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Summertime Septic Tank Maintenance

by Ri Industries

Summer should be a carefree time when you slow down the pace a bit and enjoy sights and smells of the season. Poor septic tank maintenance can create the wrong sights and the wrong smells! Here are some summertime tips for septic tank maintenance.

What are some signs that your septic tank may be in need of maintenance?

  • contaminated wells
  • untreated sewage discharge
  • soft smell spots
  • pooling water
  • slow drains
  • an overly healthy lawn
  • heavy rainfall

Wait, rainfall? Yes! Heavy rainfalls can cause the water table to rise. When the water table rises too high, it can saturate the septic tanks leach field which can cause contaminants to back up into the septic tank. So, when there has been heavy rain, take steps to put less stress on the septic system. For example, flush the toilet less, take shorter showers, and do less laundry. Also, divert water flow away from the area of the septic tank. Keep the soil around the septic tank from getting too saturated.

It is best to take preventative action to avoid major problems with the septic system so follow the recommendations for best care practices and be familiar with warning signs that maintenance may be needed. Questions?  Call Ri-Industries , 08 8444 8100, and we’ll be happy to help!

 

 

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How to Spot Problem Signs in Septic Tanks

by Ri Industries

Would you know if your septic tank wasn’t working properly? Would you be able to read the signs before the problem grew? Because it stinks when a minor issue turns into a big emergency, Ri Industries want you to be aware of problem signs in septic tanks.

The following excerpt has been taken from Health.gov.au:

The septic tank will need to be checked if there are signs that it is not working properly.

Some signs that a septic tank is not working properly are:

  • The sewage in the toilet or the liquid waste from other fixtures flows away very slowly
  • Liquid waste overflows from the disconnector trap
  • Wet areas are seen at the top of the septic tank
  • There is a strong unpleasant smell near the septic tank
  • The grass around the tank is very green and growing well

In the case of on-site disposal systems, it is important to remember that some of these signs may indicate problems with the leach or French drain. Therefore, these drains will need to be checked at the same time as the septic tanks are checked.

If the septic tank and the leach or French drain need to be pumped out, both should be done at the same time.

Ri Industries adds the following:

  • For an average family of 4-6 people your septic tank may have to be de-sludged (pumped out) approximately every 4 years as required by regulations.
  • Septic tanks do not like material that will not break down e.g. plastic bags, tampons, disposable nappies, condoms, etc. Use biodegradable products whenever possible.
  • The bacterial action of your septic tank can be severely inhibited if excessive amounts of disinfectants or old medicine make their way into the tank. Only use products approved for use in septic systems.
  • Pooling of effluent near your seepage trench will give you a warning that the system may be clogging up.

Proper maintenance can help avoid unexpected and costly repairs. To learn more, call us at 08 8444 8100.

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How to Avoid Common Septic System Problems

by Ri Industries

What is a septic system? Essentially it is a large tank where human biological waste materials are broken down. Natural bacteria break the waste down into three components: gases, water, and solids.  The gases and water are eliminated into the environment while the solids sink to the bottom of the tank and eventually will be pumped out. If human biological waste were the only substances to enter the septic system, many of the commonly known problems would not occur.

Most households require their septic system to handle much more than human waste materials. For example, kitchen wastes, water from baths and showers, out put from dishwashers and washing machines including soaps and cleansers. Non-biodegradable items also make their way into the septic systems.

The added substances and extra work required of the septic systems are where many of the problems arise.  Why? Here are a few reasons:

  • Water levels rise more quickly than the solids can break down due to the excess water. This forces the solids into the distribution tubes which are solely designed for water.
  • Non biodegradable substances also cause the water levels to rise forcing the solids into the distribution tubes.
  • Detergents contain phosphates that act as fertilizer causing algae growth which blocks the perforations in the distribution tubes.

The above issues can be avoided or reduced by:

  • Spread the clothes washing out over the course of the week.
  • Shorten the length of showers.
  • Use liquid or gel soaps in dishwashers and washing machines as they do not contain phosphates.
  • Eliminate kitchen wastes.
  • Keep all non biodegradable substances out of the septic system.
  • Have the tank pumped on a regular basis.

For further guidance on maintaining your septic system, call Ri Industries at 08 8444 8100.

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.

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3 Steps to a Healthy Septic

by Ri Industries

In order to make sure that you are healthy, it is important to visit the doctor for a check-up from time to time.

But what ensures the health of your septic tank? Believe it or not, a healthy septic starts with you.

