Rural properties not connected to the main town sewage system, will, in every likelihood, have a septic tank.

Peter McKean from Waste Water Transport on the job. Photo supplied.

Like any other system involving the flow of water, maintenance is crucial and the most important part of any schedule is to have the tank pumped out regularly.

How frequently will depend entirely on several factors – the volume of material entering the tank, the number of people in the household, use of dishwasher and washing machine, and of course, that age-old frustration the unending teenage shower.

Some manufacturers of septic tanks recommend tanks are pumped out at least every three to five years to remove all sludge and sediment. However, this will depend on how much grey water (water from the kitchen/washing machine/shower) enters the tank.

More and more rural owners are becoming aware that grey water is a valuable resource and that there are many ingenious methods of making the most of it. So instead of allowing all to flush into the tank they are capturing it for the garden and outside cleaning jobs.

But back to the septic tank. It is imperative to avoid over-loading. If the tank overflows, contaminated water and disease is likely to spread and will become a health hazard.

Be sure to familiarise yourself with the location and plan of your system – your local council should be able to help with some details. Also keep a record of what maintenance has been done and when.

For those installing a brand new system, it may come with a maintenance contract – check. If it doesn’t, it could be worth buying a contract. It may even be worth considering purchasing a similar contract for an existing system.

Concerns about bacteria in septic tanks are not uncommon but bacteria is unavoidable. 

Bacteria will occur and breed and adding inhibitive products to the tank, while no substitute for a proper cleaning out, may help liquify or settle solids, break down scum and grease or dissolve a clog in the soil absorption system.

Wherever possible try to prevent grease, especially from the kitchen, entering the septic tank. It can clog both sewer pipes and tank. Remember to wipe grease from plates and utensils prior to placing them in the dish-washer or sink.

Alternatively, certain four-footed friends can do a superb job of grease removal and are known in certain households as “the pre-wash department.” Not to everyone’s taste of course!

Probably the best treatment for the long, happy and functional life of a septic tank is to ensure that only wastewater, from loo or bathroom, and untreated toilet tissue enter the system in the first place.

Systems will generally cope with mild biodegradable detergents, but moderation should be the key. In this age of consumer complexity it is worth keeping a close eye on what one chucks in the sink.

Never enter a septic tank yourself – gas build up is a real danger. Have an expert inspect and empty it regularly. By sticking to a regular maintenance programme, a trouble-free system should be ensured.