Septic tanks are a type of wastewater treatment system for single buildings or communities without centralised sewer systems. Septic systems are designed to treat wastewater from a place that has been produced inside of bathrooms, laundries and kitchens. A licensed plumber will install, repair and perform maintenance work to ensure the septic tank functions correctly. Here at Optimised Plumbing Services, we will be able to perform septic tank installation and repair work for Sydney locals.
A septic tank is where wastewater created from the kitchen, bathroom, laundry and other rooms enters a specific tank. This tank is often for one building or a community where access to a centralised sewer system is not available. The waste is treated, including solids and organic matter, and discharged into the effluent soil disposal area to be properly absorbed. Grease and oil floats to the top and solids will sink to the bottom and after some time they will need to be removed by a certified plumber.
What is a Septic Tank System?
A septic tank works to treat wastewater sewage from a building or for communities. The sewage and wastewater pass through pipes from the buildings then enter the septic tank system. The septic tank container is often round or rectangular in its shape. A singular septic tank with a dividing wall can be used for up to 10 people.
It will be constructed on the site and often located towards a treatment lagoon. Rounded septic tanks often come in two with them having lids close to each other and connected via a pipe. These also are for up to 10 people to use and will be made in a factory then later transported and installed on site.
If wondering what the difference is between a sewage and a stormwater drain and their purposes our blog provides further insights.
How Do Septic Tanks Work?
Water is filled in the tank as the water will help with treating the sewage. The treatment works by turning the bacteria and water matter into effluent, or wastewater, and any solid turns into sludge. This wastewater will travel to either a French drain, leach drain or a lagoon for it to be properly dispersed.
The material in the septic tank will be covered by a hard crust substance which is also called a scum blanket. This is what will help prevent air from escaping or entering, acting as an air seal for the sewage. Limiting the air inside the septic tank is needed to help with the breakdown of the bacteria.
The sludge will enter the bottom of the tank and when there are two tanks it will often stay in the first chamber. Once the sludge becomes too much it will need to be manually removed from the septic tank.
When the effluent leaves the septic tank it will enter a catchment where it will be dissolved, absorbed and eventually filtered in the soil.
What are Common Problems with Septic Tanks?
Common problems which septic tanks often experience and signs to look for are:
- Backflow can occur if the tank has not been cleaned or maintained correctly. This can result in toilets, sinks and other plumbing in the house to overflow with sewage
- Any liquid waste that has overflown from the disconnector trap
- Any wet areas or points that are located where or on top of the septic tank
- Smells have formed near the septic tank and may have risen in the home
- The grass around the septic tank is green and growing nicely, this means that water may be leaking
Why Do I Need to Perform Maintenance on the Septic Tank?
The main reasons why septic tank maintenance is performed are:
- Cost Effective – regular septic tank maintenance will cost less than avoiding the work and potential paying for expensive repairs and replacements in the future. From a burst pipe issue, leakages and other plumbing problems, avoiding inspections will lead to costly septic tank repairs.
- Health – to ensure people are safe, maintaining the septic system will ensure wastewater bacteria or viruses do not enter the home. When the tank and pipes are full, dirty and not correctly maintained then there is a risk people can be infected with bacteria and diseases.
- Environmental Impact – to ensure waste does not enter the environment in an incorrect way the septic tank should be clean. Making sure the septic tank works perfectly will limit the waste that will enter natural environments and hurt ecosystems.
Sydney Commercial Plumber – Installation and Repair
Optimised Plumbing Services is here to work with septic tank installation and repair services across Sydney. Our Emergency Plumber team are all fully qualified and will operate in any place on septic systems. We are specialists in commercial plumbing and are perfect for handling septic tank jobs on those sites. Plumbing issues, performing maintenance to installing new tanks, our local plumbers will have the septic tank services completed on time.
Working day or night, our team can operate across all of Sydney, including Greater Western Sydney and the Inner West. We are also Blocked Drain experts, while fully licensed to work on a variety of other plumbing tasks, such as repairing hot water systems, gas leaks and leaking taps.
For the best septic tank services and emergency plumbers in Sydney – rely on Optimised Plumbing Services!
