How much does septic cleaning cost?

The cost of septic cleaning in Australia is dependent on several factors such as location, size of the septic tank, urgency of the service, and the type of septic system.

Make sure to only use experienced septic tank cleaners, because it’s potentially dangerous to expose yourself to the toxic matter involved. We have prepared this guide to help you understand why you need to clean your septic tank and how much it might cost you.

Why do I need to clean my septic tank?

Over the years of use, your septic tank will store a layer of solids that turn into sludge that forms at the bottom of the tank. There will also be a growing layer of scum that floats to the top as it naturally separates in the system.

Septic tank cleaning (or de-sludging) is the process of removal of both the sludge and scum that has built up. It’s very important that you maintain the requirement of septic tank cleaning because it’s the best way to keep your system working for decades. Without it, all of the following can happen:

• The draining system is more likely to experience blocking, and this could cause raw sewage to redirect itself back into your residential or commercial property.
• If it doesn’t go up in your house, it’ll go into the ground surrounding your system and cause foul odours.
• The quality of waste management is significantly reduced.

How often should I clean my septic tank?

The required frequency of desludging, according to national guidelines and per manufacturer requirements, is based on the number of people using the system on a single property. The following table is a standard guide only and can vary based on of other factors:

Number of people using the system on the property	1-3	3-6	6-10
Frequency of septic tank cleaning	Every 4-6 years	Every 3-5 years	Every 2-4 years

If we still haven’t convinced you, take a look at our article on the importance of regular septic tank cleaning.

**Please note that these numbers will change if the septic system is installed on a commercial property which is more likely to see triple these numbers and therefore requires more regular cleaning.

Call us for a more accurate guide on the above-mentioned factors. A septic system that manages more than 2,000 litres of wastewater per day, is classified as a commercial septic system. This system may require desludging every 2-6 months.

The frequency of desludging may increase if you allow an excess of the following to somehow end up in the system:

• Harsh and abrasive cleaning products like bleach
• Food scraps containing fats, oils, and grease.
• Antibiotics, blood pressure tablets or any other kinds of medications.
• Sanitary and hygienic items like cotton, tampons, earbuds etc.
• Excessive amounts of grey water (grey water is used water that doesn’t contain any faecal matter. Examples are bathwater, or the water used to brush your teeth)

How much do septic tank cleaners in the Riverland area cost?

The average cost for septic tank cleaning across Australia is between $250 and $600. Most homeowners usually spend around $375. The cost of pumping out the tank could be about $250 for a 3,000-litre tank and up to $1 000 for a 5,000-litre tank.

*The above costs are just an estimate, give us a call on 08 8102 0998 for a more accurate answer.

What happens when a septic tank is cleaned?

Soil, sludge, excrement and other forms of solid waste will inevitably build up in the tank over time. A septic tank cleaning is a formal method to pump out all that matters to make more room for more waste to accumulate.

Septic tank cleaning and disposal service providers will carry out the process by completely emptying your tank and collecting it in a truck. Expect a technician to arrive with a tank truck and heavy-duty suction gear. It’s called a gully sucker and it collects all the waste by sucking up the water and the contents in it. Once the tank is emptied, the technician will ensure the safe disposal of its contents. South Australian government is very strict about the disposal of septic tank waste and the laws must be adhered to.

The emptied contents will either be taken to a facility licensed to receive hazardous septage or in areas of South Australia where there isn’t reasonable or practical use on the land. This could be in regional locations or some of Southern Australia’s smaller townships.

Do drainage cells work with Septic Tanks?

Drainage cells, as the term implies, are specifically designed to manage excess water, particularly surface runoff, by providing a uniform surface and internal void space for water flow. They are usually installed vertically and wrapped in geotextile fabric, ensuring high capabilities of high water flow and are easy to install. Drainage cells are typically used for a broad range of applications, such as highway edge drains, driveways, basement waterproofing, sports fields and more.

On the other hand, a septic system typically comprises two main components: a septic tank and a drainfield (also known as a leach field or absorption field). The septic tank is where wastewater flows for initial treatment, while the drainfield is where the wastewater is further treated and managed before it evaporates or drains into the soil.

Now, relating these two systems, drainage cell might not directly contribute to septic treatment as they are not designed to process or treat sewage. The main function of drainage cells is to manage excess water and prevent waterlogging, rather than to break down or treat wastewater, which is the primary role of a septic system. It’s also important to note that introducing excess water from drainage cells into a septic system could potentially overload the system and cause problems.

However, in a broader context of managing water in a property, they could play complementary roles. For instance, drainage cells could help manage surface water runoff and keep it separate from wastewater, thus reducing the load on the septic system and helping it work more effectively. Proper water management is essential for the effective operation of a septic system and drainage cells could be part of this overall approach. Still, it’s crucial to use them correctly to avoid any unintended consequences, such as overloading the septic system with excess water.

We’re ready to get our hands dirty!

Septic tanks are also called wastewater management systems because that’s exactly what they do – they manage the waste you discard in the water fixtures in your home or commercial property. They work excellently well at managing your waste and can do so for years and years before you need to worry about it again. Even though it doesn’t need to be tinkered with very often, you will need a professional to handle the big job of cleaning your system every now and then.

We’re expert septic tank cleaners in Loxton we’ve got all your tank and drain service needs covered. Give us a call on 0412 839 392 or take a look at our septic tank cleaning page for more information.