If you’re new to Perth or your new home has a septic tank, you might be confused as to what this means and how to care for it.
In this brief article, we will help untangle the confusion surrounding septic systems.
Septic Tanks Explained: A Beginner’s Guide
When your home cannot be connected to the public sewer system, you rely on a septic system, which usually includes a septic tank and a leach drain field.
Unless you have a separate grey water system for things like your shower or laundry, all waste from your home will flow through the drains and into the septic tank.
“Solid waste”, such as poop, food waste, and other items will sink to the bottom of the tank while lighter items, such as oil, will create a scum blanket on the top.
Waste water, called effluent, will flow out of the tank and down a pipe into a gravel-filled ditch where the soil will filter and absorb the water.
How Septic Tanks Work
A septic tank separates the solid waste from liquid waste, also called wastewater.
Solid waste moves to the bottom of the tank, lighter waste will sit on top, and wastewater will flow through the pipes to the leach field to be absorbed by the soil.
As you can imagine, over time, the tank will become full of solid waste, which will need pumping so the septic system can continue working as it should.
The Benefits of Installing a Septic Tank System
While most homeowners in Perth are connected to the sewer system, homes in more rural areas must rely on a septic system.
A septic system can help you save money. Once installed, they only need servicing every few years and rarely have issues when properly maintained. This helps you avoid those ugly monthly sewer charges, which can be between $40 and $110.
Septic systems are also environmentally friendly, using a natural process that includes natural filtration of wastewater and bacteria to break down solids.
A septic tank system can improve your property values. No one likes paying monthly fees for public sewers.
Septic tank systems are also quite economical because they last for many years. A well-maintained concrete septic tank can last 40-100 years!
Most homeowners who have septic systems are more aware of their water usage and often have reduced costs for water consumption.
There are many reasons to love your septic system!
Choosing the Right Septic Tank for Your Property
If you are building a new house, you would be wise to consult with a licensed professional, such as the ones you’ll find at Perth Septics.
Soil type, the size of your home, the number of people expected to live there, and other factors all contribute to creating a suitable and cost-effective septic system for your home that will work for many years without incident.
Maintenance Tips for Your Septic System
Our Top Tips for keeping septic tank systems working well include:
- Schedule regular maintenance. Pumping should be done every 3-5 years.
- Have a licensed professional inspect the system every other year.
- Be mindful of how much water you use. Install water-saving devices, such as low-flow shower heads.
- Don’t flush non-organic items such as cigarette butts, tampons, paper towels, baby wipes, condoms, dental floss, cat litter, or medication. Organic items, such as food scraps, should be put in the garbage, rather than the septic tank.
- Avoid harsh chemicals, such as bleach, and put cooking oils and fats into the trash can, not down the drain.
- Use septic-safe toilet paper and cleaning products.
- Use water wisely. Take shorter showers, spread out laundry loads during the week, and perhaps even wait to flush. Some people follow the rule, “If it’s yellow, let it mellow. If it’s brown, flush it down!”
These tips will help keep your septic tank system working properly for many years.
Signs Your Septic Tank Needs Attention
No one likes to think about their septic system, but the truth is that septic systems work until they don’t!
Signs you’ve waited too long to service your septic system include:
- Slow drains
- Gurgling sounds from the drains
- Dirty-looking water in the toilet or a backup of sewage
- Lush grass over the drain fields or the septic tank
- Excess water or pooling water around the leach drain
- Stinky drains that smell like a backed-up sewer
These are signs that your septic tank is full. Call Perth Septics right away if you notice any of these things happening in your home.
Perth Septics will be happy to make an emergency appointment for your septic tank pump-out.
Regulations and Permits for Septic Tank Installation in Perth
Yes, there are plenty of regulations and laws regarding the installation of a conventional septic system.
You will need health department approval and a permit from the LGA. An application submission for the overall septic system will need to be filed.
Site evaluation, soil testing, and more are all necessary, and these regulations only make it more difficult for the average person to install their own septic system or alternative systems.
Call the experts at Perth Septics!
Whether you need to replace your old septic system or need a completely new installation, you want to hire licensed professionals to provide you with expert liquid wastewater management solutions in Perth.
Why Choose Perth Septics for Your Needs?
With more than 14 years of experience dealing with septic systems, water quality, and leach drain fields, we are the number one name in septic tank services in the Perth metro area.
Call our friendly staff today. We are happy to answer all your questions and offer expert advice. We are locals, so we understand the needs of Perth residents.
Call us today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often do septic tanks need to be emptied?
A: This will depend on the size of the tank and the number of people living in the home. On average, septic tanks need to be emptied every 3-5 years and cleaned every 3-6 years.
Q: What are common problems with septic tanks?
A: Septic tank overflow, blocked pipes, tree root damage, tank damage, and damage from chemicals are the most frequent issues. If you have questions or concerns, call Perth Septics right away!
Q: What are the Do’s and Don’ts of a septic tank?
A: DO:
- Schedule regular maintenance every 1-3 years depending on the number of people living in the house.
- Minimise water usage, especially during the winter months.
- Use septic-safe products for cleaning.
- Be sure that water runoff is directed away from the leach drain field.
DON’T:
- Don’t use bleach or other harsh chemicals.
- Don’t flush baby wipes, makeup removal pads, or tampons.
- Don’t plant trees near the septic tank or the leach field.
- Don’t park cars on the leach drain field.
- Don’t overload the system by doing a lot of laundry on rainy days.