If you live off the beaten track or have just bought your dream house out in the country, you likely have an off-mains sewage system such as a septic tank.
Septic tanks require much more maintenance from the homeowner than typical mains drainage. This is because the tank is installed on private property and is therefore the responsibility of the landowner.
Owning a septic tank is not something to worry about, especially when you know how they should be managed.
Keep reading our helpful guide for all the advice on septic tanks you could ever need, including what issues may arise and how to look after your tank safely.
What is a septic tank?
Only 5% of properties in the UK have a self-contained drainage system: a waste disposal structure that isn't connected to a nearby sewer.
Septic tanks are a form of off-mains sewage system that break down and treat organic household waste using microorganisms.
Waste from your toilets and kitchen taps is flushed into the septic tank installed beneath the ground on your property.
The tank collects the waste, removes any contaminants from the water, and releases the treated wastewater back into the environment through a drainage field.
Without them, untreated waste would flood your land, fields, and other surrounding areas, causing nasty smells and diseases for humans and animals alike.
How to identify issues with your septic tank
Spotting problems with your septic tank before they get progressively worse will save you from dealing with dangerous and costly issues down the line.
So, what signs should you be on the lookout for?
• Overflowing or slowly flushing toilets
• Dirty water or waste pooling above the ground where your septic tank or drainage field is
• Your tank has to be emptied more regularly than usual
• Foul odours surrounding your drainage field area
• Sewage and water backing up in your toilets, sinks, and drains
• Gurgling sounds coming from your piping or plumbing
• Healthy green grass emerging above your septic tank, even throughout winter
If you experience any of these issues, get in touch with a professional as soon as possible – do not attempt to enter the septic tank yourself.
Untreated waste produces toxic chemicals and gases that can be extremely dangerous if the correct precautions aren’t taken.
What can cause problems for your sewage treatment system?
Several factors can impact your septic tank, so you must be aware of and avoid doing the following.
Flushing anything other than human waste down the toilet
Solid household objects entering septic tanks is one of the most common reasons that prevent them from operating effectively.
Nappies, sanitary products, toilet wipes, cotton buds, and kitchen towels are often flushed down drainage systems, causing several issues in your septic tank.
These items cannot be broken down and clog the septic tank, causing it to leak and overflow. They may even block your drains before reaching the tank.
Planting trees near your septic tank
Roots from trees and large plants can spread out and damage your underground sewage system, causing sewage to leak out and rainwater to seep in.
Using your drains to dispose of chemicals and toxic fluids
The microorganisms used in septic tank waste treatment can be harmed by destructive substances such as bleach, paint, cleaning fluids, and grease. Therefore, waste will not break down quickly and start to clog the system.
Connecting surface water drainage to your septic tank
Water drainage systems that collect and disperse rainwater, such as channel drains and roof drainage, should not be connected to your septic tank.
A septic tank isn’t designed to deal with high volumes of continuously flowing wastewater and would burst or leak under pressure.
How can you maintain your septic tank?
With proper maintenance and care, your sewage system will operate effectively, and your septic tank lifespan will increase.
Try the following tips to maintain your system efficiently.
Contact a registered waste carrier to empty your tank
The material that collects at the bottom of your septic tank after the wastewater has been treated is called sludge.
Sludge builds up over time and needs to be removed for your tank to function.
Your septic tank should be emptied every 1-2 years. Remember, only hire a professional waste carrier to do this, as they are trained to empty it safely.
Keep maintenance records and update them when necessary
Keeping a log of service history will prompt you to empty your tank when it’s time, but it also helps you to keep up with the legal requirements set out by the environmental agency.
Only use environmentally friendly cleaning products
To prevent you from killing the bacteria that break down your waste, only use gentle products that don’t contain harmful and toxic chemicals.
Environmentally friendly products also cause less damage and pollution to the surrounding land if a leak or overflow did occur.
Use less water
Excessive wastewater can overload your septic tank and cause it to overflow.
By making some subtle household changes, the volume of water entering your drainage system can be reduced. They could include:
• Installing a low-flow shower and taking showers instead of baths
• Use a washing machine with low water consumption
• Don’t run a half-full dishwater
• Use aerators on taps
• Repair leaking taps and toilets
Contact the specialists in sewage treatment systems
After 29 years of trading, it’s fair to say that Cotterill Civils know all about septic tanks, maintenance, and which tank is best for your property.
If you want to get in touch with one of their experts, give them a call on 0121 351 3230 or get in touch online via their enquiry form. They’ll be in touch as soon as they can.