Keep your septic tank in the pink of health with these basic maintenance tips. They’ll go a long way towards helping you avoid the potentially costly repairs that come with a neglected tank and make the honeysucker truck’s bi-annual visit go that much smoother!
1. Set a reminder
As a general rule, septic tanks need to be emptied every two to three years so it can be easy to drop it down the list of priorities, especially if it is ticking along with no visible concerns. However, to avoid the environmental hazard and embarrassment that comes with an overflowing tank, it is wise to keep more than just a mental note of your next service date.
2. Check your blueprints
Having key information to hand when our professionals attend your property can be extremely helpful. Wherever possible, brush up on the date of your last inspection, what type of system you have and when it was installed. It can also be useful to consult your property blueprints for information on the size and location of your tank.
3. Clear a path for the honeysucker truck
Shadai’s fleet of sewage trucks used to empty septic tanks come in a range of sizes – from super suckers and 6,000lt tankers for residential use, to 56,000lt tankers for commercial and industrial properties. By sending the correct vehicle for the job, you can be assured that our honeysucker trucks will have minimal impact on the surrounding environment.
4. Look after your drains
Be mindful of what you put down your drains. Harsh cleaning chemicals can kill the healthy bacteria that break down the waste matter in your tank, playing a vital role in the efficient functioning of your septic tank. And, as convenient as it may seem, sanitary items and baby wipes are not friends of the septic tank: only bio-degradable items should be flushed down the toilet.
5. Know the warning signs
Spotting when your septic tank is full is not always easy, especially if you’ve never had the problem of it overflowing before. And, because many factors could affect how regularly your septic tank may need to be cleaned, including your tank capacity and the number of people living on your property, it is worth being aware of these early warning signs. A bubbling noise, constant clogs or a foul odour are all red flags that the tank may be full and require immediate attention.
