A septic tank quietly treats your household wastewater on site, but it only keeps working if it is looked after. Good septic tank maintenance prevents blockages, bad odours and expensive failures of the drainfield. Below we answer the most common questions South African homeowners ask about maintaining a septic system.
What is a septic tank?
A septic tank is a small, self-contained sewage treatment system buried underground. It is usually made of concrete, plastic or fibreglass and holds the wastewater from your home’s plumbing. Inside, the tank separates waste into layers: solids settle to the bottom as sludge, lighter material floats to the top as scum, and the clarified liquid in the middle flows out to a soakaway or drainfield. For a fuller explanation, see our guide to understanding how septic tanks work.
How often should I pump my septic tank?
As a general rule, a septic tank should be pumped every three to five years, depending on the tank size and how much wastewater your household produces. A larger family will fill the tank faster and may need more frequent service. Excessive use of harsh soaps, bleach and antibacterial cleaners can also kill the helpful bacteria in the tank and lead to faster sludge build-up. If you are unsure when yours was last emptied, book a septic tank cleaning in Cape Town and we will inspect the levels for you.
Can I install a septic system myself?
In almost all cases, no. Septic installation requires professional design and skilled labour, and it must comply with local by-laws and the relevant SANS building standards. A professional installer will size the tank correctly, site the drainfield safely away from boreholes and water courses, and obtain the necessary approvals. A poorly installed system can contaminate groundwater and is expensive to put right.
What maintenance tasks should I perform?
Routine septic tank maintenance keeps the system healthy and helps you avoid sudden repairs. The key tasks are:
Have the tank pumped and cleaned on schedule; inspect regularly for leaks, backups or pooling water; check any alarms or alert indicators if your system has them; conserve water to avoid overloading the tank; and be careful what goes down the drain, avoiding fats, chemicals and non-degradable items. We recommend a professional inspection at least once a year. Catching small issues early is far cheaper than dealing with a failed drainfield.
What are the signs of a failing septic system?
Poor septic management shows itself in a few clear ways: wet, soggy patches or bright green grass over the drainfield, foul odours around the tank or inside the house, slow draining sinks and toilets, and sewage backing up into fixtures. These point to a tank that is full, a blocked outlet or a saturated drainfield, and they should be addressed quickly. Our article on common septic tank problems explains what causes each of these and how to fix them.
Are there regulations I need to follow?
Yes. Septic systems in South Africa are governed by national building regulations and local municipal by-laws covering tank design, siting and maintenance. Our overview of septic tank regulations in South Africa sets out what homeowners need to know. You can also read the general background on septic tanks on Wikipedia.
Not sure when your tank was last serviced? Contact Drain Blasters for a honeysucker pump-out and inspection anywhere in the Western Cape.
