If you live on a farm or rural block separate from a main town or city, your property may rely on a septic tank system. There are plenty of advantages to having your own septic system: they are a practical and cost-effective solution for dealing with your sewage issues. They are also long-lasting, with most septic systems lasting anywhere from 20 to 40 years.
But you only get the full benefits when your septic system is properly maintained. CST Septic provides professional, reliable, and affordable septic tank cleaning that Waikato residents have come to rely on. In this blog, we discuss how to maintain your septic system, so it gives you years of trouble-free service.
How Septic Systems Work
In a typical septic system, the septic tank is a concrete, fibreglass, or polyethylene tank buried underground somewhere on the property. All wastewater from your property (home, school, commercial building, etc.) drains via a pipe to this tank. Solids in the wastewater sink to the bottom while grease and oil float to the top, settling as a layer of scum.
Once separated from solids and oils, the treated wastewater (effluent) drains to a effluent drainage field – a covered, excavated area in unsaturated soil. The effluent is filtered through the soil, eventually becoming ground water. The solid waste builds up over time and requires emptying on average every 2-4 years.
When to Clean Your Septic Tank
Septic tanks require regular maintenance to avoid issues with the system. We recommend that septic tanks are cleaned every 2-4 years depending on the size of your tank and how much the system is used.
If septic tanks are left to long between services, you can end up with a range of problems including blockages, overflowing tanks and water backing up in your pipework. Aside from the obvious unpleasantness of this situation, a malfunctioning septic system can become a health hazard, and if left too long, these problems can be extremely costly to repair.
Other Tips to Keep Your Septic System Running Smoothly
If your tank has a filter, it should be cleaned every 6-12 months and using biodegradable soaps wherever possible; these are easier on your system and on the environment. In addition to this, you should conserve water as much as possible, as the greater the volume of water moving through your system, the more frequently it will need to be cleaned.
Signs that Your Septic Tank Is Overdue for a Clean
The first signs that your septic tank is becoming overfull includes strong, unpleasant odours, slower-than-usual draining of toilets and sinks, and puddles appearing near the tanks. You may also notice gurgling sounds coming from your tank or pipes. Basically, any significant changes in the way your pipes or system are functioning could mean your tank is in need of a clean.
Why Choose CST Septic?
CST Septic offers a professional septic tank cleaning service in Morrinsville, Matamata, Cambridge, and anywhere in the main Waipa and Waikato regions. Our team of experienced technicians are friendly, informative, fast, and always respectful while working on your property.
We keep comprehensive records of each property we service, including the septic tank size, condition, location of the tank and a recommended date for the next clean. This information is then entered into our system, and a reminder card/email is sent to you a month in advance of when your tank is due for its next clean.
After each service, our technicians leave an 8 Point Check Service card which provides a report on the basic condition your septic tank system was found in as well as any advice we’d recommend for maintaining the system.
To book your next septic tank cleaning or maintenance or for more information on any of our services, get in touch by phone or email today
