If you live in an older property you may not have access up to the main sewerage system. This might mean that you rely on a septic tank instead. That’s not a problem; septic tanks can be just as effective at removing waste as main sewerage systems. However, they do require a little extra septic tank maintenance to keep them running smoothly and keep your property in a sanitary condition.
Because septic tanks are located underground, they do need to be closely monitored for cracks or breakages which could disrupt the process and cause sewage to flow out into the ground around your home. You also need to perform regular septic tank emptying to ensure they do not overflow.
Regular Inspection
When it comes to septic tank maintenance tips, a regular septic tank inspection should be at the top of your list. You should hire a professional who understands the ins and outs of septic tank care to empty your septic tank regularly. If your tank becomes too full then you may experience slow drainage and your home could start to smell if the system gets backed up.
Septic tank emptying should be booked regularly based on the size of your tank and the number of people that use it. A professional will be able to give you more information on how often your septic tank emptying should take place. Your tank is checked for signs of wear and tear or cracking, which will flag any concerns.
Proper Pumping
Aside from the regular emptying, septic tank pumping should also be carried out regularly. This process means flushing out your whole system to service it. For a family of up to 4 people, this should be arranged with a professional around once every 3 years. However, for a larger family, it’s best to book septic tank pumping every 1.5 – 2 years to prevent a sewage build-up.
To remember your booking date, try to arrange servicing in spring. This is perfect to form part of your spring servicing regime, but also falls in line with the time of year when the ground is dry and not too dusty, making it easier for your maintenance team to access without causing too much mess.
Water-Efficient Practices
Another fabulous tip to keep your septic tank working at full capacity is to conserve water where you can. You can purchase high-efficiency toilets that flush with the minimum amount of water, use shower heads that reduce the water flow and find washing machines that have more water-efficient cycles.
You can even make smaller, more practical changes to decrease the amount of water flowing into your septic tank. How about turning the taps off while you brush your teeth? Or reusing wastewater to water your garden rather than allowing it to flow through the system.
Waste Disposal Guidelines
To preserve your septic tank for as long as possible, there are certain things that you shouldn’t flush away or wash down the sink. Don’t flush baby wipes or makeup wipes down the toilet. They don’t degrade like toilet paper does and this could clog your pipes and clog up your septic tank so that it will need to be emptied more regularly.
You should also avoid putting grease or oil down the sink. This solidifies at room temperature and sticks to the insides of your pipes and tank meaning that your water can’t clean itself efficiently.
Drainfield Maintenance
Your drainfield is the place where your tank is situated underground and the immediate surrounding area. There are certain tips and tricks to abide by in order to keep this area safe for your septic tank to function correctly.
It’s important to avoid heavy loads, so don’t create a parking area or build a structure on your drainfield. This could not only damage the tank due to the weight but will also cause problems when you’re scheduled for septic tank pumping.
You should also avoid planting flowers or landscaping the area as anything you plant there will need to be moved to empty your septic tank.
Finally, it’s a good idea to divert any other kind of drainage system away from that area to prevent flooding and to keep the area relatively dry so that the tank can be accessed easily.
Septic Tank Emptying With Thistle Tanks
For professional septic tank servicing and maintenance, Thistle Tanks is here to help. Our expert team is here to assist you with any septic tank emptying to keep your tank well maintained.
If your septic tank needs emptying, contact Thistle Tanks today for more information and guidance.