Getting Old Septic Tanks to Work Again

When you are about to move into a house that’s been idle for years, every effort must be done to make the place as liveable as possible. No stone should be left unturned in this endeavour.

One system, more than the rest, must be given full attention for its potential impact on hygiene and sanitation – the septic tank. Some home improvement experts contend that septic tanks are capable of staying inert for years, but when you’re doing a pre-moving-in system check, it needs a full overhaul.

Many public utility codes require that a septic tank be built not closer than three metres from the house foundation. A check of the house’s plumbing grid layout may give clues to where the tank is. One of the pipes may be used as the house drain exit point, and traces a line leading out of the house. Septic tanks are normally buried half a metre underground, but once you do find the tank, you and your plumber need to dig out enough soil to expose the access hatch.

Your plumbing team will recommend vacuuming all the material inside the tank. By clearing everything, your plumber can check for cracks without actually going inside. Depending on their condition, the baffles may have to be replaced or fixed. Have the water main turned on and test the flow of water into the tank.