Tips on managing waste water, sewerage and septic tanks

The sorts of things you put down the sink or flush down the toilet may have major effects on the efficiency of the treatment system and consequently, make it far more expensive to treat sewage to an acceptable standard.

• No plastics, oils, chemicals, paints, pesticides should be put into the waste water system. Putting these non-biodegradable products into the system makes the treatment process more difficult as the bacteria in the system that break down the other waste cannot deal with them. Bring hazardous chemicals to the Household Hazardous Waste Collections or employ a contractor to deal with them safely.
• Use bleaches and disinfectants sparingly as they can kill the bacteria that digest the waste.

For septic tanks:

• Consult the EPA Manual, Treatment Systems for Single Houses before the installation of a new septic tank or other wastewater treatment system. Construct septic tank or wastewater treatment system and percolation area in accordance with regulations and ensure that the construction of the systems is supervised by a suitable qualified person and to any planning conditions stipulated.
• De-sludge every 12-24 months
• Don’t allow rainwater to enter the tank
• Don’t allow pesticides, paints, thinners, solvents or household hazardous substances to discharge into the tank.
• Limit the water entering your septic tank, and give your system time to rest after heavy use. Use water- saving fixtures; repair leaky toilets and dripping taps.
• Inspect your tank every year. Measure the level of sludge build-up and inspect the baffles for scum. Pump your septic tank when necessary.
• Avoid using a waste disposal unit in the sink. These add tremendously to the amount of solids entering your septic tank.
• Discard oils by recycling them at one of Wicklow County Council's Recycling Centres. Don't put oils and grease in the drain. Grease can clog the septic tank or the soils surrounding the percolation area. Also, use of liquid fabric softeners can contribute to excessive scum in the septic tank.
• Use toilet paper that decomposes easily. Purchase brands labelled "safe" for septic systems.
• Install a lint trap on your washing machine. Lint will clog the pipes.
• Keep water softener discharges out of your septic system. Sodium in water softener water reacts with soil and reduces the percolation area's efficiency.
• Read product labels! Use low phosphorus detergents and cleaning products whenever possible. Phosphorus is the nutrient most likely to cause damage to surface waters after leaving your septic system.
• Do not pour strong cleaning agents, chemicals, or old medicines down the drain. These kill beneficial bacteria that break down waste in your septic system.
• Keep all non-biodegradable items such as sanitary napkins, disposable nappies, paper towels, and plastic out of your septic tank. They can block the tank's outlet and necessitate expensive repairs.
• Do not drive or park vehicles on the percolation area. Vehicles can compact soils and break pipes.
• Avoid chemical additives. No additive can alleviate the need to regularly pump your septic tank; some may actually promote clogging or contaminate groundwater.