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Xeriscaping – Benefits and How to Start

by Ri Industries

Regular readers of our articles may remember ‘The Benefits of Xeriscaping’ article we published in August of 2019. After reading the most recent drought report by the Australian Government of Meteorology, we thought now would be a good time to once again discuss xeriscaping. 

According to the May 2022 drought report, rainfall in April of 2022 was below average for western Tasmania, coastal south-eastern South Australia, south-western Victoria, and a large area of Central Australia spanning the south-west of the Northern Territory and interior of Western Australia. Serious rainfall deficiencies (totals in the lowest 10% of historical observations since 1900) are affecting parts of southern Australia for the period starting December 2021. 

Why did this information lead us to write about xeriscaping? Because xeriscaping is landscaping designed specifically for areas that are susceptible to drought, or for properties where water conservation is practiced. Creating outdoor spaces which require little water is not only good for the environment, but it’s also good for your bank account!

There are more benefits than just reducing the amount of water used on lawn, trees, plants, and shrubs. It also reduces pollution since pesticides and fertilisers are not needed and it also removes the need for mowing. One of the best benefits is the ease of maintenance. Less water needed means less time fussing with hoses and sprinklers and the types of plants used typically grow slowly meaning less time spent pruning and trimming. 

How to get started with your xeric garden? 

  1. Determine the best location. Will you remove the entire lawn or just sections? Areas that are least used tend to be the best location for growing these types of plants. 
  2. Group plants by the amount of water they will need. Phgmag.com recommends three zones: 
    1. Zone One (Oasis Zone) – The oasis zone has the most water-dependent plants and requires more maintenance than other zones. 
    2. Zone Two (Transition Zone) – The transition zone requires less watering and maintenance than the oasis zone but has more needs than the xeric zone. 
    3. Zone Three (Xeric Zone) – The xeric zone requires very little water and maintenance.
  3. Replace lawn with mulch, rocks, gravel or a combination.
  4. Choose plants native to the region where you live and learn how drought-resistant each is. 
  5. Determine how to irrigate the garden. A drip irrigation system is often a good choice. 
  6. Make sure you are working with good soil as it will hold water well, provide nutrients, and properly aerate to allow water to reach deep roots. 

Now that you’ve planned your xeric garden, you’re well on your way to helping the environment and saving time, energy, and money.  Stay tuned for our next article which will discuss best choices of plants for South Australia.

 

Septic Tank Installation Adelaide

What is the Expected Lifespan of a Septic System

by Ri Industries

septic system exposed in ground

What is the expected lifespan of a septic system? We hear this question often. After all, a septic system is not only a big financial investment, but it’s something that causes much disruption when it’s not working properly.

So, what can you expect? For a conventional septic system which is properly designed, well-built, maintained as advised, and not overworked, you can expect it to last for 20 – 30 years. The next logical question is, how do you tick all of those boxes?

The first two are simple. When you purchase a septic tank from Ri-Industries, you are purchasing a properly designed and well-built tank. With over 70 years of experience in the septic tank business in Adelaide, South Australia, Ri-Industries has developed efficient manufacturing techniques to produce concrete septic tanks and septic tank lids of the highest quality that are built to last.

Our article “Common Septic Tank Mistakes to Avoid to Keep Your System Running Well”  addresses proper maintenance you should follow. Fortunately, maintenance is not required often, but it should be done on a regular basis. What does that mean? The answer will be determined based upon the size and the system and amount of use it gets. Typically, pumping every 3 – 5 years is recommended.

Don’t forget about the drain field. Proper care for it will help keep the system working properly. When the drain field is not properly cared for, the wastewater cannot filter correctly, which can cause it to flow into the groundwater, or back through your pipes and into your home. Don’t build structures or park vehicles on the drain field.

Address warning signs of problems promptly. Slow draining sinks/bath, spots of healthy, green grass over the drain field, or bad odours coming from the tank or drain field are common signs of problems. Taking care of the problems early can save you money on the repairs and help extend the life of the system.

How do you avoid overworking the septic system? 

