Pure water is important to the quality of life. How we dispose of waste water is crucial to the health of our families and the community.
In rural areas, septic systems use natural treatment and filtration to clean waste water before final dispersal underground.
When functioning as intended, septic systems are efficient and economical to maintain; when they fail, they cause odours, health risks, water pollution and huge expense.
With proper ongoing maintenance we can all contribute to protecting our health and the environment.
This is the most abused tank we have seen. Electric drills, spanners, you name it, they got it in there.
What is a Septic Tank?
A septic tank is a water-tight underground container, designed to receive raw sewage and retain the liquid portion for at least 24 hours. This retention period allows for the separation of the inflow, the heavier material settles to the bottom (becoming sludge), the lighter stuff floats (becoming scum), and the "clear" water discharges to the soakage area. As the sludge and scum layers grow, the efficiency of the septic tank decreases.
The soakage area, commonly known as a "reln trench", is a very important part of a Septic System, as this is where the treated effluent from the septic tank is distributed to the soil for absorption and final treatment.
Tree root infestation usually requires mechanical removal.
DO
Have your tank pumped out every 3 to 5 years. Have a professional ( Plumber or Pumper) inspect the whole system, dizzy pit and pump chamber.
Only household waste and toilet paper should be disposed of in a septic tank. Minimise kitchen greasy waste.
Know where your system is, and the lay-out of the disposal area.
Fix leaking taps and cisterns straight away. Any leak or drip, no matter how small will eventually over-load the system, resulting in complete saturation and failure.
Practise water conservation by the use of dual flush toilet cisterns, water saving taps and shower heads, use the dishwasher only when full, and you can limit the load imposed on the system.
Take hazardous wastes to approved disposal points.
Plant grass on the disposal area instead of trees and water sparingly to encourage the water upward.
Divert stormwater away from the disposal area.
Protect the drainfield from vehicles.
Ensure the system is sized for your needs. Additional bedrooms and backsides impose greater loads.
Always use your plumber for repairs, additions and improvements
Very thick and hard crust from 17 years of neglect.
DON'T
Never put non-biodegradable stuff into the system. No cigerette buts, nappies, hair, sanitary items, tea-bags, etc. If you can eat it first, it's generally OK.
Never use proprietry additives. Unnecessary, expensive and can ruin the drainfield.
Go easy on bleaches and cleaning products in general.
Never pour kero, anti-freeze, herbicide, pesticides or other chemical stuff, or old prescription drugs down the drain.
Don't do all your washing on one day, spread your laundry loads over the week.
This is the most abused tank we have seen. Electric drills, spanners, you name it, they got it in there. 
Tree root infestation usually requires mechanical removal.
