COVID-19 has impacted nearly every part of our lives in a very short space of time. The impact of this disease even extends to the septic systems in every backyard where there is no reticulated sewerage.
For many households, in the Pre-COVID-19 the typical household septic system dealt with higher usage in the mornings, evenings and on the weekends, and then got a rest during the day, when its occupants were at work and school, etc.
But as more restrictions around social distancing and self-isolation are put into place by the Government to try and manage the levels of transmission of COVID-19, more people will be staying home, seven days a week.
This could have a significant impact on your septic system! Not just because more loads of water (from toilets and kitchens and laundries) will be entering the system each day, but also because septic systems ABSOLUTELY HATE cleaning products, especially antibacterial disinfectants and bleaching products!
Now, we believe it is important to follow the health advice around sanitation and cleaning and we understand that people will be using more soap and cleaning products to clean at this time.
So what are some really simple ways to clean while also reducing the impact on your septic system?
Strategy 1
One of the best strategies to minimise harsh chemicals entering the septic system is to use a bucket and cloth. Clean the items that you need to in the house, but DON’T POUR IT DOWN YOUR SINK! Instead, empty the bucket of cleaning products in a safe place on your garden/lawns, rinse the bucket and cloth at an outside tap, and pour this excess water on to your grass or garden bed.
Strategy 2
If you have to use bleach to clean, pour it into a spray bottle, this will reduce the amount of product used, allow for wider coverage and less waste. Wipe benches down with a damp cloth. Rinse the cloth at an outside tap and hang on the clothesline to dry.
Strategy 3
Septics also have a big dislike of fats and oils, so leftover fats and oils from cooking should be allowed to cool and then they should be scraped into the bin or be emptied somewhere safe in your garden.
And finally, here is a great tip from one of our customers!
“We have always put buckets underneath the taps in the kitchen and laundry to collect the water as we wash our hands etc. Subsequently, whatever the anti-bacterial strength of what we use to wash our hands at those points (ordinary soap is used in the bathroom) does not go down into the septic system, it gets poured on the garden. As an added bonus being poured over with soapy water is fatal to those pesky harlequin beetles which do so much damage!”
If you have any strategies on how to reduce the impact on your septic system, we would love to hear from you!
SSA will continue to service, maintain and repair your septic system to ensure your household stays safe. Regular servicing is critical to the proper functioning and longevity of the system and it helps to:
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protect your asset and extend the product lifespan
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reduce the severity of system faults and the cost of repairs
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protect the health of you, your family and the local environment.
Our service technicians will continue taking the following precautionary measures for the foreseeable future:
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All face to face team meetings have been cancelled – all meetings are conducted via telephone
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Each team member will restock their vehicle at staggered times throughout the week
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Keep a minimum distance of 1.5 metres between all others, if face-to-face interaction is required.
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Communication with customers and suppliers will be via telephone and online via our scheduling app
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Cease knocking on our client’s doors to announce their presence onsite. Instead, You will be sent a text reminder or the technician will ring you directly.
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Continue basic hygiene principals as recommended by the World Health Organisation
The majority of our office team is working from home. Our office has closed its doors to all suppliers, customers and external contractors. (Thank you for your understanding). Deliveries are by appointment.
We ask all customers to alert SSA’s office immediately if you have:
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Tested positive to Coronavirus
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Display symptoms associated with Coronavirus
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Recently been in contact with someone diagnosed with Coronavirus
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Recently travelled overseas
Thank you for your time and understanding. If you have any questions, please contact us on 1800 800 333.