  • Space out laundry loads. Running numerous loads of laundry in a day can flood the field and overfill the tank, forcing untreated wastewater (with solids) into the leach field, clogging the field.
  • Turn off taps when washing up, brushing your teeth, or doing dishes, to avoid running more water than necessary.
  • Don’t put your drain field in a low area that collects water. Excess water seeping into the ground has the same effect as excess water from the house – a saturated drain field that functions poorly and may fail early.
  • Consider low-flow shower heads and water conserving toilets to reduce the amount of water flowing through the system.
  • Be careful what you flush. Our article “Can I Flush This Waste?” has important tips. 

Our website has lots of articles to help you properly care for your septic system. And of course, our experts are available to answer your questions. All you need to do is call 8444 8100.

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Laundry Tips to Help Your Septic Tank System

by Ri Industries

Did you know the way you do laundry can affect your septic system? If you read our article last month, you likely do. We discussed common causes of a failing septic system and heavy water usage is one of the most common causes. So, from Ri-Industries to you, here are some laundry tips to help keep your septic system working properly. 

Be careful of washing clothes that are too dirty for the wash. Yes, you read that right. When items with excess dirt on them (like caked-on mud) are added to the wash load, you risk a build up of dirt/mud which can in turn clog the system and damage the absorption of the drainfield.

Spread out your washing. If you don’t accumulate a lot of laundry during the week (2 loads or less), doing it all in one day may be fine. But, if you’re like most of us, the laundry that piles up in your home all week can be too much to put your septic system through in one day. The loads should be spaced apart to give the settlement process time to properly break down the solid matter. If you don’t, the soakage field could fail which can cause extensive damage. 

The septic system uses ‘good’ bacteria to break down the solids which enter it. Excessive amounts of bleach and detergents will damage the good bacteria. By spacing out the load, you limit the amount of bleach and detergent in the system at one time. Also, choose liquid detergent rather than powder. Powdered detergents use fillers or extenders that can clog the soil in the drainfield and permanently damage its absorption ability. Look for a formula with natural ingredients and that is low in surfactants and phosphates.

Did you know many washing machines come with a lint tray, just like dryers do? And, just like dryers, the lint trays need to be emptied and cleaned. Laundry debris and lint can escape into your pipes causing severe blockages. These substantial backups can break down your septic system, so take this tip seriously.

Following these few tips will help avoid costly repairs to the septic system. Do you have questions about these tips or anything regarding the Ri-Industry septic tanks? If so, please call us at 08 8444 8100.

 

Image shows Ri-Industries logo and title of article: Common Causes of a Failing Septic System

Common Causes of a Failing Septic System

by Ri Industries

Image shows Ri-Industries logo and title of article: Common Causes of a Failing Septic System

A failing septic system is a concern shared by many homeowners. Repairs, or replacement, can be costly. But what might be even worse, is living in a home when the septic system is not working as it should. 

Although it’s unlikely that homeowners think about their septic system every day, they do benefit from its function each and every day. When a septic tank is mentioned, most people immediately think of toilets. And yes, the septic tank is extremely important to manage human waste disposal, but it’s responsible for handling so much more in the house. Showers, laundry, dish washing, anything that produces wastewater in the home will use the septic tank. It’s easy to see why it’s important to keep it flowing smoothly and functioning well. 

One of the most common causes of a failing septic system is heavy water usage in the home. To help understand why, let’s take a simple look at how the septic system works: 

  • Wastewater flows from the inlet to the outlet in the septic tank. 
  • Solids and liquids of different densities are separated. 
  • Scum rises to the top, sludge sinks to the bottom, and the watery effluent stays in the middle. 
  • The effluent then flows out of the septic tank into the drain field. 

The size of the septic tank and the drain field will dictate how much wastewater can be processed at a time. If too much wastewater overwhelms the system, it will not be able to break it down properly and can result in clogging the system.

The septic system may be overlooked when plans are made to remodel a home. If space is being added to allow additional people to live in the home, you will want to speak with a professional to help determine if the current septic tank is large enough to handle the extra use. 

The drain field plays an important role in the septic system. Be careful where trees are planted to help avoid clogging due to tree roots. Also, be sure no one drives over the drain field. The weight of the vehicles could compact or crush underground pipes. 

Human waste is the only matter the septic system is designed to break down. A common cause of a failing septic system is the introduction of other materials such as paper towels, cigarette butts, feminine hygiene products, nappies, and even ‘flushable’ wipes. Bacteria is unable to break these products down and can result in forming a blockage in the system.

