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Septic System Start Up Suggestions

by Ri Industries

Congratulations on installing a brand new septic system! You’re ready for things to flow smoothly, but if you are like many of our customers you may be wondering if there are any special steps you should take when first using the septic system.

People talk about priming, prepping, or kick starting a new septic system. Since bacteria in the septic system naturally breaks down organic waste matter and slows the accumulation of the sludge layer, there is a common belief that materials should be introduced to kick start the growth of bacteria. People have been known to place a dead possum or sheep in the septic tank as well as buttermilk.

You may be happy, and relieved, to learn that this is not a necessary step. The natural sewage which flows into the septic system as soon as it is installed provides plenty of nutrients for the bacteria to do its job.

After Ri Industries installs a new septic system, we do recommend one little extra step be taken. Fill the tank with clean water and then add a cupful of lime to the toilet once per day for seven days. The lime prevents odours and increases the pH or alkalinity which encourages the growth of the good bacteria wanted in the septic system.

Call Ri Industries at 08 8444 8100 and we will be happy to answer all of your septic system questions.

 

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How to Spot Problem Signs in Septic Tanks

by Ri Industries

Would you know if your septic tank wasn’t working properly? Would you be able to read the signs before the problem grew? Because it stinks when a minor issue turns into a big emergency, Ri Industries want you to be aware of problem signs in septic tanks.

The following excerpt has been taken from Health.gov.au:

The septic tank will need to be checked if there are signs that it is not working properly.

Some signs that a septic tank is not working properly are:

  • The sewage in the toilet or the liquid waste from other fixtures flows away very slowly
  • Liquid waste overflows from the disconnector trap
  • Wet areas are seen at the top of the septic tank
  • There is a strong unpleasant smell near the septic tank
  • The grass around the tank is very green and growing well

In the case of on-site disposal systems, it is important to remember that some of these signs may indicate problems with the leach or French drain. Therefore, these drains will need to be checked at the same time as the septic tanks are checked.

If the septic tank and the leach or French drain need to be pumped out, both should be done at the same time.

Ri Industries adds the following:

  • For an average family of 4-6 people your septic tank may have to be de-sludged (pumped out) approximately every 4 years as required by regulations.
  • Septic tanks do not like material that will not break down e.g. plastic bags, tampons, disposable nappies, condoms, etc. Use biodegradable products whenever possible.
  • The bacterial action of your septic tank can be severely inhibited if excessive amounts of disinfectants or old medicine make their way into the tank. Only use products approved for use in septic systems.
  • Pooling of effluent near your seepage trench will give you a warning that the system may be clogging up.

Proper maintenance can help avoid unexpected and costly repairs. To learn more, call us at 08 8444 8100.

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How Do Bathroom Habits Differ Between Men and Women?

by Ri Industries

Ri Industries specialises in septic and waste water systems, among other things, so we often speak about things that take place in the bathroom. A frequent theme in the conversations is the difference between the habits of men and the habits of women while taking care of their personal needs.

It seems the common perception is that men are not quite as clean as women. Imagine our surprise when we came across a recent study which finds this common perception may not be true. Here are some of the findings from the recent research conducted by Initial Hygiene.

Washing hands at work:

  • 43 per cent of women believed men do not wash their hands at work while 89 per cent of men believed women do wash their hands at work. The study found that 96 per cent of men and women wash their hands with soap at work.

Wipe before sitting:

  • 77 per cent of men clean the toilet seat before sitting while only 59 per cent of women do. How about cleaning the seat after their use? 52 per cent of men and 42 per cent of women take the time to do so.

Lowering the lid:

  • 69 per cent of men lower the lid before flushing compared to 62 per cent of women.

Freshening up:

  • The perceptions on this one might be accurate. 84 per cent of women take time to tweak their appearance in the bathroom while only 70 per cent of men do so.

As it turns out, men may actually be more hygienic than women. Psychologist Emma Kenny, says it appears men have a ‘real understanding of the importance of bathroom cleanliness’ despite negative assumptions placed upon them. ‘Men are instinctually protective and territorial and these natural predilections could well be why they take care when using their own and others toilets,’ she said.

So there you have it. As a business that employs a number of men, we feel it is our duty to share this research and spread the word about the admirable hygiene of men.

 

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What are the Benefits of Rainwater Harvesting?

by Ri Industries

Rainwater harvesting is a technique used for collecting, storing and using rainwater for landscape irrigation and other uses. The rainwater is collected from various hard surfaces such as rooftops and/or other manmade aboveground hard surfaces. For a dry climate such as we have here in South Australia, rainwater harvesting can make a huge beneficial impact on the environment.

Most rural households have to source all their water on their property, and rainwater often provides a better quality household supply than river, bore or dam water. Rainwater harvesting is not just for rural areas though. Although urban households may be connected to a reticulated, treated (mains) water supply, rainwater harvesting can significantly lower mains water usage.

