How Do I Know if My Septic Tank is Compliant?

What Does Compliant Mean?

Compliant means following the rules, laws, and standards. In the context of a septic tank, compliance means the tank meets all the rules and regulations. It ensures that the environment and public health are not polluted.

It follows government and environmental regulations.
It treats wastewater safely.
It does not pollute the surrounding areas, such as soils, rivers and drains.
It was designed and constructed to today’s standards.

A septic tank ensures compliance and safely disposes of the wastewater without polluting the environment and soil.

Understanding Septic Tank Compliance

The regulations that must be followed for septic tank compliance include the following:

How the water tank is built
Where the wastewater is discharged
How often is it serviced?
Whether it causes pollution.
Whether it meets modern standards or needs upgrading.

Several countries, such as the UK and Ireland, strictly regulate that septic tanks must be installed and that they cannot discharge directly into a watercourse. Systems that are discharged directly into a waterway are deemed non-compliant.

Key Features of a Compliant Septic Tank

Here are the main things that make a septic tank compliant:

1. Correct Discharge Location

A compliant septic tank system typically routes wastewater away from the home to one of these:

A soakaway drainage field
A percolation area
Or an approved treatment system

You generally cannot discharge wastewater directly into rivers, streams, or drainage ditches.

2. No Pollution

Your septic tank should not:

Have a strong smell
Leak grey water
Cause wet patches in your garden

If you observe any of these problems, it may be a sign that your septic tank is polluting the environment and is therefore considered non-compliant.

3. Regular Maintenance

A compliant septic tank has to be:

Emptied every 1 to 2 years
Inspected every year for signs of blockage or damage
Serviced by a licensed professional

4. Proper Size and Construction

Your septic tank should have:

The right size for the household
Made from approved materials
Installed correctly with proper drainage

5. Meets Local Laws

Every area has its own rules. So, a compliant septic tank must follow the regional legal requirements.

Signs Your Septic Tank May Not Be Compliant

If you notice these signs, then your tank may not be following the guidelines:

Strong Smells Around the Tank

Unpleasant Odours from your drains or pipes generally indicate improper maintenance or potentially leaking tanks.

Wet Patches in Your Garden

Another sign of overfilling or leaking is water accumulating around your drain field or septic system.

Slow Drains in Your Home

If drains from toilets, sinks, or showers are draining slowly, this may indicate a full or blocked unit.

Discharge Going into a Waterway

If the outlet pipe goes into:

A stream
A ditch
A river

Then it is likely non-compliant

Tank Has Not Been Emptied in Years

Irregular maintenance can lead to blockage, pollution or legal action.

You Don’t Have System Records

If you have any of these records, it is likely compliant:

Maintenance Records
Emptying Records
Installation Records

If you do not have these records, your system may be compliant.

Conclusion:

It’s important to know if you are using a compliant septic tank. As well as protecting your family and home, they’re essential for protecting the earth and the atmosphere. Compliant septic tanks follow regulations and provide safe, effective wastewater treatment without contributing to pollution.

If you notice sewage odour, wet spots, slow drainage, or outdated discharge methods, your tank may not be compliant.

To ensure your septic tank is compliant, you should schedule regular inspections and maintenance, and upgrad e any older systems that don’t comply with current regulations