Septic
Tanks in London

There are a number of ways you can identify a problem with a septic system. Obviously you are not going to find all the symptoms and just because you have a couple of these problems it does not mean that your septic system is the cause but it is a guide.

Drains Backing Up

Often you may find that you have a buildup of dark liquid in the toilet or in bathroom sinks. This is basically your septic tank overflowing and it could give off a rather unpleasant smell.

Slow Drains

If you find that your sinks and toilets are taking forever to let the water drain away, this too could be a symptom. You will also find that using commonly available drain cleaners won't work either so the septic system is the next place to start looking.

Surface Water

Some septic systems will overflow above ground and you might see a wet spot which emits a rather nasty smell.

Green Grass

Septic tanks lead liquid downwards so when it is overflowing you might find an area where the grass is exceptionally green.

Algae

If you have a pond or lake near your building and this is showing an excessive build up of algae you might find that your septic tank might be leaking into the water.

Odour

A faulty septic tank often leaves a unmistakable and unbearable smell around the house or building

SEPTIC SYSTEM FAILURE - COMMON CAUSES

Here are just a couple of reasons why you might end up with a faulty septic tank:

• The pipe/s between the house or building and the septic tank itself might be broken or blocked.

• Either inlet or outlet of the septic tank can be blocked.

• The area between the drainfield and the septic tank might have a broken or blocked pipe.

• The tank itself might be damaged or filled with solid waste.

• Heavy rain fall might have caused the water table to rise causing your septic tank to overflow

• The drainfield might be blocked by too much vegetation

CLEANING AND LOOKING AFTER A SEPTIC TANK

The best advice for prolonging the life of your home septic system is to conserve water. The more water you put through your septic tank, the more water it must treat and the quicker it is going to stop working. Organize laundry, dish washing, and bathing to use your water wisely and efficiently.

Don't pour grease, coffee grounds and similar materials down your kitchen drain. Never, Ever pour paints, cleaners, solvents or any caustics down any drain. Some people toss cigarette ends, sanitary products, wads of hair and paper and other solid materials into the toilet - this is a serious mistake! Don't use your toilet and septic system as a dust bin... You will be adding to the sludge build up and overloading the bacteria in the septic tank!

If you have a kitchen sink waste disposal, you should inspect your septic tank and pump out the solids about twice as often as you normally would. Therefore, try to limit the amount of food waste you put through the disposal. Even without a sink waste disposal, have your septic system inspected occasionally and the solids pumped out.

Septic Tanks in London