Tips to Save Water in the Kitchen

Sunday, 6 July 2014 by Ri Industries

Did you know that the kitchen uses around 10% of total household water consumption? To help you save water, Ri Industries offers the following tips:

Dishwashers consume the most water in the kitchen. Look for the WELS label of water efficiency. The more stars, the more water efficient the appliance. Only run the dishwasher when it is full. If the dishwasher has a rinse-hold setting, use it in lieu of rinsing dishes with sink water.
Do not run water over frozen food to defrost. Instead, defrost overnight in the refrigerator.
Use washing-up liquid sparingly to limit the amount of rinsing required.
Waiting for the running water to warm up? Catch it in a container and use it to water plants, rinse dishes, or wash fruits and vegetables.
Use a plugged sink or a tub of water whenever possible to avoid running the tap.

Want to conserve even more water? Call 08 8444 8100 to learn about Ri Industries rainwater tanks and Ri Treat Waste Water Treatment System.

10 Facts about Rainwater Tanks

Sunday, 22 June 2014 by Ri Industries

Are you considering installing a concrete rainwater tank on your property? There are many benefits to having a rainwater tank. Here are 10 facts about rainwater tanks Adelaide that may help you to make your decision to use a rainwater tank.

Collecting rainwater is environmentally beneficial and a socially responsible way to use a natural resource.
When water restrictions are imposed by government to help conserve water, rainwater tanks are an excellent alternative.
Fewer than 20% of households in Australia use a rainwater tank.
Rainwater can be used for drinking purposes if collected and stored properly.
Over 40 percent of households in Adelaide have installed rainwater tanks–significantly higher than Sydney, Melbourne and other populous areas.
A toilet can be flushed with rainwater.
Around 55,000 litres of water could be collected from a 100m2 roof area and used to supply part of your household’s water needs.
Washing your clothes with rainwater is safe and often a preferred method of laundering.
Creativity is not lost when installing an above-ground water tank. Ri-Industries’ pre-cast tanks can be painted to blend into your landscape for an aesthetically pleasing look.
Rainwater tanks are a cost effective way to collect and use water which reduces use of mains water and saves you money on your water bill.

If you are considering a rainwater tank as a viable option for your household in Adelaide or South Australia, Ri-Industries is sure to have what you are looking for. We offer above-ground and underground pre-cast concrete rainwater tanks. Contact us to further discuss your needs.

4 Unique Uses for Precast Concrete Tanks

Saturday, 7 June 2014 by Ri Industries

RI industries is well known for its precast concrete tanks used for waste water treatment systems, septic systems, and concrete rain water tanks, but there are other uses for a precast concrete tank.

Here are 4 unique ways to use a precast concrete tank:

1. Storage

A precast concrete tank is an excellent choice for your underground or above-ground storage needs. Whether you want storage space for water, grain and recycling materials, the sturdiness and durability of precast concrete is a sure bet. Also, concrete tanks are ideal to store anything you don’t want to lose in a fire.

2. Shelter

Homeowners, particularly in storm-heavy areas, will benefit from a concrete shelter that can provide a dry, safe haven to weather any storm.

3. Sculpture Base

Precast concrete tanks are a strong base for sculptures and signs. The concrete is typically stained to compliment the sculpture that will utilise the base space. Also, precast concrete tanks are often used to create an aesthetically pleasing entrance sign in shopping malls, restaurants, churches, neighborhoods and more!

4. Plunge Pool

Plunge right into your own precast concrete pool. Compact and economic plunge pools can be used 365 days a year and decorated with tiles to compliment any outdoor garden space. These pools are easy to heat and maintain.

For more information on precast concrete tanks, contact us or download our app to view our precast concrete tank specifications.

Why do I need to service my aerobic waste water treatment system?

Sunday, 25 May 2014 by Ri Industries

Routine scheduled maintenance is the one thing you need to do to ensure your Ri-Treat Waste water treatment system operates properly. Aerobic treatment systems are on-site sewage treatment systems that use forced air to treat wastewater and surface application, or drip irrigation, to disperse the treated wastewater. They may also be used to replace subsurface systems that are failing due to high groundwater and/or poor soil.

