As a homeowner, you play an important role in keeping your wastewater system healthy. A well-maintained system helps protect your property, your family, your neighbours, and the environment we all share.
Regular servicing by a qualified technician is an essential part of wastewater system care. Most systems only require professional servicing every 6–12 months, but there are simple things you can do between visits to help your system perform at its best and avoid costly issues down the track.
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.
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 ApplicationTo 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.
Please avoid:
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.
