Why do I need to get my septic system desludged?

The wastewater (sewage or "blackwater") that enters your septic system from your home, includes a mix of inorganic and organic substances. Over time, this effluent settles out in the primary septic tank, with the solids settling on the bottom as a layer of sludge, the grease/scum floating to the top, and a central volume of liquid effluent and dissolved solids between these two layers.

Over time, the sludge and scum layers will build up in your system. When these layers reach more than two thirds of the total capacity, your tanks need to be desludged by an accredited liquid waste contractor.

What could happen if I don't desludge my tank/s?

•     It may cause blockages on the inlet of your system

•     Raw sewage can overflow from the Over Relief Gully (ORG), which is the black grate near the edge of house

    High sludge and scum levels may cause:

•         Poor performance of the septic system

•         Blockages within the septic system and/or irrigation filters

•         Blockages within irrigation areas / trenches, causing costly repairs to the irrigation field

•         Bad odours

•         Blockages of pumps, causing costly repairs

On average, a family of 3-5 people should have their septic system desludged every three years.

How often should I empty my grease trap?

This varies from business to business and really depends on how much fat, oil, and grease (FOG) you put down your kitchen drains, together with how big your grease trap is. On average, grease traps are emptied between every 1 - 3 months. A helpful rule to live by is that a desludge (pump out) is due when one quarter (1/4) of your grease trap is filled with FOG. The technician cleaning your tank out will be able to provide the best advice on frequency of desludging.

Regular cleaning of your grease trap is critically important as the FOG will destroy the natural biological process by killing off the good bacteria in your sewage treatment plant, therefore increasing the cost of repairs.

What is grease trap cleaning?

A grease trap separates, and stores, the oils, fats and grease from the wastewater that comes from a kitchen. It filters the wastewater and prevents the oils and grease from entering a wastewater treatment plant.

What can I do to reduce the amount of fats, oils and grease going down the drain?

This is the most important question and can save you a lot of money if you stop the FOG from going down the drain in the first place. Please try and implement the following in your workplace:

•     Allow the grease to solidify and then throw in the bin

•     Clean dishes as much of as possible with a paper towel or cloth and dispose into the bin before washing in the sink or dishwasher (it’s often the little bits that build up and cause problems)

•     Ensure that all coffee cups are cleaned with a cloth prior to washing and NEVER pour milk down the drain.

•     Avoid pouring alcohol down the drain! It also has an adverse effect on the performance of the grease trap and sewage treatment plant.

Help! I have an emergency. Can Mammoth Liquid Waste help?

Mammoth Liquid Waste can be contacted and can attend to emergency callouts 24/7, 24 hours, seven days a week, 365 days a year.