An often-overlooked cause of a failing septic system is the use of cleaners or antibacterial agents which disrupt or kill the bacteria that is responsible for breaking down the wastewater. 

Now that we know about some of the common causes of a failing septic system, let’s talk about common signs to help homeowners contact the experts when needed:

 

  • Unexplained slow drains (sinks, bathtubs, and showers)
  • Sewage backup into your home (sinks, bathtubs, showers, laundry)
  • Wet or spongy spots in the yard (that are not due to rain or other water source)
  • Grass that is unusually green over the septic system 
  • Foul odor near the septic system

The experts at Ri-Industries can help homeowners determine the proper size tank needed for their home and will ensure it is properly installed. To learn more please visit our website or call us at 8444 8100.

EP33 3 tank system

Introducing the EP33 Secondary Treatment System

by Ri Industries

EP33 3 tank system

Ri-Industries has launched a new Ri-Treat product called the EP33 Secondary Treatment System. This three-tank system replaces the Ri-Cycle, which came in three models used in commercial settings. The EP33 can still be used for commercial purposes and has capacity for up to 33 people.

Like all our products, the EP33 is guaranteed superior quality and engineer designed, and it comes with the usual stainless steel Lowara pumps and Mac air blowers for reliability and efficiency. It offers building owners and occupants the chance to reclaim their wastewater by recycling and reusing water, and can be used in many commercial settings such as caravan parks, hotels, factories, mining camps, schools and wineries.

What’s particularly exciting is that the EP33, along with the Ri-Treat EP10 which launched last year, is the only SA-manufactured secondary treatment system that’s been tested, certified and approved to the Australian Standard (AS/NZS 1546.3:2017) for South Australian conditions. After rigorous testing over the last two years, it has been approved by SA Health and carries the SAI Global ‘5 ticks’ StandardsMark License.

The Ri-Treat EP33 offers several features and benefits:

  • Consisting of three pre-cast 50 MPa reinforced concrete tanks, with no fibreglass or plastic structural components, means that no untreated effluent will escape into the environment.
  • The high-quality biofilter medium, with the added bonus of bristle filters, enhances the purity of the recycled water.
  • All irrigation pumps are Lowara stainless steel and are submersible, quiet, reliable and inexpensive to operate.
  • The Japanese Mac100 air blower offers the most reliable and efficient aeration and has a 2-year warranty.
  • A 15-year warranty on tank construction.
  • Other unique features, such as automatic sludge and skimmer returns.

Please note, our approvals only cover the manufacture and sale of the unit. Therefore, installation and commissioning are the responsibility of the purchaser and all servicing must be carried out by an authorised service agent in accordance with the Installation and Maintenance Manuals.

Our website has more details about the new EP33, including a new brochure and copies of the new Owner’s Manual, along with the Installation and Maintenance Manual. We have also updated our Product Catalogue. All manuals are also available in the PDF manuals section of the website.

 If you have any additional questions about the EP33, please do not hesitate to contact us on 8444 8100.

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Personal Hygiene Habits and Cleaning Tips to Keep You Healthy

by Ri Industries

Personal hygiene habits can help keep you healthy or, when done poorly, can make you susceptible to illness. With summer holidays and borders opening, now is a great time to review some extra bathroom tips to help keep you healthy. 

The University of South Australia has recently conducted a study on public restrooms. In short, it highlighted the dangers of open toilet lids, uncovered rubbish bins and defective plumbing drains in spreading infections in public washrooms. To best protect yourself when using a public restroom, the authors of the study recommend you minimise your time in the bathroom, wash and dry your hands properly, and don’t use your mobile phone or eat/drink. With these precautions, your risk to infection and illness should be relatively low. 

That covers public toilets, but what about the bathrooms in your home? We’ve previously shared articles with tips to help clean your bathrooms. 

Our article, Helpful Household Cleaning Tips: Bathroom Edition offer these tips:

  • Keep your toilet clean and fresh by scrubbing the inside bowl with toilet cleaner, white vinegar or bi-carb soda.
  • Remove hard water stains with lemon.
  • Remove shower scum with White Magic Eraser or White Vinegar.

