the spread of infection and disease and protect water resources.

The solid waste in the septic tank is treated and partially broken down by natural bacteria, over time the solids, scum and sludge build up within the tank and need periodic pumping out for the process to continue.

Regular inspections and pumping are the most efficient way to keep your septic system in good working order.

How to maintain my septic system

Inspect and pump frequently

A typical septic system should generally be pumped every 3 to 5 years.

Four major factors influence the required frequency of pumping

Number of people in your household
Amount of wastewater going through the system
Volume of solids in the wastewater
Septic tank size

Things to inspect regularly to help ensure your system is running to its full potential:

Ensure the toilet is flushing correctly, check for signs of backing up, leaks, around the tank & trenches / drain field.
Ensure there is only minimal Scum Crust on top.
Ensure the level of waste water in the tank is below the inlet and slightly below the outlet.
Ensure there is no bad odour coming from the system. Odours may indicate the tank needs a pump out.
Inspections can be done by certified plumbers.

Septic System Do's and Don’ts

Do's

Learn the location of your septic system including the drain field / trenches and pipe work.
Use water efficiently to avoid overloading the septic system.
Clean and wash with mild detergent or septic specific products. Avoid using anti-bacterial cleaners and detergents wherever possible.
Keep records of repairs, pumping, inspections, permits issued and other system maintenance activities.
Inspect and pump out your septic system regularly.
Plant only grass near your septic system.
Make sure your tank is always accessible to be maintained and pumped out correctly.
Pump out the Grease Trap regularly to prevent kitchen waste entering the septic tank.

Don’t

Don’t treat your septic system as a rubbish bin. Don’t put dental floss, wipes, feminine hygiene products, condoms, nappies, cotton swabs, cigarette butts, coffee grounds, oil, cat litter, paper towels, paint, pesticides or other hazardous chemicals into your system.
Don’t use caustic drain openers in a blocked drain, instead use boiling water or a drain snake/eel to open blockages.
Don’t drive or park vehicles on any part of your septic system. Doing so can compact the soil in your drain field / trenches or damage the pipes, tank, or other septic system components.
Don’t cover the tank with pavers, decks or patios.
Don’t use excess amounts of wastewater
Don’t plant shrubs and trees near the system, roots of the plants can enter the system and cause major damage.

If you would like any further information please contact Suttons Cleaning Service.

*Please note this information is a guide for general septic system. If you require any further information, we recommend you contact a qualified plumber or Suttons Cleaning Service.

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