To ensure your septic tank system is running effectively and efficiently, a regular septic tank pump service is essential. You are far less likely to require unexpected septic tank help if a qualified service provider carries out a septic tank pump service to regularly inspect and maintain your system.
How often your system will require a septic tank pump service will be dependent on the manufacturer's recommendations, as well as the requirements and regulations of your local council. Most systems recommend servicing either every six months or every twelve months.
If you live in Auckland, the Auckland Council requires wastewater treatment systems to be serviced every six months, regardless of the system you have.
So that you don't forget to have a regular septic tank pump service, consider contacting a reliable service person, like S3, to arrange ongoing regular monitoring and maintenance, and place the service person's phone number on or in your control panel, so you have easy access to it in the event of a problem or emergency.
After each septic tank pump service, file a copy of your service provider's sludge and scum monitoring report and pump out schedule, as this information will be beneficial for real estate transactions or regulatory visits.
If you are about to install a septic tank system, it can be beneficial to have a service provider be present during installation, so they are familiar with your system and where service lines, conduits and connections are buried. They will then be well placed to assist in the event that you do require septic tank help in the future.
It is also helpful for both yourself and your service provider to keep an "as built" system diagram in a safe place for reference, as well as a copy of the system manual.
As well as ensuring your septic tank pump is serviced regularly, it is also important to keep on top of other plumbing maintenance like leaky fixtures and get these repaired promptly, as these can add stress to your septic tank pump and system. A leaky toilet can waste up to 7500 litres of water in a single day – 10-20 times more water than a normal household's usage. As well as overloading your system, leaks increase your water bill and waste natural resources.