How To Care For Septic Systems Queensland To Keep Them Functioning Efficiently

By Celia Hall


Septic systems Queensland are private waste removal systems for homes that are not connected to the Queensland community sewer. A typical system is made up of three major parts: the tank itself, the drainfield and of course the soil beneath the drainfield. The system has been designed in such a way that waste is filtered through the drainfield to the soil. Components found in the soil will neutralize chemicals and bacteria before finding their way to nearby lakes and rivers, or to the groundwater.

Taking good care of your system is a necessary process that will ensure it is in tip top shape throughout the year. The good thing is that the process is as simple as following a few basic guidelines and general care and maintenance tips. Here are some tips to you get started.

First and foremost, you should know that tree roots can not only interfere with your systems functionality but can also cause major damages to it. It is advisable that you keep trees at least 100 feet away from your unit. This is particularly so with trees known to have very aggressive roots, a good example being the willows, which ought to be planted, even far away to discourage root damage.

A waterlogged drainfield will be inefficient in absorbing and neutralizing waste. This means that you have to have roof gutters, a well designed landscape and foundation drains in place to help divert all excess water from the drainfield. While still at it, you should conserve water so as to avoid overloading the system. This could be as simple as doing laundry several times throughout the week instead of all at once.

Maintaining your unit is also about knowing what needs to be disposed through the system and what should not. Just like a normal sewerage system, you should never dispose disposable diapers, cat litter, tampons, sanitary napkins, facial tissues, paper towels, cigarette butts, coffee groundnuts and such like items through your system. They will fill and clog it very fast.

Still on point, you should be easy on cleaners, particularly those containing bleach as they can kill good bacteria in the tank meaning solids may not be broken down as quickly as you would want them to. Avoid pouring grease down the drain since it will clog the drainfield sooner or later. If and when the drainfield is clogged, you will need a far-reaching and often expensive repair process of your septic system, and in case there is no space for repair, it means you will have serious problems trying to put up any unit later on.

Some more additional tips when it comes to maintaining these units is to avoid pouring harsh chemicals down the drain as they can potentially be harmful to the system, not to mention the fact that they will find their way into the groundwater eventually. Further, you should plant grass atop the drainfield so as to reduce soil erosion and keep the soil intact.

Some people believe that septic additives can add good bacteria to the system, while others believe they are a total waste of time and money. The fact that these enzyme products are affordably priced means you can always try them yourself to know how effective, or ineffective thereof, they are. Be sure to research online on septic systems Queensland and you are sure to find more info on how to care for your unit for optimal performance.




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