Septic tank cleaning

A septic system collects and stores waste water from your household.   Depending on the system, some septic tanks may treat either just blackwater (from your toilet) or both grey and blackwater (all household wastewater). When wastewater passes through the septic tanks, heavier solids sink to the bottom and are broken down by bacteria and micro-organisms. This reduces the quantity of solids and also changes its composition to sludge, which builds up in the bottom of the tank. Materials such as grease and oil float to the surface in the tanks to form a crust over the liquid. The remaining liquid, called effluent, flows from the tanks into your soakage trenches to soak into the surrounding soil.

A septic system needs regular cleaning and maintenance to ensure it's effectiveness. If a septic tank   accumulate too much sludge and scum, the effective volume of the tank is reduced which in turn reduces the time for separation to take place. This means not all the solids, grease and oils will separate and will pass out of the septic tanks and into the drainage receptacles.  This can result in costly repairs running into the thousands of dollars! To prevent this from happening, it is necessary to have your septic tank pumped out regularly. 

So how often should you have your septic pumped out? This  depends on two factors, being the size of the system, and the number of people living in your household. As a general rule, it is advised that you pump out your septic tank once every 2-5 years, or when your sludge level is at approximately 30%. 

Signs that your septic needs pumping include:

• Toilets that are slow to flush, or backing up
• Bad odours
• Slow drains and pooling water

Home sewage treatment systems treat both grey and blackwater in one area.  These systems use natural bacteria to treat wastewater - liquids and solids are divided between chambers and use both bacteria and  aeration to assist the breakdown process. The resulting water is safe for the environment and can be used to irrigate your garden.

Like any sewage treatment system, your home treatment system needs proper maintenance to prevent costly breakdowns and ensure a long life for your investment.  Just like within a septic tank, the build up of solids, or sludge,  reduces it's efficiency and it needs to be removed periodically. 

Proserpine Septic Service can clean and inspect your system, and provide advice on how to ensure your septic system is working properly.