Last Updated on 02/06/2021 by Mandy
Here is a list of our top tips to help you care for your home septic system.
If you are staying in a home with a septic tank you should remember these tips.
1. USE SEPTIC SAFE PRODUCTS
Find products that are ‘septic safe’ and use only as recommended. Household detergents and bathroom products should be biodegradable. Just to note, most household cleaners are NOT Septic Safe (so put them away and use products marked septic safe).
2. USE / ADD BACTERIA IN YOUR SEPTIC SYSTEM
This is the best way to make sure your system doesn’t get overloaded. Use it in the toilet, kitchen and bathroom drains and also in your grease trap if you have one. There are special septic unblockers and bacterial waste systems you can find on ebay and Amazon.
3. DON’T USE THESE CLEANING ITEMS
- Vinegar – many people use this as a natural alternative but it will kill the good bacteria in the tank
- Bleach
- Disinfectant
- Hand Sanitiser
- Toilet Cleaner – There are septic safe ones in supermarkets.
- Washing Powder – There are septic safe ones in supermarkets.
- Shower Cleaner – There are septic safe ones in supermarkets.
- Dishwashing Machine Powder – There are septic safe ones in supermarkets.
- Dishwashing Liquid – There are septic safe ones in supermarkets.
4. LESS KITCHEN WASTE DOWN THE SINK
Put less waste down the sink. Thoroughly scrape all food scraps, oil and fat residue from plates, dishes and saucepans before you wash them. Put food waste in the compost bin or worm farm instead. Your soil and septic tank are better off!
5. WATCH WHAT GOES DOWN THE SINK/TOILET
Use toilet paper that readily breaks down and don’t flush sanitary napkins, tampons, disposable nappies or wipes etc. into the septic tank – these items do not break down and will cause the septic tank to block. Keep a bin near the toilet so it encourages any guests to do the right thing to look after your septic. If you are staying in a home or tiny house then use the bin provided!
6. SEPTIC TANK FAILURE SYMPTOMS
You can check for pooling water or muddy soil around your septic system or that nasty septic smell. This means you need to use a septic treatment product. You might also notice strips of bright green grass over the drain field or greasy pools coming to the surface. It means there is a problem.
7. DO YOU HAVE SLOW RUNNING TOILET/DRAINS?
There are sure-fire signs that you need to add bacteria to clean the pipework in your home. This may be your toilet not flushing properly, sinks being slow to drain, shower drain backing up or/and your laundry drain being slow to empty.
Save the worry and expense of a badly functioning system, add bacteria to your system and see the difference!
We recommend Ecotabs Wastewater treatment products from Queensland. 