One of the most common problems we see when it comes to septic tank systems is blocked drains. Over and above all else, blocked septic tank drains are not only one of the most troublesome of issues, they are also one the the easiest to avoid. Fortunately, they are also straightforward to solve thanks to our high-pressure water jet which can blast through any buildup in next to no time. 

Is your septic tank is blocked? We can help customers in Scotland and the north of England to clean out the pipes and get back to normal. But what causes septic tank pipes to become clogged in the first place? Read on to discover causes, and some solutions to try and fix them yourself.

Main causes of blocked septic tank pipes

Prevention is better than cure, so here are some of the way your pipes can become blocked. 

• Flushing things which shouldn’t be flushed. As a rule, only flush toilet paper down your toilet. And ideally, make it septic tank-friendly toilet paper. Anything else is a no-no. This includes ‘flushable’ wipes which really should not be flushed at all. Instead, place anything you don’t flush in the bin.

• Grease & fat. When in the kitchen, it can be easy to think flushing plate grease down the sink is okay, especially when followed by copious amounts of washing-up liquid. Unfortunately, this is a terrible idea and the fat and grease will eventually combine into a large plug, blocking your pipes completely. Instead, take the grease and fat and either put it in your food waste bin, or in the general waste. Bonus points if you collect the fat waste and make a bird feeder ball from it!

• Too much sold waste. Solids can build up in septic tanks which haven’t been pumped regularly. As a result, the pipes will clog. The solution to this is to have your tank emptied regularly. Speak to us on how we can help keep your septic tank in a healthy condition. 

• Collapsed pipes. Old pipes can collapse, making the flow of water through them impossible. Using our camera equipment, we can find and diagnose any problems like this quickly, and know exactly where to dig in order to fix them. 

• Soap buildup. Believe it or not, the soap you use at home can cause problems in your tank. Over time, the soap residue can build up in  your pipes, eventually leading to blockages. Make sure you use soap suitable for septic tank systems.

• Clogged drainage field. If your drainage or runoff field is overloaded or clogged, wastewater can back up into the septic system. This often leads to blocked pipes. This might happen if the soil becomes compacted, so avoid using it and definitely don’t park your car on it. We can come and analyse your drainage field and get it back into working order. 

Fix your own blocked septic tank drains

Before incurring an expense, you might want to try to solve the blockage problem yourself. That’s not always possible – for example if there is a large blockage deep within the pipe system – but here are a couple of things to try.

Snake drain

Ideally you would hope to avoid needing to flush loads of chemicals into your pipes in order to dissolve a blockage. That’s because this will cause havoc with the good bacteria in your septic tank. So a good place to start is to buy a drain snake. These are relatively inexpensive and available from the likes of Amazon and can reach far into your drainage system and give whatever is blocking it a good push. This might work for smaller or lighter blockages,

Enzyme cleaners

Rather than using harsh chemicals, enzyme cleaners may be able to clear your blockage without destroying your good bacteria. Manufacturers such as envii offer a range of septic tank-friendly products. Whatever you do, do not pour bleach down your drains. This will cause more harm than good in the long run.

Unblocking your drains

If you can’t solve the blockage yourself, it’s time to call in the experts – that’s us! Once the Septic Tank Services team have discovered the cause of your blockage, we can get to work fixing it. This might mean some jet powered water blasting through a blockage, or some maintenance work to fix broken or damaged pipes. Get in touch today and we will help you fix your blocked septic tank drains, and be able to offer advice on how to avoid it happening again.

The post Why is my septic tank blocked? appeared first on Septic Tank Services Ltd.

Do you need a septic tank repair?

Some of the more common symptoms which indicate a problem with your septic tank include:

Your toilets and drains are slow

Have you noticed that water is draining away more slowly than usual from your sinks or toilets? This indicates that there might be a blockage in a pipe somewhere, or even that your septic tank is full. If your drains are also gurgling, this is a sign that air is trapped somewhere and not letting your wastewater flow away freely. It could indicate a hole in a pipe. The sooner this is checked out, the better.