Here are the steps you should take to make sure your septic tank is healthy:

Step 1: Know the Signs

Just as a cough and a fever are signs of illness, your septic tank can exhibit certain signs that it might be time for repair. What are those signs that every responsible septic tank owner should know?

• Something smells funny- you know your septic tank is sickly if the air around it smells – usually like rotten egg gas.

• Something is damp- things are probably not working properly if the ground around your septic tank is damp or soggy, or pools form downhill.

• There is unusual grass growing- it might be time to contact a professional if you see dark green grass growing on or around the absorption area of your septic tank.

• Your flush is ineffective- a sure sign of a broken septic is when your toilet or drains are slow to clear, or keep backing up.

Step 2:.Pay Attention

If your septic tank has not been checked for more than 12 months, you may start to experience the smelly, damp, and slimy problems that come along with a malfunctioning septic. The most common cause of septic problems is when septic tank owners forget to pump out the septic every 3-5 years.

Step 3: Call in the Experts

Although you can play septic tank doctor now and then, it is also important to call in professionals when the going gets tough. If you see any signs of a sickly septic, you should act quickly so that the damage, and the cost of repair, does not get any worse.

Here’s who to call if you are experiencing any of these problems:

1) Your council environmental health officer– if in doubt, call for advice. Often a phone call to the council will either solve the problem or put your mind at rest.

2) A plumber, septic system expert or septic pumper –Plumbers, pumpers, and experts can be found under Septic Tank Cleaning Services in the Yellow Pages or Google search.

3) Ri-Industries– Do you have any questions about your septic? As always, do not hesitate to contact us.

9 Tips on How to Take Care of Your Septic Tank

by Ri Industries

Your septic tank may not always be top of mind when you’re considering home maintenance, but it’s an important part of your home and something not to be overlooked. Properly caring for your septic tank will extend its life and value, while helping to keep septic tank costs down. Follow these nine easy steps to septic tank care, and you’ll help maintain your septic tank even longer:

Septic Tank Care Tip #1: Don’t throw rubbish down your toilet.
It’s so tempting to flush rubbish down your toilet, but it’s very unhealthy for your septic tank system. When you flush items such as cat litter, facial tissue and paper towels, you can clog your septic tank. Use your litter bin for these items.

Septic Tank Care Tip #2: Don’t pour grease down the drain.
If you pour grease down your drain, it could clog your septic tank drain field. Grease doesn’t allow the soil around your drain field to absorb liquids, which could cause a back-up and result in the added expense of digging a new drain field.

Septic Tank Care Tip #3: Purchase the right kind of garbage disposal.
Consider investing in a top-of-the-line garbage disposal, which will do a better job grinding your food waste. The more ground your food, the better it will be absorbed in your septic tank system.

Septic Tank Care Tip #4: Repair leaky faucets.
Water that is wasted through leaky taps puts a strain on your septic tank system (not to mention, it also increases your water bill!). Be sure to repair leaky tap right away.

Septic Tank Care Tip #5: Don’t pour household chemicals down the drain.
Dispose of motor oil, antifreeze, paint, pesticides and potent cleaners properly. They should never be poured down the drain because they kill bacteria that breaks down solids in your septic tank.

Septic Tank Care Tip #6: Never drain your pool or hot tub water into your septic tank system.
Chlorine from your pool or hot tub can break down the important solid-busting bacteria in your system, just like household chemicals can. Additionally, adding a large influx of water into your septic tank can cause your drain field to flood.

Septic Tank Care Tip #7: Perform an inspection of your septic tank on a regular basis.
The frequency of a septic tank inspection depends on the manufacturer – it can range from three months to three years. Some septic tanks can be inspected by the consumer while others need to be inspected by a technician. In any case, be sure to have your septic tank system evaluated on a frequent basis to catch any minor repairs before they become costly ones.

Septic Tank Care Tip #8: Pump your septic tank.
Most septic tanks need to be pumped every 3-5 years. The frequency depends on how many people are in your home. The more people living in your house, the more often you should pump your septic tank.

Septic Tank Care Tip #9: Take care of your drain field.
Make sure all water is diverted away from your soakage area. Additionally, only landscape your soakage area with grass. If you want to add plants, be sure to only pick ones with shallow root systems. Finally, never park a vehicle on top of your soakage area. Vehicles can put a strain on your soakage area and may lead to ruptured pipes.

By following these nine tips, your septic tank system will last longer and work more efficiently – all while helping to prevent costly repairs. Should it be time to replace your septic tank system, don’t hesitate to contact us with questions on [email protected] / 08 8444 8100.