When to service a septic system?

Do's and don't's for a healthy septic system

How do you keep your septic system running smoothly and efficiently throughout the year? And how do you know when it's time to de-sludge or service your system? There are a few do’s and don't’s you should know however it is always recommended that you speak to a licensed wastewater specialist regarding the specific maintenance and upkeep of your septic system.

Ideally, you should get your system tank inspected by a professional every year to ensure there isn’t an overflow of scum or sludge in the absorption trenches. There should be at least 800mm between the top of the tank outlet junction and the top of the sludge layer, and the sludge layer shouldn’t be any thicker than 300mm. If these measurements don’t correspond with what you are seeing through your outlet inspection opening, you will need to get your septic tank de-sludged by a professional. Septic systems can take 5 years or more to produce enough sludge so when you get your system serviced, ensure there is enough sludge and crust mixture left (of at least 300mm for most systems) for the biological process to start again

4 signs it is time to service your septic system

There is an unpleasant smell near the septic tank.
The grass around the septic tank is growing unusually fast and is very green (away from the absorption trench area).
Water pooling around the septic system indicates that the system is inundated with water sources and is backing up.
Slowly draining toilets, drains, or showers.

How to maintain a septic system?

Pump out the septic tank every 3-5 years as this prevents sludge buildup and accumulation in the absorption trench
Get your grease trap pumped out every 3 months
Get your greywater pump cleaned every 6-12 months
Install clean septic tank outlet filters to prevent smaller solids from making their way into the disposal areas
Clean the septic tank outlet filters regularly
For greywater pump wells - move the sprinkler regularly so the disposal area doesn’t get too saturated
Use septic-friendly detergents or choose detergents with low phosphorus and sodium
Avoid using special enhancing additives as they cannot substitute general septic system maintenance and regular cleaning and pumping of the system
Avoid planting trees near your drain field as the roots can affect the septic system
Avoid parking cars over your drain field

Note: Keep records of septic system maintenance as well as a diagram of your septic system.

Helpful tip: If you have a greywater pump well, pour a cup of lime in a slurry form down the waste fixtures like showers and basins to help prevent nasty odours coming from the sprinklers when they are discharging wastewater.

Septic system maintenance: What not to do?

Do not irrigate fruit trees or vegetable plants with the treated wastewater
Do not allow septic wastewater to be released on the surface - it must always go to a subsurface area
Don’t cover your disposal areas with coverings such as concrete or asphalt - grass is the best option as it removes unnecessary moisture and prevents erosion from occurring
Do not place things like pavers, concrete or buildings over your septic tank, as it makes it very difficult to access (and difficult to maintain)
Ensure roof water, surface water, or seepage water does not enter any part of the system
Also, unless you have discussed it with Council, do not install a garbage grinder

If you're in the southeast of Queensland and need to know more about septic systems, get in contact with us.