Strong smells

If you are noticing troubling odours around your drains or septic tank, that is a sign that something is wrong. It could be blocked, full or even leaking into the ground. 

Water is pooling or not draining well outside

If you find your soakaway area is starting to become marshy, then water is not draining from it. This may be because the ground has shifted, your pipes have become blocked or the soil is too compacted. 

It may come as a surprise to you that particularly lush vegetation in isolated areas of your property may indicate a problem! This may be where waste is leaking from a pipe, and the water, whilst helpful to the plant life, may also be carrying some nasty pollutants which should not be released into the environment. This needs to be checked out urgently. 

Take care of your tank

The tanks we install can last up to 30 or even 40 years. However it is important to take care of them. This means regular maintenance, and keeping an eye out for little problems before they become big problems. 

Remember to follow the basic rules, which is don’t put anything down your drains that isn’t designed for septic tanks, and definitely no harsh chemicals like bleach. 

However if you are starting to have concerns, then it’s time to call us. We can investigate the health of your plumbing and tank. And if it’s a blockage we can obliterate it with our high-powered water jet. 

If you are looking for trustworthy professionals who can assess your tank and fix it whenever possible, then give us a call today. Our septic tank repair services are available throughout Scotland an the north of England.

The post Where to start with septic tank repair appeared first on Septic Tank Services Ltd.

Drain blockages are an inevitable part of having drains. Try as we might, things are going to find their way into our pipes which will cause blockages. From sanitary products to fat and food waste, it all builds up over time. So if you have issues with your drains, give us a call and we will solve your problem with our jet power washer. Wherever you are in Scotland or the north of England, we can help with your drain unblocking quickly and efficiently. 

How to know if your drain is blocked

A blocked drain will start to smell quickly. Nothing can be flushed away, meaning all your household waste will sit near your home and start to smell. Not only that, the water will gradually build up backwards from the blockage. This will eventually spill out into your toilet, kitchen sink and anywhere else water is flushed away. 

So the key here is to act fast. Give us a call straight away and we will help – the sooner the blockage is dealt with, the better. 

Why do we use a jet power washer to unblock drains?

Our high-pressure water jet easily blasts through any blockage in your drain. It obliterates it, which is what we are after! Water is pumped through a high-pressure hose and nothing can stand in its way – that’s why we use one. 

They are an environmentally friendly way to do this – no nasty chemicals are involved. By taking corrosive or polluting chemicals out of the equation, we can ensure the environment is not tainted by solving our customers’ drain problems. 

Our jet washers power through anything, and this can often include roots which have slowly broken their way through pipes, or the accumulation of leaves which can be a big cause of drain blockages in the autumn and winter. 

Finally, jet washers not only clear the blockage, they also clean the rest of the drain too. Any residue or smaller buildup is taken care of, leaving your pipes ready to do their work for years to come. 

Long-reaching power

The other problem with drain blockages is that they are almost always in an inconvenient place! Rarely are they found right next to an access point. Fortunately, our power washer is small and thin enough to wind its way along the pipe until it comes to the issue. And when it gets there, it can use its full force to clean the pipe, no matter the distance. 

So whether you drain blockage is around the house or up the drive, we can reach it and get everything working again.

Call us to unblock your drain

Drain unblocking is easy with Septic Tank Services. We will jet power the problem and before you know it, the blockage will be a distant memory. So wherever you are in Scotland or the north of England, gives us a call on 01546607046 or 07917358285 and speak to us now. Click here to read more about our jet washer service.

The post Drain unblocking from Septic Tanks Services appeared first on Septic Tank Services Ltd.

What is high-pressure jet cleaning?

Using no more than water, our jet technology blasts out at pressures as high as 3,000 – 4,000 PSI and speeds we have been told are faster than sound (although we’ve never tested that aspect!). Regardless, the intensity of the water jet breaks down everything in its path, from built-up fatty deposits to other gunk and blockages like ‘flushable’ wipes. As a side note – please don’t put so-called flushable wipes down your toilet, especially if you have a septic tank. You’re just asking for trouble!

