Why do I need to get my septic system pumped and serviced?
When a septic system goes wrong it can be catastrophic to your property. On top of this ensuring that your septic system is in good working condition is incredibly easy and can save you thousands of dollars in repairs. In this page, we will cover how septic systems work to better understand what can go wrong, what a septic service is, and what are some of the most common things that go wrong when a system isn't correctly maintained.
How a septic system works!
Septic systems or on-site sewerage facility (OSSF) systems refer to septic treatment systems located on properties without connection to a council mains sewerage system. This requires them to treat and dispose of sewage either on your property or safely hold sewage until it can be pumped out and disposed of by a pump truck. A septic system is broken up into 3 main parts:
- Drainage Pipes:
The first part of the septic system the drainage pipes collect all the sewage from your home's drains, toilets, showers and other facilities and carry them into the septic tank.
- Septic Tank:
This is where the sewage and waste are treated. in this tank, the scum and sludge are allowed to settle in the tank with the scum floating to the top and the sludge sinking to the bottom of the tank. This leaves the wastewater in the middle to be collected and transferred to either a secondary treatment that uses aerobic bacteria to break down organic matter in the wastewater or into a leach drain.
- Leach Drains:
leach drains or absorption trenches are the last part of a septic system they consist of an array of perforated pipes laid under the soil that allows the effluent to flow into the soil to be further filtered and cleaned by the bacteria and other microorganisms in the soil as the effluent flows into the groundwater. This reduces the risk of raw effluent from flowing directly into creeks and neighbouring properties it also reduces the smell.
These three steps take your home's sewage and filter it into a safe effluent that can be reintroduced into the groundwater.
What Is a Septic System Service?
Septic system servicing helps maintain your septic system ensuring it's operating effectively and reduces the risk of breakages and blockages in the system that could contaminate your property. As part of a septic system service, a technician will pump the scum and sludge out and drain the tank. They will then clean out the tank using a high-pressure cleaner to clear out any hard sludge and or plant matter. Once it is clean they will inspect the tank for damage or root intrusions and test the pump and or floats to ensure the system is working correctly. Once they are happy with the tank condition they will refill it. Once it's refilled they will check the drain field isn't soggy or smelly as this will hint that there may be a blockage in the leach drains. A regular service (every 3-4 years or when your drains start flowing slower) ensures your septic tank is running efficiently reduces the risk of breakages and saves you in the long run.
What can go wrong if you Do Not have your system serviced?
Failing to have your septic tank serviced can leave you with a $10,000+ repair bill for a broken leach drain or cracked or damaged septic pump or tank. Some of the common breakages our team see in septic tanks that aren't regularly repaired include:
- Overflowing drains and toilets flushing raw sewage throughout your home
- Smelly and soggy leach fields that can cost thousands to repair
- Broken septic pumps from buildups of sludge
- Unclean effluent contaminating your leach field and property
- and more
A simple $100-300 septic tank service every 3-4 years or when the system begins to slow down can save you $ 10,000+ in repairs and replacement of parts of your septic system from mismanagement of the system.
Keep your septic system in perfect condition, saving you big time in repair costs down the line with the Express Wastewater Solutions team your local septic system servicing and installation specialists. Contact our team today!
References:
Maintaining a septic system | Redland City Council