Why Septic Tank Maintenance is Necessary

Proper maintenance of your septic tank is essential for several critical reasons:

• Preventing backups and overflows: these can damage your property and disrupt your daily life. By ensuring your septic tank is functioning correctly, you can avoid costly repairs and potential health hazards.
• Protecting the environment and public health: a well-maintained septic tank prevents untreated sewage from contaminating local water sources, thus protecting the environment and public health. Proper disposal of wastewater prevents pollution and safeguards the community's wellbeing.
• Complying with legal regulations: the English Environment Agency's Septic Tank Regulations mandate that septic tanks discharging untreated sewage into watercourses must be upgraded or replaced. Regular maintenance and professional servicing help you stay compliant with these regulations, avoiding legal penalties and fines.

How to Maintain a Septic System

There are several key steps that must be taken for proper septic tank care.

Frequent inspections are essential to identify potential issues before they become significant problems. Look for the following signs that your septic tank may need attention:

• Unpleasant odours near the tank or drain field.
• Slow drainage in sinks, showers and toilets.
• Water pooling on the surface of the drain field.

Regular emptying prevents the tank from overflowing and ensures the system operates efficiently. While general advice suggests emptying every three to five years, the exact frequency depends on several factors:

• Household size: more people mean more wastewater, leading to the tank filling up more quickly.
• Usage: the total amount of wastewater generated from bathrooms, kitchens and laundry affects the frequency of emptying needed.
• Types of waste: non-biodegradable materials can accelerate the rate at which the tank fills up, requiring more frequent servicing.

Effective waste management practices can significantly impact the health of your septic tank. Here are some tips:

• Avoid flushing non-biodegradable materials like wet wipes, sanitary products, and certain chemicals that can clog the system.
• Reduce your water consumption to slow down the rate at which the tank fills.
• Ensure everyone in the household understands what can and cannot be flushed or drained.

By following these straightforward practices, you can keep your septic system running smoothly and efficiently.

How to Check if Your Septic Tank Needs Attention

Monitoring the fill level of your septic tank will prevent overflows, backups and system damage. Here are the signs to look out for that may suggest your septic tank is full or nearing its capacity:

• Slow drainage: if sinks, showers and toilets are draining slowly, it could indicate a blockage in the system.
• Unpleasant odours: foul smells coming from the area around the tank or the drain field suggest that the tank might be full.
• Water pooling: excess water pooling near the drain field can indicate an overflow.
• Sewage backups: if sewage is backing up into your toilets or sinks, it is a clear sign that the tank is full.
• A lush, green lawn: an unusually lush and green lawn over the drain field, even in dry conditions, may be due to excess wastewater fertilising the area.

For those comfortable with a hands-on approach, a visual inspection of the tank can provide direct insight into its fill level. Before proceeding, ensure you wear appropriate protective gear. Locate and open the tank's inspection hatch to observe the scum and sludge layers. If the sludge layer is near the top of the tank or the scum layer is thick, it is time to schedule an emptying.

If you are unsure about conducting a manual check or if your system shows signs of distress, speak to a professional. Universal Tankers’ operators can offer an accurate assessment and recommend a schedule for emptying so you can preemptively identify issues, ensuring your system remains functional and efficient.