Servicing should be done by a suitably qualified service technician such as the experts on the WaterFlow team. Since servicing only takes place once every 6-12 months (and some systems require even less maintenance) there are things you can do in between to ensure the system is working at its best.
Protecting the Future of Your Property
Installation of your wastewater septic system is just the beginning.
As a homeowner, it is your responsibility to maintain your wastewater system, this helps to ensure the protection of your property, family, neighbours, and our shared backyard.
What Can You Do?
Clean Your Septic Outlet Filter
On traditional septic systems and the septic stage of an aerated system, there will be an outlet filter.
This stops small, suspended particles from progressing through the tanks and blocking any further filters or the irrigation system.
Typically, there will be a 100 or 150mm pipe poking out of the ground at the outlet end of your septic tank. After removing the cap, you should see a filter down in the pipe, it will have a handle at the top. Remove this filter by pulling on it (you may want gloves), it could require some effort due to rubber seals around the filter.
Once removed, hose off the build-up on the filter and replace it in the tank; be sure to push it all the way down.
Flush Your Irrigation
The irrigation system can become compromised if it begins to block with fine particles or bacteria that have passed through the system.
If some lines are blocked, it will put pressure on the rest of the irrigation system and can cause ponding or runoff of water. More serious blockage puts pressure on the discharge pump leading to extra wear and tear and eventual pump failure (normally just after the warranty has run out…).
To flush the lines, simply open the taps and run fresh water into the pump chamber at the end of the Wastewater Treatment System. This allows fresh water to pass through the lines, purging contaminants out the end of the lines. Some irrigation systems will have provision for connecting a hose, rather than putting water into the pump chamber.
All irrigation systems will have flushing points somewhere, normally at the end of the irrigation lines; you can learn more about this here:
Land Application
Protect Your Irrigation System
As previously mentioned, blockage in the irrigation system can lead to pump failure.
To prevent this, it is important your irrigation is protected; heavy stock such as cows can crush or puncture lines, vehicle traffic can also crush the lines and compact the soil around them.
Be sure to keep the area fenced from stock and vehicle traffic or block the access in some way.
Watch What Goes Down the Drain
Every onsite wastewater system relies on a biological process to breakdown and treat your waste, whether it be worms in a vermiculture system or bacteria in an aerated system or septic tank.
Please avoid:
- Excessive fat
- Grease
- Strong acids (citrus cleaners, or commercial cleaning products)
- Strong alkalis
- Oil, paint, and other toxic chemicals
- Excess milk (common when rearing calves or lambs)
Without being ridiculous, your treatment system prefers a fairly neutral pH. Cleaners in moderation won’t kill everything, as they will be diluted by the volume of water going down the drain; but it is important to be mindful of your microscopic friends outside.