The water also gives your pipes a good clean. If you have noticed a slow down of water draining, it may be because your pipes are being constricted by a buildup of waste around them. This will slowly grow until it blocks them completely, but it’s best to have them cleaned before then. 

Why use high pressure jets?

As mentioned, high-pressure jet septic tank cleaning is non-invasive. This means we don’t need to dig up your pipes in order to clean them thoroughly. The long jet can travel along them until it reaches the blockage, and then deal with it instantly. The whole pipe gets a clean to ensure the job is done. 

It’s also environmentally friendly because it uses only water. There’s no chemicals being used to break down any sludge, which would not only bad for the Earth, but probably terrible for the good bacteria in your septic tank. This water then travels into your tank and is discharged as usual into your leach field. 

Although you can hire high-pressure jets and use them yourself, we would recommend that you don’t. This is due to a couple of reasons. Firstly, not all pipes can handle high pressure and this is especially the case with older wastewater systems. A jet could actually cause some damage which is to be avoided at all costs. We will assess your system before undertaking any jet cleaning. Secondly, high-pressure jets can be dangerous. They need to be handled with extreme caution – as much as using a chainsaw. Our team are all professionals and trained in their use, so they can carry the tasks out quickly and safely. 

Get in touch today to have your pipes jet cleaned

Our high-pressure jet septic tank cleaning services are available year-round, throughout Scotland and the north of England. If you are having issues with your drainage like blockages or pooling, then give us a shout. We can come and check the problem and deal with it for you, so you can get back to life as normal. 

The post High-pressure jet septic tank cleaning appeared first on Septic Tank Services Ltd.

With so many rules to follow about what you can and can’t put down your toilet and drains, you might think that toilet paper is toilet paper and it doesn’t really matter what sort you use. Whatever you bum prefers, right? Wrong! Choosing the right septic tank toilet paper is more important than you might think. Septic systems are designed to handle waste efficiently. However, the type of toilet paper you use can significantly impact how well your system functions.

Some toilet papers break down easily and are safe for septic tanks. Others can cause blockages or have chemicals harmful to a tank’s bacteria. As septic tank experts covering Scotland and the north of England, we’ve seen out fair share of toilet paper disasters. Here’s a rundown of the types of paper to go for and avoid.

And remember, if you are having problems with your septic tank, book it in for an assessment with us before the issues get even worse!

Best types of toilet paper for septic tanks

The best type of toilet paper for septic tanks is one that is biodegradable and dissolves quickly in water. Biodegradable toilet paper is specifically designed to break down rapidly once it enters the septic system, reducing the risk of clogs and build-up in your tank. Biodegradable toilet paper is often made from recycled materials, making it an environmentally friendly choice as well.

Another key factor is the ply of the toilet paper. Sure, we all love a nice thick double or triple ply. But this can cause problems with the way septic tanks work. Single-ply toilet paper tends to dissolve more easily than thicker, multi-ply options, making it a safer choice for septic systems. So unfortunately you will have to decide on whether to give your bottom an extra-special treat, or if you want to avoid septic tank issues down the line.

Some companies offer toilet paper specifically designed for septic tanks, for example Papernet and Novatissue.

Other options include Unbleached Bamboo Toilet Paper, which breaks down at a steady rate, and The Cheeky Panda Bamboo Toilet Tissue which is biodegradable, free from fragrances and suitable for vegans.

Worst types of toilet paper for septic tanks

The worst types of toilet paper for septic tanks are those that are thick and heavily quilted. These types of toilet paper don’t break down easily and can cause serious problems in a septic system. Any that contain added lotions or perfumes should be avoided at all costs. These types of rolls often contain chemicals that can disrupt the natural bacterial balance in your septic tank, which is essential for breaking down waste. When these products accumulate, they can lead to blockages, slow drainage, and even septic system failure. If you find you have a blockage, perhaps because you didn’t realise the importance of choosing the right paper, then we can help.

Paper over the cracks

So if you have a septic tank, it’s best to choose toilet paper that is single-ply, biodegradable, and free of added chemicals. Remembering these three rules can ensure a longer-lasting septic system and keep everything running smoothly. By selecting the right type of septic tank toilet paper, you can help ensure that your septic system remains healthy for many years.

