Top Myths About Septic Tanks

by Ri Industries

Ri-Industries Septic Tank

 

A septic system not used or maintained properly can bring unsolicited problems as well as become a health hazard and compromise the quality of your water. Here are 4 common myths Ri-Industries wants septic tank owners to be aware of:

MYTH #1: The amount of water a family uses or consumes does not affect its septic tank system.

Water consumption and use, whether through leaking pipes and taps or excessive laundering, will increase the amount of effluent that travels through the tank, requiring more frequent pumping. Ri-Industries recommends being diligent about thorough routine inspections of your plumbing fixtures in addition to your septic tank.

MYTH #2: Bacteria additives are not necessary for your tank.

Solids are broken down by the presence of bacteria; therefore bacteria additives may be an alternative to help your system break down the grease and oils to help your septic tank to work properly and efficiently

MYTH #3: Pouring household chemicals down your drain does not harm your septic tank.

One of the easiest ways to rid your house of chemicals and hazardous materials is to flush them down the drain or toilet. Don’t do it. This practice can cause damage to your septic system and is a health hazard. A great way to avoid toxins in your house and your septic system is to use all natural chemicals.

MYTH #4: If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!

Don’t wait for a problem or for your tank to break. Routine maintenance of your system is required to keep your tank functioning and to prevent damage to your drainfield. Plus, your septic tank will last longer with proper preventive maintenance—and will save you money in the long-run.
If you own a septic tank system and are unsure of how it works, and what is required to keep your tank in good working condition, don’t hesitate to contact us at Ri-Industries. We serve customers throughout Adelaide and South Australia.

5 Ways to Avoid the Cost of Replacing Your Septic Tank

5 Ways to Avoid the Cost of Replacing Your Septic Tank

by Ri Industries

Replacing a septic tank is costly. Though it may be necessary at some point in your lifetime, scheduled routine maintenance and inspection of your septic tank can lengthen the life of your septic system. Ri Industries recommends doing these five things to avoid replacing your septic tank.

5 Ways to Avoid the Cost of Replacing Your Septic Tank

1. Keep Foreign Materials Out

It is important to keep foreign materials from getting flushed into your system.  Flush biodegradable only; items such as dental floss, tampons, condoms, plastic bags and grease should not be disposed of through your septic system.

2. Remove Sludge

Sludge will build up and block your outlet pipe, eventually causing the septic system to fail.  Periodically removing sludge, often called de-sludging, will keep your septic system processing properly. Ri Industries recommends de-sludging every 3-4 years, or according to local regulations.

3. Conserve Water Usage

Water conservation will keep your septic system in good working condition by reducing the amount of water absorption in your drainfield.   Ways to reduce your water usage include repair leaky taps and toilets; use water-saving showerheads and low-flow toilets; and not running water when brushing teeth or shaving.  Also, when machine laundering, be sure to wash full loads or change your settings to accommodate smaller loads.

4. Maintain Proper Tank Conditions

The enzyme/bacteria in your septic tank converts the solids to liquids – a process necessary to begin purification. To remain at the septic tank system’s recommended bacteria levels, do not dispose of household cleaners, drain openers, chlorine bleaches and other harsh chemicals through the system.

5. Know Your Septic System

Understand your septic tank system’s design; know how it operates and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on how best to care for your septic tank system. Remember— knowledge is power.

In addition to these five maintenance tips, prepare a routine checklist and maintenance schedule, and stick to it. Septic tank inspections should occur 1-2 times each year to allow for timely detection of operating issues and may deter a full replacement of your system.

Do you have any questions about your septic system? Please do not hesitate to contact us for your septic tank needs in Adelaide and South Australia.

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Septic Tank Smells, Decoded

by Ri Industries

Do you ever wake up from a long night of sleep, take in a deep breath and think, “Ah, I just LOVE the smell of septic in the morning!” You probably don’t. Or at least, we hope you don’t!

It would be natural for your septic tank to be smelly because it’s a receptacle for human waste.  But you should never be able to smell the septic on your property because a Ri-Industries septic tank is designed to contain its own odour. The plague of uncontrollable septic odour is more than just a nuisance; it is a sign of sewage issues which, if left untended, can contaminate the water supply and lead to dangerous situations.

What is a diligent septic tank owner to do when their septic starts to smell? Ri-Industries has decoded some of the common problems that lead to stink, and how to solve them:

Smelly Problem #1: Full or Overflowing Septic Tank

Solution: This is the easiest smelly situation to solve. Simply have your tank pumped. A septic tank’s size is usually determined by the expected water usage for your home, and most septic tanks are designed to be pumped every 4 years. If you have a leaky tap, or are using more water than usual, you may need to have the septic tank pumped more often to reduce the septic smell.

Smelly Problem #2: Covered Septic Tank Vent

Solution: If your home has been remodeled or renovated since your Ri-Industries septic tank was installed, your septic tank may have been capped or covered up. If you have a septic tank in an older house, check to see that the head vent off of the main drain is still attached and extends above the roof line of the house. When dealing with an old septic tank, make sure to keep your vents uncovered and in best repair.

Smelly Problem #3: No Septic Tank Vent

Solution: If you are experiencing septic tank odour, you may need to install a proper septic tank vent in your home. If the tank wasn’t installed properly, it may have been installed without any sort of vent at all. If you notice the odour mostly after showering, then this is likely the case.

Smelly Problem #4: Bad Chemistry

Solution: Some things simply shouldn’t go into the septic tank. Here is a list of things you shouldn’t let go down the drain: cooking grease, oil or fat, industrial cleaning products, paints, solvents, feminine hygiene products, condoms, antibiotics and other expired medications, anti-freeze, transmission fluid, or gasoline. These can disrupt the sewage breakdown and cause pungent septic tank odours.

If you have tried all of these solutions to your smelly septic problem and the odour still persists, please do not hesitate to contact us  with questions.