If designed, constructed, and maintained correctly septic drainage trenches will provide years of effective wastewater removal. However, occasionally septic trenches fail, collapsing, blocking, or becoming compressed requiring immediate repairs, trench rehabilitation, or the creation of new trenches.

If your property isn’t connected to the municipal sewerage system, the treatment and disposal of wastewater must occur on your property, through an on-site septic system that includes a septic tank. Septic tanks should be regularly inspected, to ensure that the system continues to function effectively in treating septic waste matter so that it is not a health risk for neighbouring homes. To ensure your treatment plant keeps working properly, it is important to understand how your septic system works.

Soil testing is important before a septic system is installed. It measures the water absorption rate of the soil, determines the ability of the soil to absorb wastewater and predicts the required size for the leach field.  It also analyses the subterranean conditions and the level of water table.

Septic systems are located on properties and help treat and dispose of wastewater. The types of systems, their capabilities and their size depend on a range of factors, however they are have one common goal - treat wastewater.

Now you know how a septic system works, how do you keep your system running smoothly and effectively throughout the year? And how do you know when it’s time to ‘de-sludge’ your system? There are a few general do’s and don’t you should know, however it is always recommended that you speak to a licenced plumber about the best maintenance and care for your particular system. The amount of usage a septic system receives may affect the regularity of maintenance and the need for cleaning and pumping, so give them a call!

When it comes to wastewater in your home, you want to ensure that you have the best and most appropriate setup for your needs… otherwise things can get very messy (and smelly).