Septic Tank Cleaning for New Homeowners

Moving into a new home is exciting, but it also comes with new responsibilities—especially if your property has a septic system. As a new homeowner, understanding how your septic system works and how to properly maintain it is crucial to avoid costly repairs and ensure your system functions efficiently. At Drain Ninjas, we’ll guide you through what you need to know about septic tank cleaning, from what to expect, to establishing the right maintenance schedule.

Understanding Your Septic System

Before we dive into the details of septic tank cleaning, let’s cover the basics of how your septic system works. A typical septic system consists of two main components:

The Septic Tank

All the wastewater from your home flows into the septic tank, a buried, water-tight container usually made from concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene. In the tank, the wastewater separates into three layers:

• Sludge: The heavy solids that settle to the bottom
• Effluent: The liquid wastewater in the middle
• Scum: The lighter solids (like grease and oils) that float to the top

The effluent eventually exits the tank into the drain field.

The Drain Field

Also known as a leach field or absorption field, the drain field is a shallow, covered excavation in the soil where the effluent from the septic tank flows through pipes for further treatment. As the effluent slowly trickles into the soil, it is naturally filtered, removing harmful bacteria and nutrients before the wastewater reaches the groundwater.

If you’re unsure where your septic tank is located, check your property records or contact Drain Ninjas for a professional inspection.

The Septic Tank Cleaning Process Explained

When you schedule a cleaning with Drain Ninjas, we follow a thorough process to ensure your system is properly serviced:

Assessment and Pumping

Our technicians will locate your tank, uncover the access lids, and assess the levels of sludge and scum. Using specialised vacuum trucks, we’ll thoroughly pump out the accumulated waste from your tank.

Inspection and Maintenance 

With the tank emptied, we conduct a detailed inspection of the interior, checking for cracks, corrosion, and inlet/outlet pipe issues. We ensure a small layer of water is left behind in the tank to allow the beneficial bacteria to regrow. If your system includes filters, we’ll clean these as well. These filters prevent solids from entering your drain field and are crucial for system longevity.

Recommendations and Scheduling

Based on our findings, we’ll advise on when your septic tank should next be cleaned. After the second appointment, we can establish a regular maintenance schedule based on your septic tank’s usage patterns.

When to Schedule Septic Tank Cleaning

For new homeowners unsure of maintenance history, we recommend scheduling an inspection and cleaning within the first three months of ownership. This gives you a clean slate and helps identify any existing issues early.

After the initial cleaning, the frequency of maintenance depends on:

• Household Size: More people mean more waste. A family of four typically needs cleaning every 3-5 years.
• Tank Size: Smaller tanks require more frequent cleaning.
• Water Usage: High water usage households need more frequent service.
• System Age: Older systems may require more regular maintenance.

As a general rule, most residential septic tanks in New Zealand should be cleaned every 3-5 years. However, we can help determine the optimal schedule for your situation after the initial service.

Warning Signs Your Septic Tank Needs Immediate Cleaning & Attention

Don’t wait for scheduled maintenance if you notice:

• Slow drains throughout your home
• Gurgling sounds from pipes
• Sewage odours around your property
• Unusually green grass over the drain field
• Standing water near your tank or drain field
• Sewage backups in toilets or drains

Essential Septic Tank Cleaning & Maintenance Practices

Between professional cleanings, these practices will help maintain your system:

Be Mindful of What Enters Your System

Flush only toilet paper. Avoid disposing of feminine hygiene products, nappies, wet wipes, grease, and harsh chemicals that can disrupt the bacterial balance in your tank.

Manage Water Usage Wisely

Spread out your laundry throughout the week rather than doing multiple loads in one day. Fix leaky taps promptly and consider water-efficient fixtures to reduce strain on your system.

Protect Your Drain Field

Keep vehicles and stock off your drain field to prevent soil compaction. Maintain grass over the area and avoid planting trees or large shrubs nearby, as roots can damage pipes.

Trust Drain Ninjas for Your Septic Tank Cleaning Needs & More

With over 25 years of experience servicing septic systems throughout Auckland and surrounding areas, our team of experts uses the latest technology to ensure your septic system operates efficiently.Don’t wait until there’s a problem – schedule your septic tank cleaning with Drain Ninjas today. Contact us at 0800 475 008, send us an email at admin@drainninjas.co.nz, or fill out our online form to learn more about how we can help you keep your septic system in top shape.