Understanding and maintaining your septic system is crucial for a healthy and environmentally-friendly home in Bali. Many homeowners have septic tanks, but aren’t aware of their location, how they function, or how to properly care for them. This guide will provide you with the essential information to keep your septic system working efficiently.

How Septic Tanks Work

A septic tank is typically a watertight reinforced concrete or plastic tank buried in your yard. Wastewater from your home flows into this tank via gravity. Inside, bacteria break down the waste. This process isn’t perfect; oils, fats, and grease form a scum layer on top, while heavier solids settle as sludge at the bottom, with partially treated wastewater in between.

The partially treated wastewater then moves to a second chamber (in two-chamber tanks) for further bacterial breakdown or to a soak field or pit where it leaches into the soil. Ideally, most solids are removed before the water exits the tank. The remaining liquid still contains contaminants like nitrates, phosphorus, bacteria, viruses, metals, detergents, and solvents. While the soil helps to filter out some of these contaminants, some can seep into the groundwater.

Septic System “Do’s”

• Connect laundry and kitchen water: Ensure all household wastewater is directed to the septic tank.
• Regular pumping: Have your septic tank pumped out every 5-7 years to remove accumulated sludge.
• Professional help: Consult a septic system expert for any operational, maintenance, or design questions.
• Moderate use of cleaners: Use bleach, disinfectants, and toilet bowl cleaners sparingly, following product instructions.
• Maintain the soak field: Cut the grass over the soak field to about 2-3 inches. This enhances evapotranspiration, helping to remove nutrients through the root system and increase evaporation.
• Conserve water: Excessive water use can overwhelm the system. Use water-saving showers and toilets, spread out laundry loads, and minimize water usage during baths and dishwashing.
• Repair leaks: Fix any dripping taps or running toilets promptly.

Septic System “Don’ts”

• Avoid septic tank gasses: Never inhale septic tank gases as they are toxic.
• Protect the tank: Do not drive heavy vehicles or park on the septic tank.
• Mind the plants: Do not plant trees or shrubs on or near the septic tank as the roots can cause damage.
• Avoid hard surfaces: Don’t cover the soak field with hard surfaces like concrete, asphalt, pools, or decks, keeping it covered with only grass.
• No additives: Avoid using commercial septic tank additives as they are often ineffective and may harm your system.
• Don’t use harsh chemicals: Do not pour harsh chemicals or cleansers down the drain, as they can kill the beneficial bacteria in the tank.
• Divert excess water: Do not allow roof gutters, drains, sump pumps, surface drainage, or water softener backwash to enter the septic tank or soak field.

What NOT to Flush

Never flush these items down the toilet:

• Coffee grinds, dental floss, fat, grease, and oils
• Paper towels, cigarette butts, cat litter, disposable nappies, and feminine hygiene products
• Hazardous chemicals like paints, varnishes, thinners, pesticides, photographic solutions, and petrol

Identifying Septic System Problems

Be alert for these signs that your septic system may have a problem:

• Contaminated water: Smelly water in taps and showers
• Sewage backup: Sewage backing up in drains or toilets
• Slow drainage: Toilets, sinks, and drains are slow to empty
• Visible surface liquid: Liquid visible on the ground near the system, possibly with an odour
• Lush grass: Very green grass over the soak field, especially during dry weather, suggesting excessive liquid from the system is surfacing instead of going downward
• Aquatic growth: A build-up of aquatic weeds or algae in nearby water bodies may indicate nutrient-rich septic waste is leaching into the water.
• Unpleasant odours around your house

If you notice any of these issues, get your water tested and seek professional help. Regular maintenance and careful usage are key to ensuring the longevity and effectiveness of your septic system, which in turn, protects your property and the environment here in Bali.