How to Care for Your Septic Tank System

How Often to Pump Your Septic Tank

You should have your septic tank emptied once a year. However, this does depend on the size of your tank and the number of people living in your property. There are four major factors that can influence the frequency of septic tank pumping:

• Household size
• Septic tank size
• Volume of solids in wastewater
• Total wastewater generated

If your septic tank is servicing a house full of people, it will need emptying out more regularly than once a year, however, this is something we can advise you on.

Check for Signs of Damage

To maintain your septic tank properly, it is important to periodically check your system for signs of damage. Be sure to thoroughly inspect your septic tank for any signs of system failure, these would include:

• Bad odours
• Surfacing sewage
• Wet spots or standing water around the septic tank
• Lush vegetation growth or especially green grass around the tank
• Slow draining fixtures
• Gurgling sounds in the plumbing system

If you spot any problems like these, it is essential you call our team straight away. Signs of damage mean that your septic tank is not working properly and it may be causing damage to your health or the environment. So, the extent of the damage will need to be assessed by our professionals as soon as possible so that a repair or replacement can be carried out.

Use Water Efficiently

The average indoor water use for a typical family home is around 70 gallons per person, per day. Having a leak, such as a running toilet, can waste up to 200 gallons of water every day, not only causing significant expense but also overloading your septic tank system. All of the water from a household ends up in your septic tank system, so using water efficiently will reduce the risk of system overload and subsequent failure. There are many easy ways to use water efficiently, including:

• Installing faucet aerators and high-efficiency showerheads
• High-efficiency toilets that are designed to use less water
• Use your washing machine and other appliances sparingly.

Properly Dispose of Household Waste

Flushing household waste down the toilet or pouring it down the sink is detrimental to your septic tank system. Your septic tank is not a rubbish bin and foreign items will clog up the pipes, causing sewage overflow and a number of other serious problems. Everything you put down the drain has an effect on how your septic system works. Do not flush anything other than human waste and toilet paper down your toilet. Never flush:

• Paper towels
• Sanitary products
• Cooking grease or oil
• Non-flushable wet wipes
• Dental floss
• Coffee grounds
• Nappies
• Cat litter
• Household chemicals like paint or pesticides.