For organic cleaning methods, read our article Natural Ways to Keep Your Bathroom Clean. Three simple tips from that article are:

  • Daily Maintenance
  • Use Natural Cleaners
  • Safe Disposal

If you’re looking for information on natural cleaners, we have an article to help you too! Natural Cleaning Products for Your Home will instruct you how to use lemon, vinegar, and baking soda to clean different areas of your home. 

Be sure to click over to each article for more details on each bullet point. 

To wrap-up, wash your hands well, keep the bathroom clean, close the toilet lid when flushing, cover rubbish bins, and make sure the drains are functioning properly to best help reduce the risk of infection when using the toilet. 

If you’d like information about our residential or commercial products, please click over to our website or call us at 08 8444 8100.

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Keep the Septic Tank Flowing Smoothly During the Holidays

by Ri Industries

Happy Holidays! (nearly)

Despite the changing rules about COVID and travel, it seems many people are opting to stay within the borders of South Australia for the holidays. Opening your home to friends and family means extra work for the septic system. In the spirit of best wishes for happy holidays, Ri-Industries offers the following tips to help keep the septic tank flowing smoothly in your home.

  • Limit water use by planning ahead. Don’t do laundry on the same days your house will be full of guests. When guests are arriving in the afternoon or evening, ask family members to shower early in the day. Wash dishes before guests arrive. Prepare as much of the food as possible before the guests arrive. Septic systems can only handle so much water at one time therefore spreading out the water use gives the system time to work.
  • Don’t use the garbage disposal! Yes, there are still homes in South Australia with garbage disposals and yes, they can make clean-up a bit easier. But, they can also tax the septic system. Make sure anything caught in your strainer goes directly in the garbage – not your septic tank.
  • Toilet paper and human waste. That’s all. Nothing else should be flushed down the toilets. Be sure your family members and your guests are aware of this rule. All other items such as feminine hygiene products, baby wipes, cleaning products, cigarette butts and other items should be thrown in the bin. This will help prevent those items from getting into your septic tank and causing a blockage.
  • Plan when to water the lawn. Since the septic system can only handle a certain amount of water at one time, plan to water the lawn on a day when you won’t be having guests. This goes for car washing and any other water use too. 
  • Pump it out. Don’t wait for a problem to occur, especially when you’re entertaining! Be proactive and have your system pumped before the holidays if you’re due.

From our families to yours, we wish you happy, healthy, and peaceful holidays!

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Tips for Planting Over Septic Drain Fields

by Ri Industries

Will your spring gardening include planting over the septic drain field? If so, Ri-Industries has the following tips for you:

  • Choose plants with roots that won’t extend past 1m deep. Flowers, hedges, and grasses with more shallow roots will avoid affecting the pipes or the septic tank. They also assist absorption trenches and purify the effluent before it enters the environment.
  • Grass is an effective option for planting directly above the drain field. Grass over the drain field holds the soil in place and helps the absorption of nutrients, prevents soil erosion and ensures the proper functioning of the septic system.
  • Climbers, shrubs, and shallow rooted plants work well in the surrounding area, but not directly above the drain field. 
  • DO NOT plant fruits or vegetables directly over the drain field. They can become infected by bacteria and will be dangerous to consume.
  • Avoid planting fast growing trees on or surrounding the drain field. In fact, avoid planting trees in the area altogether. When searching for moisture, the roots can extend deep underground and in turn can cause damage to the pipes and septic system.
  • Plants that require less water make good choices. 
  • The area around the septic system can be salty from detergents, fabric softeners, and household effluent, so choose plants that thrive in a salty environment.
  • It’s important to wear gloves when planting on or around the drain field as the soil can have bacteria in it. 
  • Be careful when tilling the soil to avoid damaging the pipes. 

Here are some suggestions of good choices to plant near the septic system:

  • Shrubs – Oleander, Papyrus, Umbrella Grass, Swamp Mahogany
  • Climbers – Purple Coral Pea, Snake Vine, Common Jasmine, Passion Flower
  • Ground Covers –  Shasta Daisy, Marguerite Daisy, Black Eyed Susan, Bog Salvia

We’d love to hear some of your gardening tips especially for planting over septic drain field!  Please share in the comments, or head to our Facebook page and leave us a post. 

For information on our septic tanks, please call us at 08 8444 8100

Speech bubble with Septic Tank FAQ's written in it.