The post What are the best (and worst) choices for septic tank toilet paper? appeared first on Septic Tank Services Ltd.

A smelly septic tank is not just an annoyance; it can be a symptom of a much larger problem with your drainage. Often, these problems need to be addressed quickly before they escalate into a serious issues that could damage your home. That’s why if you notice an unpleasant odour coming from your septic tank or drainage field, it’s important to take quick action. Here are some of the potential causes of septic tank odours, and what you can do to address the issue.

Why does my septic tank smell?

Several factors can cause a smelly septic tank. Some common causes include:

Full septic tank: One of the most common reasons for septic smells is a tank that is overdue for emptying. When the tank is full, waste can build up and cause foul smells. We strongly recommend regular emptying of septic tanks before they reach this stage. We offer septic tank emptying services throughout Scotland and the north east of England. 

Drainage field issues: Problems with the drain or runoff field, such as clogs or saturation, can prevent proper drainage and lead to unpleasant smells. Get in touch and we can assess the saturation of the soil and make some recommendations to improve matters. 

Improper maintenance: Lack of regular maintenance, such as infrequent emptying or inspections can cause small problems to build. This can result in larger issues like leaky pipes of a cracked tank. Speak to us about regular maintenance on your septic tank to avoid this.

Use of harsh chemicals: Harsh chemicals can kill the beneficial bacteria in your septic tank that help break down waste, leading to a buildup of solids and unpleasant smells. There are some things you simply should not flush into your septic tank, such as bleach.

Blocked vents: Septic systems are designed with vents to release gases safely. If these vents are blocked, gases can accumulate and cause odours to escape into your home or yard. This is something we can pick up on with regular assessments. 

What to Do If Your Septic Tank Smells

If you notice a foul odour coming from your septic tank or around your property, you can check for obvious problems first. These include blocked air vents, which may be covered with leaves or debris or, in bad weather, heavy snowfall. You can also look for obvious plumbing issues such as leaky pipes both inside and outside your home. 

Consider using cleaning products such as Green Gobbler, many of which are safe for use on septic tanks. These contain biological additives like enzymes which help break down waste products in your tank. 

However, if nothing is obviously wrong, it’s time to call in the professionals. Here at Septic Tank Services, we are able to quickly get to the bottom of things and see what the cause of the smell is. 

Smell-B-gone

A smelly septic tank is often a sign of a more serious problem, so once you have checked your system as best you can yourself, give us a call for a more in-depth investigation. Wherever you are in Scotland or the north east of England, we’ll be able to come and take a look and help your smelly septic tank out. Get in touch with Septic Tank Services to book an appointment.

The post Help! I have a smelly septic tank! appeared first on Septic Tank Services Ltd.

If you are looking for plumber services to help install, maintain or remove your septic tank or cesspit then we will be delighted to help. Covering all of Scotland and the north of England, we have a fleet of vehicles and a team of professionals who can be with you and deal with your problem in a speedy and efficient manner.

Problems with your septic tank?

Are you smelling funny odours form your septic tank, inside or outside your home? Or perhaps your land is getting marshy near it. Maybe even you are getting some backflow from the tank into your sink or toilet. All of these problems need checked out ASAP because they suggest underlying issues with the health of your septic tank. 

Problems can include cracks in the tank or the pipes, or leaky seals or washers. It’s important we get a look straight away. We can get valuable insight into the health of your tank by using our specialist camera equipment to understand what the issues are. Then we can get to work with fixing the tank or, if there are serious problems, we can help you organise a replacement.

Installing septic tanks

Whether you need to replace an old tank or are looking to have one installed with a new build, we can help ensure everything goes smoothly. We always take great care of your property as much as possible when digging and filling in the holes for the tank and pipework. 

If you are having one installed for the first time, we can help assess the suitability of the ground, both for the tank and the runoff. It’s important to have an area of ground where waste water can be released safely. This ground has to have a certain level of permeability, and we can test for this. Otherwise, if the ground is too hard, the water may flood the surface. If it is too soft, it may become marshy ground. 

