DO’s
Conserve water to reduce the amount of wastewater that must be treated. For example, washing clothes over several days will put less stress on your system
Repair any leaking taps or toilets. To detect toilet leaks, put some food colouring in the cistern and see if the dye ends up in the bowl (without flushing)
Divert downpipes and other surface water away from your septic tank/soakpit. Excessive water keeps the soil from adequately cleansing the wastewater
Have your septic tank inspected yearly and pumped regularly by a licensed septic tank contractor. See pump chart for suggested pumping frequencies.
Keep your septic tank cover accessible at all times
Call a licensed septic tank contractor if you have problems
Keep a record of repairs, pumpings, inspection and other maintenance activities
DONT’s
Don’t drive over your septic tank or soak area or compact the soil in any way
Don’t dig in this area or cover with any hard surface such as concrete etc.
Don’t plant anything over or near the soak area or septic tank as roots may damage the drain lines
Don’t use your toilet as a bin and limit the use of chemicals and cleansers down the drain. Harsh chemicals kill the bacteria that help purify your wastewater.
Don’t waste money on septic tank additives. The bacteria needed to treat wastewater is naturally present in sewage. Additives do not eliminate the need for emptying your tank regularly.
Never enter a septic tank – toxic gases from the tank can kill. If your system develops problems contact us immediately.