Servicing

Once the unit has been installed it is the owners/operators responsibility of on-site secondary treatment systems (STS) to ensure the unit is serviced by an accredited service company and to hold a current maintenance and/or service contract for their system. Owners/operators shall ensure that all maintenance and servicing is undertaken by an appropriately trained person. This person must have completed a training course as specified by SA Health. Servicing must be undertaken in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and the conditions of the relevant authority’s approval (eg. Council/SA Health). Service providers must forward a copy of each service record to the relevant authority and notify that authority if they cease to service the system.

General Maintenance Guidelines

A system that is poorly maintained will not produce properly treated effluent; therefore Ri –Industries recommends owner/operators hire a maintenance service with the experience and knowledge of your system.

You will have best success for a properly working system if you follow these general guidelines:

Aerobic systems are for household wastewater, so be sure to avoid using any form of bleach, antibacterial solutions or toilet cleaners, as these will kill off all of the good bacteria and create an odour in your system.
Be diligent in disinfecting your system to reduce the risk of pathogens in the effluent. Disinfection is the primary mechanism for destroying pathogen organisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and protozoan cysts. Disinfection also prevents the spread of waterborne diseases to downstream users and the environment. The most commonly used disinfectant is chlorine. Other disinfection methods include ultraviolet (UV) radiation and ozonation.
Check the surface application area; your vegetative cover should not be ignored during maintenance inspections.
Clean the equalisation tank every one or two years. Routine tank inspections during your scheduled maintenance service will help you avoid sludge overflow.
Don’t ignore your system alarm. Most systems are equipped with an alarm to alert you of a system failure. Inspect the system immediately or call a professional if you are not comfortable managing the issue yourself.

If you have questions about the maintenance of your aerobic treatment system, please do not hesitate to contact us with questions. We are proud to serve the Adelaide and South Australia area with all of your waste water treatment needs.

5 Ways to Avoid the Cost of Replacing Your Septic Tank

Sunday, 11 May 2014 by Ri Industries

Replacing a septic tank is costly. Though it may be necessary at some point in your lifetime, scheduled routine maintenance and inspection of your septic tank can lengthen the life of your septic system. Ri Industries recommends doing these five things to avoid replacing your septic tank.

1. Keep Foreign Materials Out

It is important to keep foreign materials from getting flushed into your system. Flush biodegradable only; items such as dental floss, tampons, condoms, plastic bags and grease should not be disposed of through your septic system.

2. Remove Sludge

Sludge will build up and block your outlet pipe, eventually causing the septic system to fail. Periodically removing sludge, often called de-sludging, will keep your septic system processing properly. Ri Industries recommends de-sludging every 3-4 years, or according to local regulations.

3. Conserve Water Usage

Water conservation will keep your septic system in good working condition by reducing the amount of water absorption in your drainfield. Ways to reduce your water usage include repair leaky taps and toilets; use water-saving showerheads and low-flow toilets; and not running water when brushing teeth or shaving. Also, when machine laundering, be sure to wash full loads or change your settings to accommodate smaller loads.

4. Maintain Proper Tank Conditions

The enzyme/bacteria in your septic tank converts the solids to liquids – a process necessary to begin purification. To remain at the septic tank system’s recommended bacteria levels, do not dispose of household cleaners, drain openers, chlorine bleaches and other harsh chemicals through the system.

5. Know Your Septic System

Understand your septic tank system’s design; know how it operates and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on how best to care for your septic tank system. Remember— knowledge is power.

In addition to these five maintenance tips, prepare a routine checklist and maintenance schedule, and stick to it. Septic tank inspections should occur 1-2 times each year to allow for timely detection of operating issues and may deter a full replacement of your system.

Do you have any questions about your septic system? Please do not hesitate to contact us for your septic tank needs in Adelaide and South Australia.

Ri-Industries Reaches Customers through Mobile App

Sunday, 27 April 2014 by Ri Industries

Did you know Ri-Industries has a mobile app?

With half of Australian adults owning a smartphone, Ri-Industries wanted a way to reach our customers on the go. Focused on convenience, our Ri-Industries Catalogue App allows you to view our product specs and measurements – anytime, anywhere.

Ri-Industries app features

Our products are at your fingertips with simple navigation features on the mobile version of the Ri Industries catalogue. View easy-to-read diagrams, including sizes and specs, on all of our products, such as rainwater tanks, septic tanks and accessories, storm water sumps, and grates and frames.

Plus, contacting us is easier than ever with the app’s messaging and email capabilities. Our app also allows you to search by keywords, select favourites and review your viewing history.

