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Routine procedures you must follow to keep a septic tank in good shape

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Amy Stables
Routine procedures you must follow to keep a septic tank in good shape

Are your sinks, bathtubs and toilets draining slowly? Do you notice soggy areas of water on the ground or above the septic tank? If so, then there might be a system failure in the septic tank installed in your home.

Septic tanks are like personalised sewage water treatment plants for individual homeowners. Recycling waste or sewage water via septic tank can help in preserving water and use it for various other chores. Failure in septic tank system might lead to loss of recycled water, which will have adverse effect on nature.

It’s important to clean the septic tank on regular basis. It not only helps in making the sewage treatment efficient but also helps in detecting leaks, if any. Following wastes are disposed on regular cleaning of a tank -

  • Household chemicals
  • Excrement
  • Food scraps
  • Bathwater

Septic tank consists of 2 different parts-

  • The drain field
  • The tank

The sewage and water separate into two layers when it goes into the septic tank. The solid matter sinks to the bottom and the oil and other lighter material drift to the top and go to the drain field.

Additionally, an interceptor is installed in the drainage system to separate water and sewage. This interceptor waste can be hazardous to the environment. Thus, it is collected in a separate compartment and disposed of at regular intervals.

Many septic systems consist of similar components, but not all are the same. Septic systems are available in different sizes. It requires personal attention depending upon a variety of factors. Small septic systems need to be pumped more often whereas larger septic systems do not.

The three things to know if something is wrong with septic tank-

  • Odour:- If you get a smell in the yard, make sure to take immediate actions in order to prevent further issues.
  • Swampy soil:- It is ensured there is an issue with a septic tank when the yard is soggy. Though, it must not have been raining in that area.
  • Drain backups:- Drains might not be draining well and you must have tried Drano. There could be an issue with backups in the septic tank.

Procedures to follow to prevent major issues with septic tank-

  • Install filters:-  In some septic tanks, filters are already installed. You need to learn how to clean through it regularly. The overflow from septic tank floods drain field and create a breeding ground for mosquitoes and flies. This lead to spread of infectious diseases.
  • Conserve water:- Conserve water as much as possible. Septic tanks can hold much water at a time. Check for leaky faucets and running toilets and ensure to choose right size for a load of laundry to wash.
  • Pump septic tank regularly:- The septic tank will overfill with excess discharge and back up water system if not pumped regularly. How often septic tank needs to be pumped depends on-
  • The size of the tank
  • Number of people living in the household

Usually, pumping is required in every 5 to 6 years.

  • Garbage Disposals

Avoid using garbage disposal as much as possible. It can lead to clogs in the drain field and also create more wastewater. Solid waste builds up over time and doesn’t decompose quickly which contaminates water.

Ashwaste Environmental Ltd. is one of the leading registered waste carriers with over 3 decades of experience. Whether it's septic tank installation in Epping Essex, cleaning your septic tanks or any other query related to waste handling and disposal, contact Ashwaste Environmental Ltd. for one stop solution.

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