Household tips

1d73e13563b8be946c0f00bab252d7ea_XLIn the laundry…

  • Wash your laundry in stages over several days – this will avoid flooding the system with large amounts of water at one time.
  • Use low-phosphorus or phosphorus-free detergents. Phosphorus is a major pollutant of waterways and contributes to the growth of algae blooms.
  • Repair leaking taps and cisterns.
  • Extend the life of your trench and avoid blockages by installing a lint filter on the washing machine.
  • If you’ve got a blocked drain, use boiling water or a drain eel to clear the line, don’t use caustic soda or drain cleaners in a septic tank.

In the bathroom…

  • Install a low-flow shower head to save water.
  • Repair leaking taps.
  • Minimise the use of commercial cleaners and bleaches – these can interfere with the bacterial breakdown in the tank.
  • Don’t flush anything down the toilet that could clog up the system. These items will quickly fill up the tank, decreasing its efficiency to pump out more often.
  • Don’t leave taps running unnecessarily, for instance when brushing your teeth.
  • Install a dual-flush cistern for your toilet.

Around the tank & trench area…

  • Keep water from roof downpipes and paved areas away from the absorption field. If the field is flooded, the soil won’t be able to cleanse the wastewater from the septic system.
  • Have a plumber fit an effluent filter to the septic tank outlet to keep solids in the tank and extend the life of your trenches.
  • Only plant grass near the absorption field – roots from larger plants such as trees and shrubs are likely to damage the trench – and mow it regularly.
  • Don’t drive or park on any part of the absorption area. This will compact the soil and may crush the pipes and trench domes.
  • Grow nutrient-tolerant plants near drain fields and irrigation areas.

Remember not to…

  • Do not discharge effluent or primary treated effluent (waste water) on to the ground surface. It contains harmful substances that may have a detrimental impact on the environemnt and human health .
  • Do not water your fruit and vegetables with effluent – this can cause serious health risks.
  • Do not flood the trench area through the use of hoses, sprinklers, storm water runoff and pool backwash.
  • Do not extract untreated groundwater for cooking or drinking.
  • Do not allow children or pets on effluent disposal area.
  • Do not dispose of effluent outside of your property.