How to download the Ri-Industries Catalogue App:

Android Users

Click here for a direct download for your Android smartphone or tablet
Or, Android users can download the app from Google Play; just click the “Install” button and you’ll be ready to go.

iPhone or iPad users

Download the app for your iPad or iPhone.
Or, iOS (iPad or iPhone) users can search “Ri Industries” on iTunes, and click on the “FREE,” then “Install” buttons to download our Ri Catalogue App.

Of course, either Ri Catalogue Apps can be downloaded by visiting our website home page directly.

Share with us

We hope you find our catalogue app to be time-saving and convenient.

Click here to tell us how we’re doing—we would love to hear from you. And, if you have an idea of more conveniences we can offer our customers, please share it in the comments below.

3 Steps to a Healthy Septic

Sunday, 13 April 2014 by Ri Industries

In order to make sure that you are healthy, it is important to visit the doctor for a check-up from time to time.

But what ensures the health of your septic tank? Believe it or not, a healthy septic starts with you.

Here are the steps you should take to make sure your septic tank is healthy:

Step 1: Know the Signs

Just as a cough and a fever are signs of illness, your septic tank can exhibit certain signs that it might be time for repair. What are those signs that every responsible septic tank owner should know?

• Something smells funny- you know your septic tank is sickly if the air around it smells – usually like rotten egg gas.

• Something is damp- things are probably not working properly if the ground around your septic tank is damp or soggy, or pools form downhill.

• There is unusual grass growing- it might be time to contact a professional if you see dark green grass growing on or around the absorption area of your septic tank.

• Your flush is ineffective- a sure sign of a broken septic is when your toilet or drains are slow to clear, or keep backing up.

Step 2:.Pay Attention

If your septic tank has not been checked for more than 12 months, you may start to experience the smelly, damp, and slimy problems that come along with a malfunctioning septic. The most common cause of septic problems is when septic tank owners forget to pump out the septic every 3-5 years.

Step 3: Call in the Experts

Although you can play septic tank doctor now and then, it is also important to call in professionals when the going gets tough. If you see any signs of a sickly septic, you should act quickly so that the damage, and the cost of repair, does not get any worse.

Here’s who to call if you are experiencing any of these problems:

1) Your council environmental health officer– if in doubt, call for advice. Often a phone call to the council will either solve the problem or put your mind at rest.

2) A plumber, septic system expert or septic pumper –Plumbers, pumpers, and experts can be found under Septic Tank Cleaning Services in the Yellow Pages or Google search.

3) Ri-Industries– Do you have any questions about your septic? As always, do not hesitate to contact us.

4 Reasons to Pump Your Septic Tank

Monday, 31 March 2014 by Ri Industries

Most people do not enjoy doing chores. But sometimes, the least appealing activity can turn out to be the most necessary.

The team at Ri-Industries does not want to be a “pump grump,” but there are many reasons that you should get out there at least once a year to clean out your septic tank. We have compiled a list that will hopefully motivate you to get your septic system chores done.

**So, why exactly is it important to pump out your septic tank on a regular basis?**

Reason 1: Even your septic tank deserves a long, healthy life

Ri-Industries strives for excellence, with engineering experience that spans 60 years and extended 10 to 15 year warranties for our products. Pumping your septic tank at least every four to five years will help ensure the longevity of your tank, perhaps even beyond warranty.

Reason 2: It is important to be a good neighbour

No matter how friendly you may be with your neighbours, they will not be pleased with the smell if you let your septic tank fall into neglect and overflow. The last thing Ri-Industries wants is for you to be known as “the neighbor who smells like poo.” Keep your family and community happy and healthy by ensuring that your tank does not overflow.

Reason 3: You can save money

The cost and effort of getting your Ri-Industries septic tank pumped is minimal, while a failing or improperly maintained septic system may result in costly damage. By pumping your Ri-Industries septic tank regularly, you can maintain the value of your property, and save expenditures on repairs.

Reason 4: Satisfaction

Once you pump your tank, the job is done. It is as simple as that! Pumping your tank at least once every four to five years is an easy way to feel accomplished about maintaining a happy and healthy household.

Now that we have told you why it is important to maintain your septic tank, you might be wondering just how to maintain it. If you have any questions about how to maintain your septic tank, Ri-Industries is here to help. Please do not hesitate to contact us with thoughts and questions at [email protected] / 08 8444 810, or through our Contact Us page.

