Many people own septic tanks, especially if they live in rural areas. Meath is no exception to this rule.

There are many tips for properly owning and maintaining a septic tank. There are also many warning signs to look for that may tell you if you need to get septic tank emptying, septic tank cleaning, or a septic tank inspection conducted in such areas.

First, an owner needs to know where their septic tank is located. This information is vital not only for them to safely own and utilise it but also because it enables them to point the operators of any services that they may need to the proper location to perform their duties. The owner also needs to make sure that none of the waste water or waste products are leaking into the ground water. If it is, they can get an extremely expensive environmental fine. The owner also needs to make sure that no roof or surface water runoff can enter the septic tank. This reduces viable water getting to the water table and further risks the possibility of air contamination from the tank.

Second, the owner of the septic tank needs to make sure that periodic desludging of the tank is conducted by a licensed specialist in accordance with the recommendations of the septic tank manufacturer based upon the number of people in the house and the capacity of the tank. All receipts from such services should be kept for a period of 5 years for financial records as well as in the event of any legal actions arising from such services. This also protects the owner of the tank in the event that any kind of environmental issues arise that may require that records of this nature be provided.

Septic tanks should be inspected annually and should be pumped out regularly by a licensed contractor. This will help to keep the septic tank running in prime condition and will help to prevent against environmental issues. Septic tanks should be emptied every 3 to 5 years. The emptying of the tank should only be conducted by licensed contractors who specialise in this field. Additional measures can be taken to prevent issues. Such measures include but are not limited to repairing leaky pipes and toilets, conserving water usage so as to prevent flooding of the tank, and keeping records of all repairs, maintenance, and inspections.

Signs that something has gone wrong with a septic tank are usually very obvious and easy to spot. One of the first warning signs that something is wrong occurs when waste from a septic tank floods out onto the lawn. Another very obvious sign that something is wrong is when foul odors come through the drains or through the top of the septic tank itself. If nearby ditches or streams become contaminated with septic tank leakage, there is a risk of an environmental fine and obvious proof that a septic tank is either failing or needs some form of inspection, cleaning, or repair conducted.

Slow flushing toilets and gurgling drains may also be an indicator that something is wrong with the septic tank. If the lawn or ground area around the septic tank has begun to develop dips, this may be indicative of problems with the septic tank such as a leak or overflow. If any drains overflow, such as the washing machine, shower drains, or toilets, these are also very strong indications that something may be wrong with the septic tank.

To avoid problems with septic tanks and the environmental fines associated with these problems, one should ensure that their septic tank is properly maintained and inspected on a regular basis by a professional, like Cmdenvironmental.ie.

Article By Lauren Williamson