West Lindsey District Council

Environmental Protection

Septic Tank
Maintenance
Advice and Guidance
A septic tank is an underground sewage-collection system. The tank itself is a
watertight container constructed of a sound, durable material resistant to
corrosion and decay. With proper care and maintenance, a septic system will
provide many years of trouble free service.
Septic tanks require reasonable usage and maintenance to ensure efficient
operation. The following suggestions should be followed:
• Put kitchen grease and other rubbish into you household waste, not into the
septic tank.
• Septic tanks require periodic cleaning (emptying) to remove accumulated
solids. Do not allow the septic tank to fill and overflow solids.
• It is difficult to predict how fast solids will build up in the tanks because many
factors are involved so they should be monitored at least annually and
pumped out before overflow occurs. Unfortunately, most homeowners will
not do this.
• When you decide to empty the septic tank it should be done by an approved
contractor who is permitted to handle this waste.
Fats, grease, paper towels, sanitary products, disposable nappies, and other
such items will clog your septic system and may overflow into other drainage
systems.1
How does a Septic Tank work?
As the septic system is used, there is an accumulation of solids in the tank,
which is sometimes referred to as sludge. The septic tank removes solids by
holding wastewater in the tank to allow solids to settle and scum to rise to the
top.

A properly managed septic tank will allow up to 50 percent of the solids retained
in the tank to decompose over time and prevent solids from floating out of it. In a
correctly configured system treated effluent water discharges from the tank to
perforated drainage pipes where it drains to an absorption field/soakaway and
percolates through the subsoil. This provides good first and second stage
biological treatment but falls short of a quality currently permitted to enter
watercourses.
Septic Tank Maintenance
As you use your septic system, sludge will accumulate in the tank and the
effectiveness of separation of solids and scum will reduce and eventually will no

e.g. a parish drain or watercourse. Sewage may also overflow into the absorption area.
1
longer takes place causing fine material and then solids to escape. This will
reduce the efficiency and eventually block your drainage field and/or allow solids
to get through to any additional or alternative outlet.1
How often should you empty, this depends on the following:
• Capacity of septic tank
• Flow of wastewater
• Volume of solids in wastewater.

Volume of wastewater flow is determined by the type and frequency of common

household activities. Water conservation practices in the home will help to limit
the flow into the system.
Please note that biological and chemical septic tank additives are not necessary
and do not eliminate the need for pumping. Moderate use of household
cleaners, disinfectants, detergents, or bleaches will do little harm to the system
but frequent or heavy use can prevent otherwise natural biological
decomposition.
Protect the absorption field
Keep vehicles and heavy equipment off the absorption field. Grass cover and
shallow-rooted plants are beneficial but the deep roots of trees and shrubs
stress and may obstruct the system. Grass on the surface of an absorption field
should be mowed regularly to promote evaporation and removal of water
through the leaves. This helps prevent water from unnecessarily infiltrating the
soil above the absorption field.
Remember to consider the capacity of your septic system and limit the water
entering the tank by ensuring surface water (rain) does not enter the septic tank.
How to recognize problems
Learn how to recognize problems with septic systems. For example, unusually
lush and green grass over your drain field may indicate trouble. Also, pay
attention to slow-draining toilets or drains, sewage odours, or sewage backing
up into the house or over the soakaway.
You are advised that Septic Tanks without additional treatment and
Discharge Consent are no longer considered to be an appropriate method
of dealing with sewage where outfall is to or near a watercourse.

The following are links to an information leaflet on the subject that has been
published by CIRIA:
http://www.ciria.org.uk/downloads/archive/sp144_l1.pdf
http://www.ciria.org.uk/downloads/archive/sp144_l2.pdf
 West Lindsey District Council

If you would like a copy of

this document in large, clear
print, audio, braille or in
another language, please
telephone: -

01427 676676
Guildhall, Marshall’s Yard,
Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, DN21 2NA
Tel: 01427 676676 Fax: 01427 675170
DX 27214 Gainsborough

www.west-lindsey.gov.uk