If you have a septic tank or small sewage treatment plant on your property, it’s a great idea to prepare it for winter or summer so that you can continue using your washing machine, dishwasher, sinks, showers, baths and toilets issue free.
Maintenance
Maintenance for a septic tank should only be carried out by experts every so often and at least once a year. Ideally an old-fashioned septic tank should be replaced with a new tank or sewage treatment plant because the amount of water people use at home has gone up dramatically over the last 20 years. If your septic tank pre-dates the current regulations, it is probably too small and struggling to cope with current flow rates.
Winterising
You should start the winterising process by having your tank inspected by a professional drainage surveyor like our experts here at Drainage Surveying Specialists. They will be able to ascertain if there’s any issues with the system such as leaks.
Next, if you’re not at home during the winter months, drain all the septic tank’s pipes to prevent freezing and cracking. To drain the system, you need to shut off the water main, then open all the taps until they drain completely.
Follow this up by removing the hose connection to the dishwasher, the washing machine, and empty the tank’s pressure. After draining all the lines, add a septic-safe antifreeze following the instructions on the packaging
Summer Prep
Similar to preparing your tank for winter, you should start your summer prep by having a professional check-up on your septic system. They’ll be able to check any leaks which caught early can prevent further damage to your septic system. You can also check yourself by running hot and cold taps individually to check the water pressure – though this method is less comprehensive than a check from an expert drainage surveyor.
Next, ensure that any vegetables or flowers you plant are 20 feet away from your septic system. Roots can interfere with drainage pipes and crack the tank. And if you plan on watering your plants using a sprinkler system or enjoying your garden surrounds in a swimming pool, remember not to overload your septic system with water. If you know you’ll be using a lot of water outdoors, take shorter showers etc to reduce overall water consumption.
Get in touch!
Is your septic system ready for the summer or winter months? If your septic tank needs an expert to look at it, or you’re simply unsure about any issue don’t hesitate to call us here at the Drain Specialists on either 01225 632468 or 07703 893688 or email us at info@thedrainspecialists.co.uk.We look forward to your enquiry!
