Septic Tanks

If you live on a rural property, you may not have access to town sewer. Therefore the wastewater generated from your household must be treated on your property. This is often done through the use of a septic tank system.

How Septic Tanks Work

A septic tank is a system for the treatment of sewage. All the water used in your household will end up in your septic tank system, unless it is grey water diverted for the garden.

When your household wastewater flows into the tank, most of the heavy solids in it sink to the bottom. Over time, bacteria partially decompose these solids into sludge and gases. The sludge builds up on the bottom of the tank while the gases and other lighter materials rise to the top of the tank and form a floating layer of scum. The wastewater left in the middle is released through a disposal field of soil or clay.

Maintaining Septic Tanks

Each septic tank system has been designed to handle a certain capacity. If this capacity is reached, untreated wastewater can overflow into the surrounding land, causing a potential health threat.

Bacteria in the system needs time to break down the solid waste in the tank. As the sludge and scum build up in your tank, wastewater is forced into the disposal field faster. Because the wastewater stays in the tank for less time, the bacterial treatment is less effective and the water released is not treated properly. Sludge can also clog the inlet or outlet pipes or the disposal field, causing the system to fail.

Using practical guidelines and regular checks can avoid these situations and save you time and money.

Contact Details

For more information contact Health Services on 9217 2277, via email at info@whittlesea.vic.gov.au or visit the Civic Centre, 35 Ferres Boulevard, South Morang (8.30am - 5.00pm Monday to Friday, except for public holidays)