A septic system isn't just a holding tank; it's a living, miniature wastewater treatment plant. The primary goal is to provide a healthy environment for anaerobic bacteria to thrive. These bacteria are responsible for breaking down solid waste into a sludge layer at the bottom of the tank.
Why It Matters: When you introduce harsh chemicals like bleach, sanitizers, or disinfectants, you kill these beneficial bacteria. This disrupts the natural decomposition process, causing solids to accumulate faster than they can be broken down. This can lead to a buildup of sludge, which can overflow into the drain field and cause significant blockages and potentially expensive damage.
What to Use Instead: Use septic-safe cleaners and detergents, which are formulated to be biodegradable and gentle on the bacterial ecosystem. Look for products that are enzyme-based or explicitly labeled as "septic safe."
We recommend EcoCare products. Avaliable at https://ecocare.com.au/
The only things that should ever be flushed down a toilet connected to a septic system are human waste and toilet paper specifically designed to break down quickly. Anything else is a foreign object that can't be properly digested by the bacteria or can get tangled and clog pipes.
Toilet Paper: Not all toilet paper is created equal. Rapidly dissolving or septic-safe brands are the best choice. Thick or multi-ply toilet paper can take a long time to break down, contributing to the sludge layer.
Non-flushable items: Sanitary wipes (even those labelled flushable) can cause havoc in your system as can women's sanitary products and condoms. Make sure these are disposed in the rubbish bin. These products don't belong in the toilet.
Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG): When FOG enters your septic system, it cools and solidifies, creating a thick, waxy layer on the surface. This layer can harden and cause issues for your system. It also provides a food source for "bad" bacteria that can disrupt the system's balance. It is best to collect FOG in a container and dispose of it in the trash
The alarm panel is your septic system's early warning system. It typically indicates a high-level float switch has been triggered, meaning the liquid level in the tank is too high. This is an immediate sign of a problem, such as a failed pump or a blocked drain field.
What to Do: If the alarm goes off, do not ignore it. Silence the alarm but do not put the system on permanent mute. Contact us as soon as possible. If the alarm is indicating for "Air" or "Blower", continue water usage as normal. If the alarm is indicating for "water" or you only have a single light, immediately reduce water usage to prevent a backup. This includes avoiding laundry, showers, or excessive flushing.
The irrigation system, or drain field, is the final and most critical component of your septic system. It's where the treated wastewater (effluent) is dispersed and absorbed into the soil.
Kinked Pipes: A kink in a pipe will prevent the effluent from flowing freely to its designated dispersal point. This creates a bottleneck that can lead to a backup in the tank and potentially a failure of the system.
Blocked Sprinklers/Drippers: If the sprinklers or drippers are blocked by debris or overgrown plant roots, the effluent cannot be properly released. This causes pressure to build up in the system, which can damage the pump and cause the effluent to surface in your yard, creating a health hazard. Regularly inspect and clean the emitters to ensure a smooth flow.
