When the wastewater enters, the heavier solids settle to the bottom of the tank while the light solids such as fats float to the top, producing a scum layer that prevents odours from escaping. The remaining liquid, which is broken down by bacteria in your septic tank system, flows out of the tank where it discharges into a soakage area.

How often should I have my septic tank cleaned?
Septic tanks usually need to be cleaned out every 3-5 years. The frequency depends upon several things including, the number of occupants living at the property, what goes into the system and the capacity of the tank.

What is the best way to look after my septic tank?
Your on-site septic treatment is a living system and using some household products can upset this system, preventing it from operating efficiently. It is best to check that any products you are using, such as washing powder or detergent, can be used with a septic tank before you buy them.

Here are a couple of tips to keep your septic tank in good working order:

• Avoid harsh, chemical-based detergents and use products that are phosphate free as phosphates can kill the good bacteria and enzymes that live in your tank.

• Minimise the use of bleaches, whiteners, nappy soakers, stain removers and disinfectants.

• Remove excessive fats, cooking oils and grease before doing the dishes (Scrape plates, wrap the fats in newsprint and place in your food scraps bin, if possible.)

• Put only sewage and toilet paper into the system – everything else should go in the bin, including nappies, plasters, tampons and dental floss.

• Don’t do multiple loads of laundry in one day. Septic tanks have a maximum daily volume that they can treat. It is also a good idea to avoid overloading the system with high-volume loads by spacing out water use as evenly as possible.

How do I know if my septic tank needs cleaning?
There are several signs that your septic tank may need to be cleaned and these include:

• You can hear a gurgling sound coming from the pipes.

• Toilets and sinks are slow to drain.

• Water is pooling on the surface of the disposal field.

• There is a smell of sewage near the septic tank or the disposal field.

• Overflowing drains.

• The warning light is activated.

 
Think your tank may need emptying? Contact us or call 09 950 4809 and our friendly team of experts will be happy to help.