Septic tank maintenance: Dos and don’ts

It’s a big deal deciding to install a septic tank or take on a property which already has one. For some, it may be a new aspect of homeowning to learn about. For others, especially in the countryside of Scotland, it may already be a part of everyday life. However, it’s worth taking time to remember some of the dos and don’ts about septic tank maintenance. By keeping your tank in good repair, you should get decades of use out of it.

The Dos

1. Empty out your tank regularly: This is by far the most important aspect of maintaining a septic tank. Get in touch with us and we’ll be able to do this for you quickly and efficiently. By ensuring your tank gets emptied regularly, you’ll avoid the build-up of gasses and solids which over time can start to cause blockages, resulting in leaks. Should you already be dealing with a blockage, our jet pressure water service will solve it in no time.
2. Use septic-safe products: Due to the way septic tanks operate, using strong chemicals to clean your home could have a negative impact on their effectiveness. Septic tanks use anaerobic bacteria to break down the solid waste, but cleaning products such as strong bleach can kill them off. So we recommend you use septic-safe cleaning and personal care products, such as biodegradable and low-phosphate options.
3. Grow a Green Zone: Planting grass over your septic field means roots can help absorb excess moisture and prevent soil erosion, ensuring the system’s proper functioning. And remember, the water from your tank needs to be able to drain away through the soil freely, so do keep the land free and wild.
4. Inspect your tank for problems: It’s a good idea to keep an eye on your tank, both inside and out. Using our specialist camera services, we can see inside your tank to detect any issues, or any problems before they become disasters. Get in touch to request our camera inspection services today.

The Don’ts

1. Don’t flush non-biodegradable items: Only human waste and toilet paper should be flushed down the toilet. This rule is the same no matter if you have a septic tank or are connected to the public water system, but it’s worth repeating! Avoid flushing items such as nappies, feminine hygiene products, cigarette butts and cotton buds. They can clog your system and quickly cause problems.
2. Don’t pour grease down the drain: Grease and cooking oils should never be poured down the sink or toilet. Again, this is good advice even if you don’t have a septic tank. These substances can solidify in your pipes and septic tank, leading to blockages. You may have heard of fatbergs before – you definitely don’t want them anywhere near your septic tank!
3. Don’t neglect repairs: If you notice any signs of septic system problems, such as slow drains, sewage backups, or bad smells, don’t ignore them. Promptly address these issues to prevent more significant and costly problems down the road. Give us a call and we will happily come and investigate for you.

By following these simple dos and don’ts, you can be sure to maintain the longevity of your septic tank. The key is regular septic tank maintenance, assessment and emptying. So if you are able to keep on top of that then other issues should become less common. If you’d like to get in touch to discuss any aspect of your system in Scotland, just get in touch.