Many homes have a septic tank on their property, but although they are very common, many people don’t know much about a septic tank, other than it is where the waste is transported.

First, let’s start with a brief definition of what a septic tank is according to the EPA: “Septic tanks are underground structures designed to treat wastewater in areas where the centralised sewage system is not close. Septic tank makes use of proven technology and nature to treat household wastewater (from kitchen drains, bathrooms and laundry rooms). 

Here are some septic tank tips:

The Do’s of the septic tank

Do spread out water use 

Working 9-5 can make washing the week difficult. However, it is not ideal for the septic tank if all week long the washing is done one day at the weekend.

Washing too many clothes in a day can put too much pressure on the septic tank. If the waste is not treated properly as a result of the high volume, the tank might be damaged. 

To ensure you have your septic tank checked regularly

Your septic tank must be treated once a year and must be emptied by septic tank emptying near me when the mud reaches a third of the capacity of the tank. If the tank is not pumped regularly, solid waste will begin to clog the system and cause extremely costly problems.

It is also important to keep a record of all the maintenance and inspections carried out in your tank to make sure that you have the documentation in case of a problem or if the sewage tank emptying company has to check what has been done previously.

Do ensure you call the professionals

If you have a problem with your septic tank, you should immediately seek professionals to attend. Trying to solve a problem on your own is not only dangerous but without the necessary skills and experience, it is likely to make the problem worse. The best advice is to call the sewage tank emptying company to help out. 

The Don’ts of the septic tank

Do not plant large trees nearby

Large trees and other plants with deep or extensive root systems should not be planted near your septic tank and, if you already have there, you should work to eliminate them. Roots cause all kinds of structural damage to the main pipes and conduits.

Do not ride on the tank or cover it with hard surfaces.

Driving on the tank should be avoided at all costs. The weight and vibrations of the vehicle can significantly damage the tank and its various systems. Hard surfaces will also hurt the filtration of the system, as the soil will become compact and ineffective.

Do not enter the septic tank

Under no circumstances should you enter the septic tank. The gases produced in the process are incredibly toxic, and exposure can result in death. If you find a problem, call professional septic tank emptying near me to solve it, instead of trying to do it yourself.

Robert Spurr