Common Questions About Septic Tanks

Mar 13, 2023 | News

Septic tanks are used to process untreated wastewater in a safe and efficient way. Here are the answers to some of the most common questions about septic tanks.

What is a Septic Tank?

A septic tank is a small self-contained sewage treatment plant. It’s an underground tank made of either concrete, plastic or fiberglass, and it holds wastewater from plumbing fixtures within the home. The tank itself split into two parts: The first part receives untreated wastewater from the house, and the second part is a settling chamber that allows solids to settle and decompose.

How Often Should I Pump My Septic Tank? 

Generally, pumping of a septic tank should occur every three to five years depending on tank size and the amount of wastewater from the household. For example, a larger family with more than four people may need to pump the septic tank more often (perhaps up to annual service) in order to keep it functioning properly. Also, factors such as high levels of certain types of soaps can lead to clogging in the septic system, and therefore require more frequent maintenance.

Can I Install a Septic System Myself?

In most cases, you cannot install a septic system yourself and should seek the help of a professional. Professional installers have the experience and the legal authority to ensure that your new septic system is viable and that it meets all local regulations. Skilled labor is often needed when installing a septic system, and many jurisdictions require professional installers be licensed or certified by the state.

What Maintenance Tasks Should I Perform on my Septic System? 

Septic tanks require regular maintenance to ensure that the system is functioning correctly and that future repairs can be avoided. Maintenance tasks include inspecting the system for any evidence of leaks or backups, having your tank pumped and cleaned regularly, testing for septic system failure or blockages, and checking any alarms or alert indicators on your system. It’s also important to have a professional inspect your septic system at least once a year to ensure there are no issues.

What Are Signs of Poor Septic System Management?

Poor septic system management can take many forms, but the most obvious signs are wet spots or odors around the drainfield area or seeping out of pipes in the house. It could also manifest itself as blockages in toilets or drains and slow draining sinks. These issues should be addressed quickly as they can lead to more serious problems such as a failing septic tank or a clogged drainfield.

Why use Drain Blasters?

Cutting edge technology

Drain Blasters only works with the latest technology and equipment, using high pressure water-jetting.

Portable equipment

Our portable equipment can be carried into buildings and lifts in order to access those hard to reach places.

Scalable Equipment

Our fleet ranges in capacity and size from 1 to 10 tonne waste removal capacity and drain clearing capabilities, suitable for residential and industrial blockages.

 

Highly experienced teams

Our teams are made up of highly experienced individuals who are professional and friendly

24/7 Service

We are on call 24/7 to assist in the case of emergencies and short notice service

Competitive Prices

We offer highly competitive pricing while maintaining a high level of service

Our Services

Drain Clearing

Our experienced experts are available around-the-clock and are equipped with the latest drain clearing tools and technology to get the job done fast and effectively.

Liquid Waste Removal

We offer a professional, socially responsible & price effective solution as a leader in liquid waste management.

Septic Tank Cleaning

We specialize in septic tank cleaning and drainage, whereby we pump out and clean the contents of septic tanks.

Grease Trap Cleaning

Our grease trap cleaning process ensures a free flowing drainage system and alleviates odours in your workplace in a systematic, discreet and environmentally friendly manner.

Grease Traps

We proudly install grease traps into restaurants and institutions which require filtration of grease, fats, and oils from their wastewater.

Sewage Removal

We have extensive expertise and experience in resolving sewerage blockages of all sizes, with special care taken to dispose of sewage safely and effectively.

Areas We Service

Drain Blasters services almost all areas across Cape Town and Surrounding Areas

Airport Industria | Athlone | Atlantic Seaboard | Atlantis | Bakoven | Bantry Bay | Bellville | Bergvliet | Bishopscourt | Blackheath | Bloubergstrand | Bo-Kaap | Boland | Bothasig | Brackenfell | Brooklyn | Camps Bay | Capri Village | CBC | Century City | Claremont | Clifton | Clovelly | Constantia | Crawford | Crossroads | Culemborg | Darling | De Waterkant | Devil's Peak Estate | Diep River | Durbanville | Edgemead | Eersteriver | Elsie's River | Epping | Epping 2 | Epping 1 | Fish Hoek | Foreshore | Franschoek | Fresnaye | Gardens | Glencairn | Goodwood | Gordon's Bay | Green Point | Harfield Village | Heathfield | Hout Bay | Imizamo Yethu | Kalk Bay | Kenilworth | Kenwyn | Killarney Gardens | Kirstenhof | Kommetjie | Kraaifontein | Kreupelbosch | Kuils River | Lakeside | Lansdowne | Llandudno | Lotus River | Maitland | Malmesbury | Mamre | Meadowridge | Melkbosstrand | Milnerton | Montague Gardens | Mouille Point | Mowbray | Muizenberg | Ndabeni | Newlands | Noordhoek | Northern Suburbs | Observatory | Ocean View | Oranjezicht | Paarden Island | Paarl | Panorama | Parklands | Parow | Philippi Industrial | Pinelands | Pinelands | Plattekloof | Plumstead | Retreat | Rondebosch | Rondebosch East | Rosebank | Rugby | Sacks Circle | Salt River | Scarborough | Schotsche Kloof | Sea Point | Simon's Town | Somerset West | Southern Suburbs | SouthField | St James | Steenberg | Stellenbosch | Stikland | Strand | Sun Valley | Sunnydale | Table View | Tamboerskloof | Thornton | Three Anchor Bay | Tokai | Vredehoek | Waterfront | Wellington | West Beach | Wetton | Woodstock | Wynberg | Zonnebloem