Septic Tank Smells, Decoded

Sunday, 30 March 2014 by Ri Industries

Do you ever wake up from a long night of sleep, take in a deep breath and think, “Ah, I just LOVE the smell of septic in the morning!” You probably don’t. Or at least, we hope you don’t!

It would be natural for your septic tank to be smelly because it’s a receptacle for human waste. But you should never be able to smell the septic on your property because a Ri-Industries septic tank is designed to contain its own odour. The plague of uncontrollable septic odour is more than just a nuisance; it is a sign of sewage issues which, if left untended, can contaminate the water supply and lead to dangerous situations.

What is a diligent septic tank owner to do when their septic starts to smell? Ri-Industries has decoded some of the common problems that lead to stink, and how to solve them:

Smelly Problem #1: Full or Overflowing Septic Tank

Solution: This is the easiest smelly situation to solve. Simply have your tank pumped. A septic tank’s size is usually determined by the expected water usage for your home, and most septic tanks are designed to be pumped every 4 years. If you have a leaky tap, or are using more water than usual, you may need to have the septic tank pumped more often to reduce the septic smell.

Smelly Problem #2: Covered Septic Tank Vent

Solution: If your home has been remodeled or renovated since your Ri-Industries septic tank was installed, your septic tank may have been capped or covered up. If you have a septic tank in an older house, check to see that the head vent off of the main drain is still attached and extends above the roof line of the house. When dealing with an old septic tank, make sure to keep your vents uncovered and in best repair.

Smelly Problem #3: No Septic Tank Vent

Solution: If you are experiencing septic tank odour, you may need to install a proper septic tank vent in your home. If the tank wasn’t installed properly, it may have been installed without any sort of vent at all. If you notice the odour mostly after showering, then this is likely the case.

Smelly Problem #4: Bad Chemistry

Solution: Some things simply shouldn’t go into the septic tank. Here is a list of things you shouldn’t let go down the drain: cooking grease, oil or fat, industrial cleaning products, paints, solvents, feminine hygiene products, condoms, antibiotics and other expired medications, anti-freeze, transmission fluid, or gasoline. These can disrupt the sewage breakdown and cause pungent septic tank odours.

If you have tried all of these solutions to your smelly septic problem and the odour still persists, please do not hesitate to contact us with questions.

Natural Products for Cleaning Your Home

Sunday, 16 March 2014 by Ri Industries

There is an old saying that goes, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” Ri-Industries believes that lemons can be used for much more. That’s because lemons are just one of many natural products that you can use to clean your home.

Natural cleaning products such as lemon juice are especially useful to the owner of a Ri-Industries septic tank because they are not as harsh or harmful to the environment as many brand name chemical products.

What are some of these products, and where do they work? We have compiled a list of some commonly used natural cleaning products, and the places they work best.

Product #1: Lemons

In Your Bathroom: Use lemon juice to dissolve hard water deposits and soap scum.

In Your Kitchen: Cut a lemon in half and sprinkle baking soda on the cut section. Use the lemon half to scrub dishes, surfaces and stains.

In Your Living Room: Mix 1 cup olive oil with ½ cup lemon juice, and use it as hardwood furniture polish.

Beware: While lemon juice may be easy on your Ri-Industries septic tank or your Ri-Treat wastewater treatment system, keep in mind that it can also act as a natural bleach. Before you go all natural, test your lemon juice remedy on a place that is out of sight.

Product #2: Vinegar

In Your Bathroom: Flush the toilet to allow the water level to go down before pouring the undiluted vinegar around the inside of the rim, and scrub down the bowl. Mop the bathroom floor with a water/vinegar solution.

In Your Kitchen: Clean the top of your stove with equal parts water and vinegar. You can also do the same for most surfaces in your kitchen. Vinegar will keep your countertops and floors sparkling clean, and has the added benefit of acting as a natural deodoriser.

In Your Laundry: Adding ½ cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle can act in the place of store-bought fabric softener. Vinegar breaks down laundry detergent more effectively, leading to less harmful grey water, and can also be used to clean out the washing machine.

Beware: Improperly diluted vinegar can eat away at tile grout, and should never be used on marble surfaces. However, if you’re worried about your home smelling like vinegar, have no fear; the vinegar smell vanishes almost as quickly as it cleans.

Product #3: Baking Soda

In Your Kitchen: Put a box of baking soda in your refrigerator or freezer to absorb the frozen food smell.

