Checking your septic tank regularly will save you money in the long run

ENSURING that your septic tank is checked regularly will save you money in the long run so don’t hesitate to contact a local contractor who is fully qualified to ensure that everything is working properly.

A new registration and inspection regime was introduced in Ireland in 2012 for domestic waste water treatment systems, such as septic tanks. The regime aims to protect ground and surface water quality from the risks posed by systems which are not working properly. Owners of domestic waste water treatment systems need to:

Know where their septic tank is located

Operate and maintain the system so it is fit for purpose and fully operational Ensure that the system cannot pollute the environment by discharging or leaking waste anywhere it is not supposed to, that is, into the ground or any water source.

Ensure that roof water or surface water run-off cannot enter a do- mestic waste water treatment system. De- sludge the system at intervals appropriate to the tank capacity and the number of people resident in the premises connected to it, or as recommended by the system’s manufacturer . Desludging should be carried out by an authorised contractor . You should keep the receipt from the contractor for five years. There are many contractors in County Wexford who can fulfil your every need.

Local authorities arranged for inspections to be carried out. Inspections started in 2013 and the y concentrated on areas with high risk to the environment and public health – where drinking water sources or habitats are at risk from waste water discharges. Any remediation work required on your septic tank will be based on factors such as the nature of the problem, the extent of risk to public health or the environment, existing site size and the hydrological and geological conditions present.