Wherever you live in Scotland or the north of England, our septic tank services are for you.

Got a blockage?

Owners of septic tanks know all too well what you can and can’t put down your drains. However, sometimes accidents happen and blockages occur, causing water to build up and re-enter your home through the sinks or toilets. This is a smelly and potentially expensive problem. 

We can blast this away with our powerful jet wash, giving your waste pipes a new lease of life and stopping problems from entering your home. If you are noticing slow drainage, increasing smells or hear unusual noises form your pipes, give us a shout and we’ll investigate.

Plumbers for your septic tank

So if you’ve searched for ‘plumbers near me’ and are looking for someone to help with your septic tank concerns in Scotland or the north of England, then we’re the team for you. Get in touch and find out how we can help you. 

The post Septic tank plumbers appeared first on Septic Tank Services Ltd.

Camera inspection services in the north of Scotland

If you live somewhere which is off the beaten track, chances are you will be using a septic tank to get rid of your waste water. Septic tanks are usually hidden underground so they don’t spoil your views. This means it can be hard to get sight of any problems that might be occurring within them.

We offer camera inspection services to get inside the tanks and have a good look round. We make sure there are no cracks or bumps or holes that could grow and develop into costly fixes. Our top of the range camera gives us a full HD view inside, and is completely mobile. Whether you are up a hill near Elgin or down a valley around Inchnadamph, our camera can easily assess your tank for problems.

Buying a house in the north of Scotland? Check your septic tanks.

Before buying a property which uses a septic tank, you should always have it fully investigated. This is to check for any hidden issues. Failure to do so could result in hefty repair bills down the line. 

Our septic tank assessment services provide complete checks of your tank, pipes covers and drains. We can even advise if the tank is large enough for your needs. For example, if you are planning to grow a family, it may make sense to install a new, larger tank before you move in to minimise disruption. 

We’re a friendly bunch, so do talk to us about any concerns you might have with your tank. We’ll happily take a look with you and discuss the best way forward with septic cleaning.

We clean and maintain septic tanks in the north of Scotland

Our team are very used to navigating bendy roads and single track roads. You have to be if you do this job in Scotland! So don’t be put off calling us if you live somewhere like the end of an old track by Lochdrum or by a faded coastal road near Durness. Similarly, if you need our assistance in Aberdeen city centre, we’ll be just as happy to come to you.

For those living in the islands, do let us have a chat with you first. Whilst we have vehicles of different sizes, we want to make sure we can get them to you in a timely and cost-effective manner for any drainage services you may need such as septic system pumping. It may be cheaper if you are able to collaborate with neighbours to have septic tank jobs all done on the same visit.

Septic tank services throughout Scotland

We are based in Lochgilphead and offer our services throughout Scotland and the north of England. If you are in the north of Scotland and looking for septic tank cleaning, or you need your tank replaced or assessed, just get in touch and we’ll be happy to help. 

The post Septic tank services in the north of Scotland appeared first on Septic Tank Services Ltd.

Installing new septic tanks

Anyone planning on moving into a new property which is not connected to mains sewerage will be looking to install a septic tank. This is what will take away your toilet waste and kitchen waste water. They are used to ensure dirty water is not released directly into the environment.

We have many years of experience in installing septic tanks, often in areas that are difficult to get to. Fortunately our fleet of expert installers and drivers are accustomed to Scotland’s windy roads and tight bends. So even if you live in the back of beyond, don’t hesitate to give us a call.

We will be happy to advise you on the best location for your septic tank. It could even be you would be better suited to a sewage treatment plant. We can make sure there is adequate land for runoff by performing a percolation test. 

For more advice on installing a new septic tank or replacing an old one, get in touch with us.

Emptying septic tanks

To ensure perfect running of your septic tank for decades, it’s vital that they are emptied regularly. Our emptying services are quick and efficient. You can book in a convenient time slot when you speak to us. Above all, we aim to ensure you are happy with our service.