Anywhere That Smells: Like vinegar, baking soda is a phenomenal natural deodoriser.

Anywhere in the Home: Use baking soda in a mixture with lemon juice and vinegar to make a cleaning paste, and scrub surfaces anywhere in your home.

We hope you found our tips to be helpful for keeping your home clean. By using natural cleaning products, not only will your house smell and look great, you will be helping the environment as well.

What to Do With A New Septic System

Sunday, 16 February 2014 by Ri Industries

We at Ri-Industries are always here to answer our customers’ questions, and one of our most frequently asked questions is how to get started with a new or recently pumped-out septic. There can be a lot of different information floating around in the murky water of the septic world, so Ri-Industries would like to clear things up.

Do I need to do anything to start my new septic?

When purchasing a new septic system, you may wonder if there is something special you might need to do in order to get it started. Here is some background knowledge that might be helpful for your septic tanks’ ‘opening ceremony.’

The dead possum myth

In the old days, when a new septic system was started up on a farm, a dead possum or sheep was thrown in to the septic tank; septic folklore had it that the rotten possum would ‘kick-start’ the system. Some people even suggest dropping buttermilk or raw meat into your septic in order to add some additional bacteria.

Myth busted:

How trustworthy are these at-home remedies for starting up your septic tank? Because raw meat and buttermilk would add minimal amounts of bacteria in comparison to the size of your tank, you would need to use them daily, and this would be insensible, costly (and weird). As for the possum myth, if you are installing a new septic system in the near future, it could certainly be difficult to find a possum or sheep on such short notice!

In the end, the sewage which starts flowing into the tank as soon as it is connected to the house provides plenty of nutrients for the bacteria to begin doing their job; no possum, sheep, or buttermilk required.

The recommended treatment:

To start up a new or pumped out Ri-Industries septic system, fill the tank with clean water and add a cupful of lime down the toilet every day for 7 days. This little bit of extra added effort at the beginning of your septic tank’s life will be worth it in the long run. The lime prevents odours and increases the pH (alkalinity), which encourages bacterial growth.

Remember that good bacteria can be your septic system’s best friend, and there are many ways to maintain good bacteria in your septic tank. If your septic becomes smelly over the course of its lifetime, try repeating the lime treatment to promote further bacterial growth.

When it is time to get your new Ri-Industries septic system off to a start, please do not hesitate to contact us. We promise there will be no possum involved!

The Ri-Industries Water Dictionary

Monday, 3 February 2014 by Ri Industries

Ri-Industries strives for excellence and environmental efficiency with all of its products, from our rainwater tanks to the Ri-Treat Waste Water Treatment System.

We often use so many terms related to water conservation that it can be difficult to sort everything out. What is the difference between ‘hard water’ and ‘soft water?’ Is ‘grey water’ really grey after all? It’s about time someone answered all of these water questions, so Ri-Industries is here to clarify.

Grey Water: While it is not always ‘grey’ in colour, grey water is the leftover water from baths, showers, hand basins, kitchen sinks and washing machines around your home. Not comfortable recycling water right out of the sink? The Ri-Treat Aerobic Wastewater System processes the grey water from your main drainage pipe into clean, odourless water to use for irrigation. Reusing grey water from laundry and bathrooms can save about 100,000 litres a year. With the average Australian family using 800 litres of water each day, conserving grey water can be crucial to helping our environment.

Hard Water: Hard water contains high levels of dissolved minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, and is measured as the equivalent concentration of calcium carbonate (milligrams per liter). For this reason, it is considered ‘hard,’ like a rock. ‘Hard water’ tends to lessen the lathering of soap, shampoo and detergents. You can typically find hard water in wells and boreholes.

Soft Water: Hardness levels of water in Adelaide are classified as less than 200 mg/L, and are considered by the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines as good quality. However, people may want to ‘soften’ the water in their home in order to avoid mineral build-up from excessively hard water that can potentially clog the pipes or stain crockery. While soft water does not occur naturally as often as hard water, it reduces the need for detergent because it doesn’t contain minerals that interact with cleaning products.

So there you have it: three entries in the Ri-Industries Water Dictionary. Above all, it is important to remember that the best kind of water is reused and recycled efficiently. Are you interested in ways to make your home more environmentally friendly? Ri-Industries can help! Contact us with any questions.