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About Sewage Systems
Septic Tanks and Cesspools
Septic tanks and cesspools are designed to treat sewage from a range of developments where access to the main sewer is not possible (e.g. housing estates, camping and caravan sites, rest homes, schools, construction sites, hotels, country clubs, public houses and restaurants).
About Septic Tanks
A typical household septic tank consists of two components: the septic tank and the soakaway. The tank's main purpose is to detain wastewater for 1 to 2 days, during which time solids, greases, oils and floating objects are separated from the wastewater. Bacteria within the tank starts to attack and break down the waste immediately.
Although the bacteria does a good job, it can't get rid of all the solid waste. Septic tanks end up with three different layers of waste: scum floats on the top, partially treated wastewater is in the middle, and sludge drops to the bottom. After 1 to 2 days, partially treated wastewater leaves the tank and heads for the soakaway. This area is made of a series of interconnected pipes that lie in sand or gravel filled trenches. The wastewater exits though perforations in the pipes into the soil: the soil acts as a biological filter for the water.
How often should my septic tank be emptied?
Septic tanks must be sized in accordance with the number of people in the household. Tanks with too little capacity allow the wastewater to enter the soakaway too quickly. If this happens, solid particles that were supposed to settle in the tank can be carried into the soakaway: this can cause the tank to back up, and cause the soakaway to flood with untreated waste water.
Your septic tank should be emptied at least once a year, but it may require emptying more frequently if the tank is not large enough. Contact us to arrange to have your septic tank emptied.
About Cesspools
Cesspools (or cesspits) are much simpler than septic tanks. They are usually placed underground with only a single manhole cover. Many older cesspools are made of brick, but newer ones are made of fibreglass and other modern materials.
Cesspools are a sealed tank, and they take all the liquid waste from a property's sinks, baths, showers and toilets. As cesspits are completely sealed they need emptying on a frequent basis.
How often should be cesspool be emptied?
The frequency depends on the size of the property, the size of the tank, the number of occupants, and the general usage (such as the number of baths or showers taken each day, and how often dishwashers or washing machines are used). Contact us to arrange to have your cesspool emptied, and to find out how frequently it needs to be emptied.
Your septic tank should be emptied at least once a year, but it may require emptying more frequently if the tank is not large enough.