What are the benefits of rainwater harvesting? It will reduce water bills, provide an alternative supply during water restrictions and help maintain a green, healthy garden. In fact, depending upon tank size and climate, rainwater harvesting can reduce mains water use by 100%. Rainwater harvesting also decreases stormwater runoff, thereby helping to reduce local flooding and scouring of creeks.

From yourhome.gov.au:

Rainwater can be collected from most roof types, depending on the quality of rainwater required.

For garden or lawn irrigation:

  • collect from any roof material except unsealed asbestos
  • ensure all gutters fall towards the outlets
  • preferably fit an effective leaf screen to the gutters
  • use gutter outlets that fit to the underside of the gutter.

For all other uses, also:

  • prevent vegetation from overhanging the roof
  • clean the roof and gutters before installing the system
  • fit a good quality leaf screen to gutters or use a leaf-shedding gutter.

For drinking water, also avoid collecting rainwater:

  • from sections of roof containing lead flashing or asbestos sheeting, and from roofs painted with pre-1980 paint — if they cannot be avoided, seal properly by preparing the surface and painting with a suitable potable-quality roof sealant, and do not collect rainwater from the first few rainfall events after sealing
  • in areas where airborne toxins are present from nearby activities such as crop-dusting and chemical processing.

It is important to note that if your rainwater is to be used for human consumption, the system must be designed, operated and maintained to ensure the water quality is suitable. 

If you are interested in learning more about rainwater harvesting, please have a look at the concrete rainwater tanks on the Ri-Industries website or give us a call.

 

 

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Does Laundry Affect the Septic System?

by Ri Industries

It’s time to do a load of clothes washing, but first there are a few things to think about. How to separate colours? What temperature water should be used? Which detergent is best?  When making these decisions, do you ever consider how to best care for the septic system? That’s right. To help keep your septic system in the best working order, there are some things you should consider when using your washing machine.

A Little Bit at a Time

This may be good news or bad news depending upon your view. To best care for your septic system, loads should be well spaced apart. If you’re someone who likes to do one load after another until the week’s laundry is done in just one day, you might want to have another think. When too much water passes through the septic tank, it does not have enough time to undergo the settlement process to properly breakdown the solid matter. The end result is that your soakage field fails, causing expensive damages.

Clean Out BOTH Lint Trays

You probably clean out the dryer lint tray already, but did you know the washing machine has a lint tray also? Laundry debris and lint can escape to your pipes causing severe blockages. These substantial backups can break down your septic system, so take this tip seriously.

Go Au Natural

Antibacterial ingredients that are found in many household cleaners can hurt your septic system because they kill the good bacteria needed to break down waste in the tank. This applies to your washing detergent as well. Powders tend to contain clay and fillers that promote clogs. Choose all natural cleaners and avoid these concerns.

Have more questions about how laundry affects your septic system? Give Ri Industries a call at 08 8444 8100

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How to Make a Pet Waste Digester

by Ri Industries

Ri Industries provides quality septic systems for human waste, but what about those who share their home with furry family members? An environmentally friendly method to dispose of pet waste is needed as well.

Search online and you will find doggie septic systems you can purchase; or you can follow these step-by step instructions we found on thebark.com and build one yourself.

  1. Take an old plastic rubbish container and drill a dozen or so holes in the sides.
  2. Cut out the bottom. (A keyhole saw works great for this.)
  3. Dig a hole deep enough for the rubbish container.
  4. Toss some rocks or gravel in the hole for drainage and position the rubbish container so it’s a little above ground level.
  5. Place the lid on top. (You might want to paint something like “Dog Waste Composter” across the lid.)
  6. Start scooping

It is recommended you sprinkle some septic starter when you add poop. The septic starter should begin to work within 48 hours and you can then add poop daily.

What do you think? It seems simple enough and after a little bit of work you have a clean and environmentally way to dispose of pet waste. Let us know how it works if you decide to give it a try.

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Compost to Conserve Water

by Ri Industries

Water conservation can be achieved using many methods.  We’ve talked about a lot of them, but one method we haven’t touched on yet is composting. Yes, composting can actually help us conserve water!

Let’s start at the beginning by answering the question, what is compost? Quite simply, compost is decomposed organic matter. It is generally made up of vegetable peelings, fruit waste, grass clippings, tea bags, and plant prunings, but other materials may be added as well. Compost is well known for adding nutrients to gardens and plants, but it also helps to conserve water.

Using composted mulch in landscaping and agriculture has been shown to improve the efficiency of water use by reducing evaporation, improving water infiltration and storage, and reducing deep drainage.

