Absorption Trench

Complete Absorption Trench Installation, Maintenance & Repairs

Septic absorption trenches are crucial to septic systems. They ensure that household wastewater is treated properly and dispersed into the soil, and they play an important role in maintaining a clean and healthy environment around your home.

When you are thinking about installing an absorption trench septic system, it’s vital to understand the ins and outs of your property from the climate to the type of soil you have in your garden as well as the number of people living in your home. Here at Express Wastewater, we take the guesswork out of finding a wastewater system that is right for you and your home. Our expert technicians have years of experience in the industry and bring a wealth of knowledge to every appointment.

So whether you need to repair your failing absorption trench, need some routine maintenance or want to install an eco-friendly and effective absorption trench, don’t hesitate to give us a call on 1300 770 594 or fill out our online booking enquiry form today.

What is an Absorption Trench and How Does It Work?

Attached to your septic tank via a series of pipes, absorption trenches are an important part of maintaining a happy and healthy wastewater management system for your home. When you flush the toilet or use the shower, greywater flows into your septic tank and any solid matter settles to the bottom where naturally occurring bacteria break it down into sludge.

The fats and grease from the greywater form a ‘scum layer’ on the surface of the water. This layer is perfectly normal and helps to keep smelly odours inside your septic tank. Under the scum later is a clearer liquid called effluent. Septic effluent flows from the tank into the absorption trench, every time household wastewater enters the septic tank.

This converted wastewater then flows into the trench and is reabsorbed into the soil.

When installed properly, your septic absorption trench should last anywhere from 10 to 15 years. For more information on how a septic system works, check out our guide here: How does a septic system work?

Common Issues with Septic Absorption Trenches

Despite their effectiveness, absorption trenches can face several issues. Over time, soil can become compacted, putting pressure on the network of pipes underneath the ground. This leads to cracks and can become a serious problem if not treated straight away.

Heavy use of the septic system or neglecting regular maintenance can lead to system failure, resulting in unpleasant smells, water pooling on the surface and potential health hazards. Regular inspections and proper care are crucial to avoiding expensive repairs and problems and can also help to extend the lifespan of your absorption trench.

Regular Maintenance and Repairs For Absorption Trenches

Our expert team of septic system specialists recommend your absorption trench is “de-sludged” once every 3 to 5 years. If you avoid this process, your household waste builds up and clogs the trench, making your septic tank work harder and ultimately shortening its lifespan.

When these clogs become severe, costly repairs or complete trench replacements may be necessary. Our team is experienced in diagnosing and repairing septic systems and absorption trenches all over the Sunshine Coast and South East Queensland. We work efficiently and make sure to get your system back up and running in no time.

Our team offers cost effective absorption trench maintenance inspections no matter the size or complexity of your wastewater system.

For a free quote and consultation, contact our technicians today at 1300 770 594 or fill out our online enquiry form today.

What Should I Consider Before I Install A Septic Absorption Trench?

Installing an absorption trench is an expensive but worthwhile investment to help maintain the health of your property. Every property is different so there are a few things to keep in mind before installing a septic absorption trench. These include:

• Soil Type: Do you know what type of soil you have in your home? The type of soil can determine how easily the effluent or liquid waste will absorb into the ground. The type of soil you have will determine how long your absorption trench needs to be.

• Amount of Rainfall: the amount of rain your property receives can affect absorption rates.

• Climate: Does your suburb have a lot of hot days with lots and ltos of sun or is it mostly cool and cloudy? Taking into account your area’s climate will affect the evaporation rates of your absorption trench.

• Size of your Home: A tiny home with a single toilet will accumulate lower amounts of wastewater than a large family house

• Location: When installing a septic system, it’s important to install it away from buildings, property boundaries, groundwater hotspots and water supplies such as dams and creeks. You also shouldn’t install it in an area with heavy traffic. Vehicles and heavy machinery can compact the soil over or around your absorption trench, resulting in damage.

• Plants: Our technicians recommend installing absorption trenches away from big and well-established trees to avoid being damaged by their root systems. We also recommend only planting grass direct over and a few metres around your septic tanks, trenches and systems.

If you have any further questions about the requirements before installing septic absorption trenches, don’t hesitate to speak to one of our friendly team on 1300 770 594 today.

How Do I Know If My Absorption Trench is Failing?

If properly installed and maintained, your absorption trench and septic tank should last you between 10 and 15 years. However, common signs of failure can be easily missed. You should keep your eye out for early warning signs to avoid expensive repairs later down the track. Signs include:

• Unpleasant smells.
• Excessively wet areas of grass or garden.
• Effluent surfacing.
• Pooling of stormwater.
• Cars or vehicles have been driving over the area.
• Paving or driveways have been constructed over the leach field.
• Drains, sink, bath, toilet or shower slow to drain.
• The Septic tank needs frequent pumping (more than once a year).
• Overgrowth of grass or plants in the trench area.

If you notice any of these signs, our team of septic system experts are more than happy to help. Contact us today for a free quote on 1300 770 594 or fill out our online enquiry form.

What Causes Absorption Trenches To Fail?

Absorption or septic trench failure is when the trench becomes compacted, blocked or collapsed. Factors that can cause absorption trench failure include:

• Vehicles driving over the trench area
• Large animals or livestock
• Incorrect installation
• Areas of soft soil
• Frequent foot traffic
• Blocked pipes
• Root intrusion is caused by large plants or trees located too close to the trench system.
• Too much other water in the area eg stormwater runoff
• Uneven trench base, which causes one area to receive too much water
• Infrequent septic tank cleaning, causing untreated waste to enter the trench system

Prompt and Long-Lasting Absorption Trench Repairs

Don’t let absorption trench issues disrupt your home’s health and functionality. From expert absorption trench installations tailored to your land and needs, to proactive maintenance that helps to extend your system’s lifespan, Express Wastewater is your one-stop shop for all your sewerage system needs.

Take the first step towards a stress-free wastewater system today. Contact our professional and experienced team on 1300 770 594 or fill out our online booking form today.