Septic Tank Problems?

13 April, 2020

If your Klargester type or brick septic tank appears to be full and backing up, what do you do?

It is likely that the soakaway has come to the end of it’s life and is blocked with organic matter from the tank. Once the water gets above the outlet pipe then the floating solids can escape! Then the soakaway quickly deteriorates. Floating solids are fats, oils, and grease (FOG) from the kitchen and block the pores of the soil. Bacteria just can’t digest them and so you are doomed!

Septic Tank Emptying?

Immediate action is to get a company to come empty it at £100 a throw. This works for a period but then it happens again, especially in winter, especially after excessive rain like this winter. So you let the tank fill up and again the floating grease gets into the soakaway further limiting the grounds ability to accept the effluent. The manholes may or may not get so full that they leak foul water for the children to step in and with all the attendant E. coli bugs!

The lavatory flush horrifies you as it struggles to drain away. You have friends round for a meal. Can you tell them not to flush? Next week your parents are coming to stay. And it’s still raining!

(What happens to septic tanks in the rain? Warning: High Rainfalls!)

Call for the company to empty it before they come. But a family of four, according to the EA, will fill the standard GRP septic tank in less than four days. So don’t have baths, don’t flush if it’s not necessary and take the washing round to your mother-in-law who is on the mains!

When You Have Septic Tank Problems, It’s Time To Invest!

Seriously , it is time to spend money. Not £100 at ever decreasing intervals but consider more an investment to bring your property up to modern standards! People these days are being advised by their solicitors to be careful buying a house. Advised to have it surveyed of course but particularly if it relies on a septic tank. That it is why you should view it as an investment not a repair.

Talk to someone who knows all there is to know about how to improve your situation!

Each one is different. Allerton will advise on the best course of action whether it be extending the soakaway, converting the septic tank to a fully fledged Sewage Treatment Plant or simply installing a Diamond Unit. We will provide costs as we discuss the options so you are able to make a careful decision about your investment!

FAQ

Q: How often does a septic tank need emptying?

A: As a rule, once a year for the average household. It depends on the size of the septic tank and how many people are using it. Two years is possible, depending on the size of the septic tank. If the frequency is more than once a year, it is usually because of a failed soakaway, and that shouldn’t be happening. Check out this table about the pros and cons of septic tanks. Frequent emptying can be quite expensive. Read the section about septic tank emptying on our Septic Tank and Soakaway Problems page for more information.

Q: Are there septic tanks that don’t need emptying?

A. No. All septic tanks should be emptied to protect the soakaway! Read the section about septic tank emptying on our Septic Tank and Soakaway Problems page for more information.

Q: How do I know when my septic tank is full?

A: It’s difficult to gauge, so have it emptied every year. This will help lengthen the life of a soakaway. Learn more about soakaway problems.

Q: But what if I use a drainage rod with a 3 inch rubber disc?

A: Carefully feel to see where the heavier sludge is. Deduct this from the depth of the tank and when there is a foot of sludge it is full. Any deeper and the settlement zone above the sludge level is compromised and the flow of water increases, carrying fine solids into the soakway. Not good.

Q: How do I clean my septic tank naturally?

A: It should emptied regularly by a registered waste contractor. The mess inside the walls of the septic tank is actually full of bacteria and should be left alone. Do not hose it down!

Q: Should I empty a Klargester septic tank?

A: Yes, every year to protect the soakaway.