All the way from Galloway Forest Park to all over the Southern Uplands, our fleet will ensure your tank is emptied. Also at the same time, we can also check the tank’s health. This ensures that any small issues don’t turn into large – and expensive – problems to fix down the line. Ask us about our septic tank assessments when you book your emptying. 

High pressure water-jet drain cleaning

From time to time, drains get blocked. That’s just life. But when you live somewhere remote, you might find some companies don’t want to drive out to you. Not us! Wherever you are in the south of Scotland, from Peebles to Cumnock to Stranraer and beyond, we are happy to offer our drain cleaning services. 

We use a high pressure water jet to really make sure we get rid of any blockage. Nothing can stand in the way of this high intensity stream! So whether it’s a new blockage or you are cleaning out an old pipe system, we’ll be happy to help.

Keeping your septic tanks in top order

We are a Scotland-wide company and love visiting clients throughout the south of Scotland looking at emptying or installing a septic tank. If you would like more information, then take a look at our other services and discover how we can help. 

The post Septic tank services in the south of Scotland appeared first on Septic Tank Services Ltd.

For those living in hard-to-reach areas throughout Scotland, installing and maintaining a septic tank can be tricky. We often find that properties which are off Scottish Water’s sewerage supply are down narrow tracks or across difficult terrain. This doesn’t put us off! We offer services like septic tank emptying in Argyll & Bute, which is where we are based, as well as throughout all regions of Scotland. Along the west coast, from Glasgow to Greenock and Glencoe, we provide septic tank services even when it is hard to get to you.

Septic tank emptying services in the west of Scotland

Our professional team of septic tank installers are accustomed to getting vans and lorries through tight spots, especially along the west coast of Scotland. We are experts in navigating the tight lanes around Loch Lomond and the rocky grounds of Fort William. 

Are you considering having a new septic tank installed or looking for a reliable replacement? If so, then we can visit and give you some options. One of the first thing we do when looking to install a tank is a percolation test. This makes sure that your ground is suitable for such a system, and that waste water can be disposed of safely in the surrounding land. 

This is where we can also make sure we can get access to you property to carry out the work. Works can involved digging out an old septic tank and replacing it with a new model which, if maintained correctly, should easily last you decades. We mainly install concrete tanks. They are sturdier than plastic tanks and a lot more stable in the ground. 

We’ll also take care of all the plumbing and make sure it’s working to maximum efficiency. 

Maintaining your tank

Septic tanks last longer if they are well looked after. This means regular emptying and checking to make sure there are no small problems which could develop into larger issues. 

Our emptying tanker regularly visits customers across the west of Scotland in South Ayrshire and the Scottish Borders. Other maintenance services we offer include camera inspections. These are a great idea to perform a simple health check on your tank. A camera inspection can identify small problems like leaks and cracks and we can make efforts to fix them before they become serious (and expensive) disasters for your septic tank system. 

Give us a call for septic tank installation, maintenance and emptying in Scotland

Wherever you are across Scotland, give us a call and we can help. From septic tank emptying in Argyll & Bute to high pressure jetting in Dumfries and Galloway, we look forward to working to get your septic system in tip top shape. Get in touch today to chat more.

The post Septic tank emptying in Argyll & Bute and the west coast appeared first on Septic Tank Services Ltd.

Are you looking for septic tank professionals in Edinburgh? From Fife to Perthshire and down to Dunbar and beyond, our team work with customers across the east of Scotland to help install and maintain their septic tanks. Whether you need septic tank emptying in Edinburgh or camera inspections in St. Andrews, we are available. We offer professional advice, guidance and work on all septic tank systems. Simply get in touch today and we’ll be happy to help.

Delivering professional service throughout Scotland

Installing a septic tank is a big job. It’s one you definitely want professionals like us to take care of for you. Whether you are replacing an old tank, or putting one in for the first time, you want to hire a reliable team who will do it correctly. That’s what we offer at Septic Tank Services. Our professional team have installed tanks all over Scotland and the east coast, from Kirkcaldy to Dundee. We are delighted whenever customers get in touch for us to come back and help maintain their tank. It means they are happy with our work. We engage with septic removals so can take an old tank out before putting your new one in.

