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Do Domestic Sewage Treatment Plants Need Emptying?

Have a domestic sewage treatment plant? Properties located in off-grid, rural areas are usually not connected to the public sewage system. And the onus falls on the homeowner to handle the wastewater treatment on their property.

The wastewater treatment is done by a septic system or an onsite sewage treatment system. With any type of domestic sewage treatment plant, you would need to get it serviced and emptied regularly. Emptying a home sewage treatment plant (HSTP) is essential to maintain the system in proper working condition. Many homeowners aren't aware of the maintenance and pump-out frequency. Lack of maintenance can not just harm your system, it can also cause diseases and cause environmental pollution.

What is a Sewage Treatment Plant?

A Home Sewage Treatment Plant is used to treat domestic wastewater. They work in a similar way to septic tanks. You may have also heard the following terms used for an HSTP:

How does a HSTP work?

Sewage treatment plants consist of multiple chambers wherein waste is broken down in the presence of bacteria. There are different types of sewage treatment plants however the basic functioning involves:

  • Primary Treatment: solid waste settles on the bottom and the lighter waste rises to the top.
  • Secondary Treatment: The lighter waste matter is treated by bacteria in the presence of oxygen. Bacteria break down the waste further and reduce contaminants.
  • Tertiary Treatment: after secondary treatment, the water is cleaner than before. The pollutants sink to the bottom and the clean water will remain at the top in the settling chamber. The water goes through a UV disinfection tube or chlorine tablet dispenser, depending on the type of system and into the pump-out chamber. The water is discharged to a designated land application area.
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Why should you get your sewage treatment plant emptied?

Over time, solid materials accumulate in the tank by the stuff you flush down the drains. As the sludge level builds up, the toxic substances will kill the healthy bacteria.

Bacteria is essential to break down waste. As the healthy bacteria die, the system will begin to work inefficiently. You may experience unpleasant odours in your home. Sewage water may back up in your home and the system may fail completely.

Sewage treatment plants process a lot of waste and they require regular servicing and emptying out. As a general rule, it is advised to get your system serviced every 3 months or annually, depending on the type of the system. The frequency of pump-out is generally between 5-7 years.

How often do you need to get a septic tank desludged?

The frequency of a septic tank pump out mainly depends on two factors, the size of the system, and the number of people living in your household. As a general rule, it is advised that you pump out your septic tank once every 2-5 years. For more information, click - How often should you pump out a septic tank?

Have you had your HSTP emptied yet?

Your HSTP must be pumped out by a Council-approved and licensed contractor. They will have the knowledge to dispose of the sludge. Sludge contains harmful chemicals and needs to be handled properly as it can pose a health and environmental hazard. Make sure you hire a licensed contractor.

Your Local Sewage Treatment Plant Experts

Express Wastewater performs servicing for domestic sewage treatment plants. We don’t provide pump-out services. Some systems require a service every 3 months while other systems may need an annual servicing. Depending on the type of your system, we can organise a servicing plan and call you before a service is due.

If you have any questions about sewage treatment plants, give Express Wastewater a call today! We provide the very best service and advice, so contact our team on 1300 770 594 or complete our quick online booking request form today.