When it comes to your septic tank, it can be nice to have a professional by your side to help you with septic tank maintenance. How do you know it is time to call in a professional? Inspecting your septic tank between pumping schedules is just as important as calling in a plumber or someone from your local council when you need help. Follow these quick guidelines for a routine at-home septic tank check-up. These tips can help you catch any potential problems early on, sometimes even before they happen.
When it comes to the septic tank in your home, you made need to ask some questions:
How often does my septic tank need pumping?
Most septic tanks need a pump-out every four to five years. In the meantime, you should check your tank for buildup every one to three years until you achieve a predictable maintenance schedule. The most common cause of septic tank problems is negligence, so make sure to keep annual or bi-annual inspection on your household to-do list.
What is my role in keeping my septic system safe and working properly?
As a septic tank owner, it is your job to make sure the house drains and tank don’t leak. It is also your job to make any needed repairs and get the tank pumped or de-sludged when it becomes too full. One of the key steps to keeping your Ri-Industries system well maintained is ensuring your system is regularly checked.
Can I inspect the septic tank myself?
If you are feeling particularly ambitious, you can try an at-home inspection yourself, but keep in mind septic tanks may contain toxic or flammable gases.
Step 1: To perform this process, you will need to remove the inspection cover and leave the inspection site uncovered for a few minutes.
Step 2: Check that your effluent water is working. If it is clogged, try rinsing it with a hose or replacing the filter cartridge if the clog is especially bad. (Note: You should wear protective gloves to protect from exposure to harmful substances)
Step 3: Make sure there are no abnormalities on your lawn, such as especially damp or overgrown areas, or odd smells.
Step 4: Lastly, make sure all the drains in your house (toilets, sinks,, tubs) are working properly. Slow flushing drains may signify that your system needs maintenance.
What are signs of septic tank distress?
Your septic tank is probably in need of attention if the air around it smells unusual, or if the ground is wet and forming pools in downhill areas of the lawn. You can also tell if the septic system needs work if there is darker grass growing on or around the area surrounding the septic tank.
Ri-Industries recommends that you speak to your Local Council Health Inspector to understand maintenance requirements of your local area as you consider septic tank repair. Do not hesitate to call a plumber if you think your septic tank is showing signs of disrepair or distress. For more information about maintenance, contact us with questions at [email protected] / 08 8444 810, or through our Contact Us page.
