Septic Tank Services

Septic systems

A septic tank is a small scale sewage treatment system used at properties without a connection to the mains sewerage utility network. Looked after properly, and regularly, it is an effective method of dealing with foul waste, but it should be monitored and maintained to make sure that it continues to operate adequately.

Any hint of pollution from your septic system and you could face prosecution with large fines or even imprisonment. But there is an easy way to avoid having to worry about that: make sure you use an operator who will empty your tank automatically at regular intervals, and check that the system is in good working order at the same time. Like The Drain Hunter.

With our credentials as a registered waste handler, our expertise with drains and sewers, and our Hunter-wide resources of people and plant, we have everything you need to maintain a septic tank, cesspit or soakaway: from regular emptying and waste disposal to unblocking soakaways and installing new systems.

A quick look at Septic Tanks

The term ‘septic’ refers to the anaerobic bacterial environment that develops in a tank to decompose the waste discharged into it. It is a micro version of the main waste infrastructure and, working correctly, a simple solution for otherwise isolated or inaccessible locations.

The system consists of a tank and a soakaway, where the tank provides conditions in which the organic matter decomposes, so that the solids settle at the bottom as sludge; and the liquid effluent flows out through the soakaway (often a permeable chamber or system of perforated drains) so that it disperses (‘soaks away’) into the ground.

Naturally, there is strict regulation as to how, when and where the system discharges, with fierce penalties for anyone flauting the law.

What is the problem?

Odour, flooding and pollution are the most common issues with septic tanks, and may be caused by inadequate maintenance or faulty installation.

Smelling trouble: The tank should be adequately ventilated so that noxious gases disperse into the atmosphere without creating an odour nuisance. If you do notice a smell, it could be that the tank or soakaway is not functioning properly, and needs attention.

For instance, the biologically balanced digestion system of a septic tank may be negatively affected by flooding. The influx of too much water (for instance a surface or groundwater wrongly connected to it, or because of climate-related flooding affecting the water table) dilutes and flushes away ‘friendly’ bacteria which digests the waste. That, in turn, may force sludge and solids out of the tank, potentially blocking the soakaway.

It is worth noting here that ground conditions should be suitable for a soakaway to work properly: if the surrounding earth is not permeable enough (eg clay), the effluent discharge will not ‘soak-away’, ultimately backing up into the tank. A simple Percolation Test will establish whether this is an issue, and The Drain Hunter can help you with that. Naturally, a septic tank’s capacity should also be appropriate to the population it serves (i.e. the number of people in the house).

Industry reports highlighted the lack of maintenance in septic tanks. Extreme weather with heavy downpours and high water table pushes an inadequately maintained or too full septic tank to overflow. The result? Sewage floating in the garden. Not recommended. And an extremely good reason not to wade around in flood water without proper protective clothing.

Keep it working

Here are a few simple rules for keeping your system in peak operating condition.

Make sure that the septic system is installed according to Australian guidelines in the first place. And all sewage effluent discharges, irrespective of age, volume or location, must be registered with the Environment Agency. Use professionals.

Be aware that our old adversary ‘FOG’ (aka fat, oils and grease) does not degrade readily and will lead to blockages in a septic system just as it would (and does) in the mains sewer network. Dispose of fat and food residue in the household waste, not down the drain.

Non-biodegradable items such as nappies, sanitary towels and wet wipes will rapidly clog the tank. Even the ones which claim to be flushable. Always put them in household waste, never in the loo.

A recent and lengthy thread on mumsnet.com revealed that there is some confusion out there when it comes to septic tank do’s and dont's. Generally, follow your manufacturer’s instructions for which chemicals to avoid. Pesticides, herbicides, paint, solvents or high levels of bleach can all damage the naturally occurring bacteria which is there to digest the raw sewage. If in doubt, leave it out.

Finally, enlist the services of a local professional maintenance operator — like The Drain Hunter — to remove the accumulated sludge from your tank annually. 

Trust us

With The Drain Hunter looking after your septic system, you can be confident everything is taken care of. We will empty the tank, take care of all paperwork and dispose of the waste at a registered site, and check that your tank is good to go for the next twelve months — all without you having to ask.

Septic Tank Services
Septic Tank Emptying
Septic Tank Installation
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Put your septic tank in safe hands. Call us now for a quote on 02 4915 7348. And relax.