Before we do any digging, the first step is to perform a soil percolation test on your ground. This ensures that waste water from the tank is able to soak away back into the ground safely. Once that has been taken care of to satisfaction, we can then begin planning either your replacement tank or where to put a new one. 

Whether you want a septic tank system or a sewage treatment plant, we will ensure your system is fully plumbed in and connected so well that you might almost forget it’s even there! With some simple maintenance such as regular emptying and our septic tank pumping services, your new tank should last you for many years to come. 

We can help, wherever you are

People usually rely on septic tank systems because they not on the main sewerage line. They could live by the coast, deep in the countryside or in otherwise difficult to access areas. This isn’t necessarily a problem for us. We are well used to travelling along narrow roads or even dirt tracks. Many properties along the east coast of Scotland can be tricky to get to. This can often put homeowners off asking someone to come out for septic tank maintenance or septic tank draining. But it shouldn’t! Even if you live in the back of beyond, your septic systems needs to be taken care of. Just give us a call to start the chat and let us help. 

East coast and beyond

We are based in Argyll & Bute and our team work all over the country. From the east to the west, the Highlands to the Borders, we’re there. So if it’s septic tank emptying in Edinburgh or septic tank assessments in Berwick-upon-Tweed or even hydro jet drain cleaning in Gullane, wherever you are, get in touch and we’ll help you out. 

The post Septic tank emptying in Edinburgh and the east coast appeared first on Septic Tank Services Ltd.

Here are some of our favourite (is that the right word?) horror stories from over the years.

Smelly backups and overflows

If a septic tank becomes too full, it can lead to backups and overflows, causing sewage to back up into the home or overflow into the yard. To avoid this, take advantage of our annual septic tank emptying  service to prevent the accumulation of solids.

Clogged drains

Flushing non-biodegradable items like grease or excessive amounts of toilet paper down the drain will quickly lead to clogs in the septic system. This can result in messy backups right into your home which not only are expensive to fix, they can ruin carpets and furniture. We’ve seen the result of this and it is…most unpleasant. 

Chemical damage

Harsh chemicals and bleach cleaning products can disrupt the natural bacterial balance in the septic tank, hindering the breakdown of waste. This can mean your tank won’t be working efficiently and might start to smell or overflow. It’s okay to use bleach, but don’t be pouring bottles of it down your sink. Instead, use septic-safe products. If you are in doubt, we can come and assess the health status of your tank.

Root infiltration

Tree and plant roots can invade and clog septic system pipes, causing blockages and backups. Avoid planting trees or large shrubs near the septic field, and consider regular root maintenance. Otherwise, roots can quickly destroy your tank or, at the very least, inhibit it from working effectively by constricting pipes. If you are planning on installing a septic tank and looking for advice on what sort of land is suitable, then get in touch – we can help.

Poor installation

Inadequate installation of the septic tank or its components can lead to problems down the line. You need to make sure your septic tank pit is dug deep enough to ensure stability. Hire a qualified professional (like us!) for the installation process to ensure it meets local regulations and standards.

Failure to inspect and maintain

Neglecting routine inspections and maintenance can allow issues to worsen over time. Tanks can leak, pipes can burst and your home and gardens quickly become a sewer. We can regularly inspect your system using cameras for signs of trouble and follow recommended maintenance schedules.

Inadequate drainfield protection

Parking vehicles or constructing structures over the drainfield can compact the soil and damage the pipes, leading to reduced system efficiency. Keep the drainfield area clear to allow proper absorption of wastewater. If you would like us to undertake some percolation testing, just give us a call.

Let us help you avoid these horrors!

To avoid these horror stories and septic tank problems, it’s crucial to educate yourself about proper septic system maintenance and work with qualified professionals for installation and maintenance tasks. Regular inspections and proper waste disposal practices can go a long way in preventing septic system issues and ensuring the safety and functionality of your system. Give us a shout to book your next inspection or emptying.

The post Septic tank horror stories appeared first on Septic Tank Services Ltd.