septic tank maintenance

Correct Septic Tank Maintenance: The Do’s and Don’ts

Photo by Giorgio Trovato on Unsplash

When it comes to septic tank maintenance, it is important to know what you can and can’t flush down your toilet to ensure the proper functioning of your septic system.

Since it is hard for users to immediately notice what system is installed, a note stating you have a septic tank, that lists how to care for it, is a must. It is up to septic tanks owners to inform themselves about these specialised systems and share this knowledge with others that use their ablution facilities.

In a nutshell, septic systems make use of natural bacteria to digest and, therefore, break down septic waste, rendering it non-toxic. With this in mind, it is important to not flush anything down your toilet that can interfere with this delicate ecosystem. To give you an idea of how to best take care of your tank and prevent issues such as overflow, we’ve put together a short list of Do’s and Don’ts.

Don’t

  • Avoid using harsh chemical detergents such as jik, which can kill bacteria.
  • Avoid flushing condoms, tampons, cigarette butts, paper towels or anything that’s not biodegradable down the toilet.
  • Avoid pouring any paint thinners, solvents, weed or insect killers down the drain – these poisonous substances can threaten your neighbourhood water supplies.

Do

  • Pump your septic tank regularly (atleast once every 2 years) to avoid overflow.
  • Keep appliances that pump out wastewater to a minimum eg dishwasher, washing machine.
  • Flush only toilet paper down your toilet.
  • Use water wisely and fix leaks as soon as you notice them to avoid straining the capacity of your tank.

If you would like more advice on septic tank maintenance, or are experiencing any issues with your septic system, you are welcome to give us a call or pop us a mail and we’ll be happy to assist!

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