In Australia we can experience heavy rainfall causing a multitude of problems but one thing that can be affected is your septic system. There are two main things that can end up happening:
We experience a lot of calls about septic tanks being backed up after there has been heavy rainfall or even during the rainfall itself. A lot of rain can cause the ground to flood quickly around the absorption trenches, which will result in the ground becoming overly saturated.
When the water has nowhere to go, the water is going to eventually end up backing up into the drains and toilets within your home.
You can take some precautions with a few different things that can reduce the risk of this taking place.
All water from downpipes should be directed away from absorption trenches
Always direct your Grey Water (Sullage) wastewater away from absorption trenches.
All natural run off water from rain should be diverted away from absorption trenches.
Keep the grass mowed so the sun can dry out absorption trenches faster.
One of the best things that you can do is make sure that your septic system is in good condition before the rain starts.
Some absorption trenches can work better than others depending on the soil type you have and the size of your absorption trenches.
But making sure your septic system and absorption trenches are in good working order before rainy seasons is the best prevention.
If you think your septic tank system or absorption trenches are faulty the best thing to do is get in touch with a professional company like Wet Waste so that they can inspect your septic system.
With the right maintenance and preventative efforts, you can make a massive difference to your septic system.
The time to clean your septic system is determined by the type of system you have. If you have a gravity-fed septic system, then ideally it will need to be cleaned every three years. If you have a pumped septic system, then it should be cleaned every five years.
Your septic system is a sewage treatment system that uses the natural breakdown of organic matter to purify wastewater. A septic tank is the primary component of a septic system, where wastewater is stored for treatment. The sludge and scum from the tank are then sent to the drain field where they are broken down by bacteria in the soil.
It's recommended that you have your septic tank pumped and inspected every 3-5 years, depending on how many people live in your household and how many bathrooms you have.
What is 'HSTP' when talking about Waste Water Treatment Systems?
HSTPs are also known as Aerated Waste Water Treatment Systems (AWTS) or All Waste Treatment Plants (AWTP).
They are a system used for the treatment of sewage and liquid waste, and are basically a domestic version of a sewage treatment plant.
They have significantly better water quality than older style septics if properly maintained and therefore have far less environmental impact.
It can be easy to forget to have your septic tank emptied and cleaned out. The tank is underground and you may not notice how it differs from a sewage system. However, it is extremely important to clean out your septic tank or you may find yourself with bad odours or worse. It is comparable to forgetting to empty the bins.
A septic tank that is regularly emptied and cleaned out can last for decades. This makes it a reliable sewage treatment solution for the long term. The word 'tank' indicates that the amount of space where the waste can be stored is not infinite, so it's not uncommon for people to ask how often you should have your septic tank cleaned out.
Broadly speaking, it's a good idea to have your septic tank emptied and cleaned every 3-5 years. However, there are some factors that may have an impact on this:
There are a few very clear signs to look out for that tell you your septic tank needs to be emptied. Some are very urgent, and some are less urgent.
If your drains appear to be working slower than usual, it could be an indicator that the system is clogged somewhere. The same goes for toilets and sinks. It could mean that your septic tank is full.
Have you seen some unexplained pools of water on your lawn? If they're close to your septic tank, it could be overflowing. A full tank will force waste up to the surface, so unexplained puddles on the grass might mean you need to have it emptied.
All dirty water goes into your septic tank, whether from washing dishes, showering, using the toilet or cleaning clothes. This mixture results in a nasty odour, so if you are detecting an unpleasant smell then your tank may be full.
This is the most urgent sign, and it's bad for your nose and your wallet. When your sewage system starts backing up, your septic tank must be emptied right away. It's always the lowest drains that go first, so check them regularly.
A septic tank is not cheap, and if it has to be repaired or replaced, it will be costly. Taking care of your septic tank can make it last a very long time, and regular cleaning eliminates the risk of any unpleasant surprises.
Failure to do so will cause the tank to reach capacity and clog its feeding pipe. As a septic tank owner, you have a responsibility to prevent this from happening. Wet Waste specialises in septic tank cleaning on the Gold Coast and Brisbane, with 25 years of experience in the business.
If your septic tank has not been cleaned in a while, get in touch and book it in with us.
If you own a septic tank, it is essential you regularly clean and pump out your tank to ensure it can continue to function as required and does not become blocked or damaged. It can be difficult for homeowners in Australia to know how often they should get their septic tank pumped out. In this guide, we explain everything you need to know about how often to pump and clean a septic tank.
As a general rule of thumb, septic tanks that are between 1600 - 4000 litres should be pumped every 2 - 4 years. This frequency can change, however, based on the following factors.
If you are in doubt about how often your septic tank needs to be pumped and cleaned, contact our professional team at Wet Waste. We offer septic tank cleaning services and will be able to advise you how frequently to pump your tank based on your tank size and household.
There are a few signs that indicate your septic tank is full, such as…
If you neglect to pump and clean your septic tank when required sludge and scum, which is unable to be drained, can build up and cause blockages in your tank. Sludge will continue to build up and enter your drain field, causing a bio-mat to be formed. Bio mats block absorption and create costly repairs for your septic tank. Failure to pump your tank puts your household at a sanitary risk as waste will be forced to decompose in your pipes.
If you would like more information about how frequently to pump and drain your septic tank, contact Wet Waste today. We're an experienced and professional company serving the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Redlands, Logan and Ipswich Shires.
Liquid Waste Removal and Septic Tank Cleaning on the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Redlands, Logan and Ipswich Shires.
Call Mark: 1300 552 017
E-mail: [email protected]