Turf grown with the application of composted soil conditioner can require up to 30% less water. This can increase root penetration, resulting in deeper root systems that explore a larger soil area for moisture and nutrients, reducing deep drainage and irrigation requirements. In sandy soils, composted soil conditioners improve water retention and lateral root distribution in the soil, improving plant access to soil water, and reducing deep drainage and irrigation requirements.

Compost application tips:

  • Composted mulch is applied on the soil surface around the plants after planting. It should not touch the stems and trunks of plants.
  • Compost can be applied any time of the year.
  • For water conservation, apply prior to summer when soil evaporation is usually highest and when plants require the most water.
  • Compost exposed to full sun will not deliver its full benefits so use compost on the soil and then cover it with mulch.

Here at Ri Industries we’re always on the lookout for water conservation tips we can share. This one can be a fun project and result in beautiful foliage and tasty fruit and vegetables. How great is that?

For more ways Ri Industries can help, contact us at 08 8444 8100.

 

Is Water Collected from a Rainwater Tank Safe?

by Ri Industries

Warmer weather typically means increased water use around the home. Plants, grass, and gardens need extra watering. Pools need to be filled or topped off, and people tend to need an extra shower here and there. Perhaps this is why we’ve been fielding a lot questions about our Ri Industries Concrete Rainwater Tanks.

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One of the most frequent questions we get asked is about the safety of drinking the collected rainwater. According to SA Health (sahealth.sa.gov.au):

“Generally rainwater is safe to drink. If the rainwater is clear, has little taste or smell and is from a well-maintained system, it is probably safe and unlikely to cause any illness for most users.

Disinfecting the water before consumption should be considered for those who are immuno-compromised such as the very young or very old, cancer patients, people with diabetes, organ transplant recipients or people who are HIV positive. This can be achieved by bringing the rainwater to the boil.”

Another often asked question is about the quality of collected rainwater. Again, according to SA Health:

“Rainwater collected in tanks generally contains few chemicals. However, there may be increased pollution by airborne contaminants from very heavy traffic or in industrial areas.

Collection of rainwater for human consumption (drinking and cooking) in areas affected by very heavy traffic, industry, incinerators and smelters is not recommended.

The microbiological quality of rainwater collected in domestic tanks may not be as good as mains water, but if collection systems are well maintained, the risk of harmful organisms being present is low. The supply of good quality water depends on ensuring correct design and installation followed by sensible maintenance of the rainwater tank and catchment area. The collection of rainwater involves low maintenance — not no maintenance.”

When you purchase and install a concrete rainwater tank from Ri Industries, you can be certain of correct and quality design and installation. Our rainwater tanks are very low maintenance as you will see on the maintenance page of our website.

For more information, please call us at 08 8444 8100.

 

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Helpful Tips to Conserve Water in the Garden

by Ri Industries

Have you been feeling an itch in your green thumb? Warmer weather tends to have that effect whether you’re an avid gardener or not.  Plants and flowers not only look pretty, but have been scientifically proven to help us feel happier. Now that’s a great reason to head outdoors and get your hands dirty! All we ask, is when you tend to your garden keep water conservation in mind.

It is possible to grow a gorgeous garden while being water conscious. Here are just a few tips on how:

  • Water the roots of plants rather than the leaves, reducing wind spray and evaporation.
  • Don’t water in the middle of the day, in windy conditions or if it is likely to rain.
  • Make a small dam from mulch and soil to avoid water running off the soil.
  • Cool season grasses should be left longer in summer but warm season grasses such as couch and buffalo can be kept short.
  • Avoid cutting grass by more than a third of its length at any one time.
  • Replace struggling plants in autumn with drought tolerant species.
  • Place plants in the right spot so they can get the proper amount of sunlight and will not require extra watering.
  • Outdoor plants in pots use a lot more water than plants in the ground so use sparingly.
  • Wetting agents can reduce pot watering by 50 percent and water storage products in the soil will also extend periods between watering.
  • Good quality garden tap fittings save water because they are less likely to break or drip.
  • Drip irrigation systems are more water efficient than overhead watering because they deliver water directly to the root system, don’t cause overspray and prevent excess surface evaporation.
  • A digital watering timer can also significantly reduce the amount of water used.

Of course, our best tip is to use water from a rainwater tank!  Concrete rainwater tanks from Ri Industries offer many benefits, such as:

  • The water stays cooler.
  • No algae develops.
  • The water has no after-taste.
  • They are bullet proof, vandal-proof and fire-proof.
  • Being underground means they are out of sight and don’t take up much of your valuable real estate.
  • Above ground tanks can be spray painted to fit in better with your surroundings.
  • Concrete is stronger and more durable.

For more information, please call us at 08 8444 8100.

