A septic system can be invaluable when it isn’t feasible to connect your home’s drains to the sewer network (which is often the case in rural locations, for example).
However, your system must be carefully looked after and regularly emptied in order to continue cleansing wastewater effectively. That’s why you’ll want to familiarise yourself with the dos and don’ts of UK septic system maintenance and use a septic tank emptying service provided by drainage specialists such as the Mega-Rod Bath team.
Because septic systems are private facilities, the responsibility for septic system maintenance lies with homeowners. So if your current home has a septic system or you’re buying a property with one, it’s crucial to know how this type of off-mains drainage works.
A septic system consists of a septic tank and a drainage field. Together, they act as a basic wastewater treatment plant. Wastewater flows through drains and then enters the tank, where it’s held for a few days or so.
In the tank’s first chamber, gravity ensures solid waste sinks to the bottom while less dense waste (cooking oil, say) floats on the water’s surface. The water then flows into the second chamber, where it’s separated from smaller waste particles. Helpful bacteria break down some of the waste.
Having been partially cleansed, the water is released from the tank and flows through a series of pipes buried beneath the drainage field. As the water seeps out of tiny holes in the pipework, its remaining contaminants are broken down by the soil’s own beneficial bacteria.
It can then safely merge with groundwater.
As long as you know what to do – and not do – when it comes to septic system maintenance, you can avoid serious problems, such as the tank overflowing, and extend the system’s lifespan.
Do get a homebuyer’s drainage survey before exchanging contracts. We can conduct a full inspection of your drains and septic system with the aid of a powerful CCTV camera. This will flag up any problems – and, if necessary, give you the opportunity to renegotiate or stop the sale.
Don’t direct rainwater into your septic system; otherwise, you risk overwhelming the tank. If that happens, solid waste could be ejected and choke your drainage field. Send rainwater to a ditch or soakaway crate, for example, instead.
Do conserve water to protect the system. Use water-saving devices, including low-flow tap aerators, and wash one load of laundry per day instead of several in quick succession.
Don’t pour or flush away troublesome substances. Anything greasy or fibrous, such as fat or wet wipes, could create congestion and blockages and therefore stop your septic system from working.
Do use eco-friendly, biodegradable cleaning products around your home. Green, septic-safe options won’t kill your system’s vital bacteria, unlike standard alternatives.
Don’t use toxic chemical drain cleaners – you’ll end up having to repopulate the system’s bacteria colonies with additives. If you’re experiencing poor drainage, contact us instead for professional drain unblocking, drain cleaning and septic tank emptying without nasty chemicals.
Do ask a tree surgeon to relocate any trees growing on/near your drainage field. Thirsty invasive roots will penetrate, crack and block septic system pipework if given half a chance and can only be removed with a root cutting service.
Do allow grass to cover the field – it guards against erosion by holding soil in place and preventing rain washing it away, thereby helping to protect the underground pipework.
Don’t drive over or develop this land – heavy vehicles and construction equipment compress soil, undermining its ability to filter wastewater, and can damage pipes too. Moreover, concrete and other building materials could kill beneficial bacteria by depriving them of oxygen.
Do schedule annual septic tank emptying appointments. By asking us to periodically pump out solid waste, you can ensure your tank doesn’t get too full, which would derail the system. Plus, you can save money by setting up an ongoing septic tank maintenance contract with us.
Don’t attempt to empty your septic tank yourself – its contents are too hazardous. Moreover, as our septic tank emptying FAQs make clear, the task requires drainage expertise and heavy-duty equipment, including a pump and tanker.
Spring and summer is the ideal time for septic tank emptying and CCTV drainage surveys.
Our experienced drainage technicians cover Bath, Bristol, North Somerset, North and West Wiltshire, and South Gloucestershire.
Mega-Rod can keep your septic system flowing – call us today on 01225 422980.
