Septic Tank Maintenance – What Does Your Septic Tank Need? ?

Septic tank maintenance will help your tank run efficiently and prevent any minor or major issues that could be on the horizon. You will find properties in both a commercial or domestic area that will have a septic tank system, commonly in rural areas. This is usually when the property has no access to the main sewage line, the septic tank then acts as a sewage system for the property.

We can help with your Septic Tank Emptying with our newest Site Equip jewel, Site Waste!

If your property has a septic tank, you are responsible for the upkeep of the tank. Poor maintenance of septic tanks can potentially result in larger, more costly issues further in the septic tank’s future, plus flooding from the septic tanks can be incredibly harmful to close proximity residents and the environment.

There are strict regulations and airtight procedures in place for septic tank owners to ensure any possible issues are addressed and averted prior to them occurring.

But how are you meant to know when your septic tank needs emptying?

It’s often very apparent when a bad smell arises from the septic tank. You may also notice the overflowing of sludge and water. Slower flushing toilets are also an indicator your tank needs emptying. If you find your septic tank needs an empty, give us a call on 01256 384134 and one of our Site Waste team will be able to assist you with your septic tank emptying needs. You can also find further information on septic tank cleaning here.

Some tips for septic tank maintenance

• Only flush waste and toilet paper
• Pump and clean your septic tank regularly to prevent flooding issues
• Save water where possible
• Don’t pour oil/grease down your sink
• If flooding occurs, check if this contains sludge
• Protect the ground around your septic tank

What are some potential problems that can occur with your septic tank?

Your septic tank is full but only during / after wet weather

You will need to check and see if rainwater is entering your septic tank or if the surface water from the rainfall is entering your tank. It is also possible your septic tank is too small for your usage and you will need to get it emptied on a regular schedule.

Your tank is full all the time and not just after wet weather.

It is possible your septic tank is too small for your usage and you will need to get it emptied on a regular schedule. There is also a possibility that your soakaway area is too small or even have a blockage that needs clearing or you could be dealing with a failed percolation area.

Other issues

• Sludge build up – This is the main reason that septic tanks build up. This should be emptied once a year minimum.
• Filter clogging – This is caused by not having your tank cleaned on a regular basis
• Tree roots invading tank cracks – this can cause a complete stop or a dramatic slow down within the system.
• Sewage odours – This could indicate there are plumbing problems, a leak or your tank needs a good old clean.

How can you avoid problems?

• Keep kitchen waste out of the system
• Do not put non-biodegradable products into the system
• Do not use your system to dispose of toxic materials like oven cleaner
• Keep the amount of water going to the septic system at a minimum

Problems can be avoided with regular maintenance. We recommend that you have your taken emptied regularly. You can see the services Site Waste provides here or you can give one of the Site Waste team a call on 01256 384134.