 

Benefits of a Ri Industries Trade Waste Arrestor

by Ri Industries

If you’re a frequent reader of our blog, and you certainly should be, you know that we talk a lot about water conservation and our residential products. Here at Ri Industries we believe in helping our local businesses with their waste needs, known as Trade Waste, as well.

Consider the amount of waste produced in an industrial setting. The sheer magnitude can be enough to frighten any septic system, but the contents of the waste may be the real scare factor. What materials are being returned to our soil?

Have you ever spent any time in a hair salon? Have you smelled the chemicals used on hair and nails? Yup, those get washed down the drain and if not properly treated, returned to the soil.

It’s not just hair salons we need to be concerned about. Petrol stations, service stations, dry cleaners, commercial vehicle washing, and so many more will pollute our area if their waste is not properly treated.

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That’s where Ri Industries comes in! Our trade waste arrestors offers a number of benefits:

  • Made from precast concrete with a strength of 50 MPa at 28 days.
  • A number of different trade waste arrestors are available including silt, grease and detention tanks.
  • All inlets suit HDPE pipes for easier connection.
  • Gas-tight lids set in precast concrete can also be supplied, as well as extension risers.
  • Increments and trafficable, gas-tight, heavy duty cast iron/concrete covers are available.
  • Units are lowered into the excavation site providing the site is level, firm and accessible.
  • All units are SA Water approved.

Now, wouldn’t you feel better if you knew the local businesses near you had a Ri Industries Trade Waste Arrestor installed? More information can be found on our website, but speaking directly with us is always best. Give us a call at 08 8444 8100.

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The Ri-Cycle Offers Many Benefits to Commercial Buildings

by Ri Industries

Commercial buildings have a challenge that the residential home owner need not worry about. A substantial amount of waste water is produced. Therefore, we rely upon building owners to make good choices for our environment and recycle as much water as possible. For buildings in non-sewered areas, the Ri-Cycle Commercial Waste Water Treatment System is an ideal solution.

The Ri-Cycle is an aerobic system and one of the most effective methods in Australia for dealing with sewage. It offers building owners and occupants the chance to reclaim their wastewater by recycling and reusing water from their building or sites.

A sample of the types of organisations that can benefit from the Ri-Cycle are:

  • Hotels and motels
  • Function centres
  • Caravan parks
  • Factories and other industrial buildings
  • Mining camps
  • Schools
  • Wineries

Why should your business choose the Ri-Cycle? First and foremost, it’s manufactured by Ri-Industries and we are leaders in pre-cast concrete products that enhance the environment. The Ri-Cycle has a unique design that offers many benefits, including:

  • Flexible design so they can be tailored to suit your exact requirements
  • The high quality bio filter medium enhances the purity of the recycled water
  • All irrigation pumps are stainless steel, submersible, quiet, reliable and inexpensive to operate.  And because of the high quality of effluent being passed through the system the normal manufacturer’s warranty of 12 months is extended to 3 years
  • A German-manufactured side channel Air Pump offers a reliable and efficient aeration
  • Three sizes of Ri-Cycle tanks offer maximum flexibility for use in many buildings and sites
  • Child-proof, vandal-proof and trafficable lids give you additional peace of mind
  • A manufacturers’ warranty on tank construction – longer than comparable products.

Questions? Want to learn more? Give us a call at 08 8444 8100 and we’ll be happy to help you.

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Rainwater Tanks Conserve Water at Home

by Ri Industries

Australians are urged to conserve water every day.  However, the problem is not ours alone.  A 2015 report by NASA states that 21 of the world’s 37 largest aquifers (underground reservoirs) have passed their sustainability tipping points, meaning more water was removed than replaced during the decade-long study period.

Aquifers can take thousands of years to fill up and only slowly recharge with water from snowmelt and rains. The NASA study found the Canning Basin in Australia’s western end had the third-highest rate of depletion in the world.

In 2007, the people of Adelaide were told that “critical human needs” might not be met in the future. Despite what many people believe, there is not an unending supply of water. It is imperative that we work together to conserve our water supply.

Aquifers supply roughly 35% of water used by humans worldwide. We need to find balance by removing less water than is added. Ri Industries blogs, such as this one, contain lots of simple tips for conserving water around the home.

Ri Industries concrete rainwater tanks are a great way to conserve water at home. The tanks can be installed above ground or below ground and they offer a number of advantages, such as:

  • The water stays cooler.
  • No algae develops.
  • The water has no after-taste.
  • They are bullet proof, vandal-proof and fire-proof.
  • Being underground means they are out of sight and don’t take up much of your valuable real estate.
  • Above ground tanks can be spray painted to fit in better with your surroundings.
  • Concrete is stronger and more durable.
  • Our reinforced concrete rainwater tanks are built to last and basically are maintenance free.

Learn more about our concrete rainwater tanks by calling us at 08 8444 8100.