How Often Should Your Septic Tank Be Inspected After Installation?

Things To Consider Before Scheduling A Septic Tank Inspection

When it comes to your home’s wastewater management, there isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” solution. Every system has different needs and maintenance timelines. Understanding how variables affect your septic system allows you to accurately budget for maintenance and avoid unexpected problems. When thinking about booking an inspection, consider these factors:

Your Household Size and Water Usage

A busy family living in a 4-bedroom house in Logan will naturally put a higher load on your septic system than a couple living in a small townhouse in Bowen Hills. If your household uses a lot of water in your daily activities, such as washing the dishes, doing the laundry or flushing the toilet, you should consider having your septic tank inspected annually.

The Size of Your Septic Tank and Its Capacity

A smaller septic tank fills up with household waste, greywater and blackwater much faster than a larger system. During a routine inspection, our qualified technician checks the scum and sludge layers to make sure your tank’s size is keeping up with your household demand.

What Type of Septic System Do You Have?

How often you service and inspect your wastewater system largely depends on the type of system you have.

Traditional Gravity Fed Systems: Traditional septic tanks, sand filter systems, and off-grid systems rely on natural processes and gravity to process your wastewater. They are incredibly reliable, low maintenance and typically need a professional inspection once every 1 - 3 years.

Aerated Wastewater Treatment Systems (AWTS): These systems are advanced and use air pumps to break down waste quickly. Since they rely on electrical parts, Queensland regulations require an inspection every quarter.

Brisbane Soil Types and Absorption Rates

Do you know what type of soil is in your Brisbane property? The type of soil that is in your garden plays a big role in how well your treated wastewater and effluent absorb into the ground. Heavy clay soils like those in Greater Brisbane absorb water more slowly than sandy coast soils. Slow absorption puts extra pressure on your leach drain, meaning you need to check that your garden isn’t waterlogged more frequently.

When Should I Book A Septic Tank Inspection?

Sometimes your system shows early warning signs that something is wrong. You should book an inspection with one of our professional technicians if:

• You are buying or selling your house
• Your septic tank is showing signs of failure, like slow-draining drains, bad smells, gurgling and noisy pipes and water pooling in your absorption trench
• Lush green grass near your drainfield
• The AWTS alarm is triggered
• If you are planning major home renovations
• After major flooding events

Septic Tank Inspection Vs. Septic Tank Pump Out: What’s The Difference?

Many homeowners confuse these two terms. While they might seem similar, having a closer look shows that these essential maintenance jobs are quite different. Septic tank inspections involve evaluating your septic system to determine its condition. One of our licensed professionals looks for any signs of damage and general wear and tear, such as 

cracks and leaks. Our technicians will also check your property’s absorption or leach drain to make sure that it is working properly and your home’s wastewater is running smoothly and not clogging the pipes. A full septic tank inspection should ideally be performed every 2 - 3 years or when you are buying or selling your house.

A septic tank pump out, on the other hand, is quite different. One of our licensed technicians arrives with a large vacuum truck, finds and opens your septic tank and removes as much sludge, scum and liquid effluent as possible. This process also agitates the inside of your septic tank, helping to break down the solids and mix them together for easier extraction. Septic tank pump-outs should be scheduled every 3 - 5 years if you haven’t inspected your septic system for a while or your tank is old.

Tips For Maintaining a Healthy Septic Tank

A happy and healthy septic system relies on balancing live bacteria to break down organic household solids. To keep your septic tank running smoothly between inspections, keep these rules in mind:

• Use water efficiently, like staggering laundry loads or using cold water
• Don’t pour grease and cooking oils down the sink
• Be careful about what kinds of chemicals you use in your drains, as harsh chemicals kill the good bacteria in your septic tank
• Don’t flush non-flushable wipes, foreign objects or excessive toilet paper down your toilet

Why Are The First 12 - 24 Months So Important?

A newly installed septic tank needs some TLC to find the right balance. When the septic tank is installed, it's filled up with clean water, meaning there is no bacteria present. It takes roughly 12 to 24 months for the bacteria to multiply and establish themselves, so they can effectively break down effluent. Having an inspection during this timeframe allows our team to figure out if everything is going properly and the surrounding soil hasn’t shifted or settled unevenly around your new tank and absorption trenches.

Protect Your Septic Tank With Our Detailed Inspections

A new septic system is a major investment so naturally, you want to protect it. Spending a small amount on preventative maintenance like inspections and pump outs can save you thousands of dollars in the long run.

At Express Wastewater Solutions, we are proud to provide a wide range of preventative maintenance options for all kinds of wastewater systems. For a comprehensive quote and expert advice, call our team on 0400 700 238 or fill in our online booking form today.