Septic Tank FAQ’s: Septic Tank Questions

by Ri Industries

Speech bubble with Septic Tank FAQ's written in it.

We have compiled a list of septic tank questions which you may find handy. Please have a read and of course, feel free to call us with any additional questions!

  • Are septic tanks environmentally friendly? Yes, septic tanks are environmentally friendly. In fact, the process they use is all  natural. Commercial treatment plants use harsh chemicals to break down waste, but your residential septic tank uses natural bacteria to break down the household waste. 
  • Should I be concerned about disease? No! While it’s true that improperly treated household waste can contribute to, or cause, illness and disease, a properly functioning septic tank can remove this risk.
  • How long will the septic tank last? Concrete tanks, like those built by Ri-Industries, can last up 40 years if it’s properly maintained.
  • Will my septic tank be damaged by flushing things like pills or bleach down the toilet? The process can be disturbed when chemicals are introduced into the system. The process uses bacteria to break down waste. Chemicals, like antibiotics, and those found in some cleaning products, can cause an imbalance in the ecosystem which can weaken or kill the bacteria. When this happens, solid waste will build up more quickly which can lead to problems in the drainfield. 
  • The power’s out! Will the septic tank still work? The pump requires electricity to pump the effluent into the drain field. Without electricity, the tank will fill up. To help minimise problems, when the power is out try to conserve as much water as possible. Take shorter showers, don’t do laundry, and ration the flushing of the toilets. 
  • Is a plastic septic tank better than a concrete septic tank? There are pros and cons of both but concrete tanks typically last longer, they’re more durable, they don’t need as much maintenance and they’re not usually affected by changes to their environment such as tree roots or changing soil conditions.

The questions above are ones that have not been addressed very often in our blogs. For more questions, answers, tips, and facts please check out some of our previous blogs:

What Happens When a Septic Tank is Pumped?

Common Septic Tank Mistakes to Avoid to Keep Your System Running Well

Weather and Septic Tanks – What You Need to Know

Toilet Paper – Which is Best for Septic Systems

To see all of our blogs, including more on septic tanks, please click here. 

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Septic Safe Shower Products

by Ri Industries

We often get questions about which shower/bath products are the best to use in a home with a septic system. Here are some quick tips:

  • Does shower water go into the septic tank? Yes, all the water that leaves your house through a drain goes into the septic tank. This includes shower water, toilet water, laundry water, and sink water.
  • Are long showers bad for septic tanks? That depends. The most important thing to understand is that the size of the septic tank will determine how much use it can handle. Each septic tank is designed to handle a certain quantity of wastewater. Overload it and you can cause problems. Consider factors such as how many loads of laundry have been done, how many people have been using the toilets, has the kitchen sink been used to wash dishes, and how many people are taking showers. When multiple utilities are being used and/or multiple people are using the utilities, you will want to limit the amount of time spent in the shower.
  • Are there special ‘septic safe’ shampoos? Yes there are. Shampoos with high ph balances and certain chemicals can cause problems in the septic system by killing the enzymes which eat the waste in the tank. Without these enzymes, the system may get full or backed up. This can result in the drain field not working properly or the tank needing to be emptied more frequently. Look for shampoos that have less chemicals, use natural ingredients and are pH balanced. The good news is that septic safe shampoos typically make hair softer, smoother, easier to manage, and preserves hair colour longer.
  • Should I use septic safe body soap when I bathe? Generally speaking, natural and organic products made with biodegradable ingredients are best for use with septic tanks because the tank will be able to efficiently filter them. The most harmful soaps are the ‘antibacterial’ ones. Regular use of antibacterial soap can compromise the efficacy of the bacteria in the septic tank.

Our experts at Ri-Industries are here to answer your questions on septic tanks or any of our other products. Please feel free to call us at 8444 8100.

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What Happens When a Septic Tank is Pumped?

by Ri Industries

What happens when a septic tank is pumped? What is the process and where do the contents go? If you own a property that has a septic tank, you may be curious.

First, let’s quickly recap how a septic tank works. Simply put, septic tanks allow for the safe disposal of certain household waste products. Wastewater flows down through the sewer pipes in your home and enters the first chamber of the tank, allowing solids to settle (sludge layer). A crust then forms on the surface of the effluent, known as the scum layer. The settled solids are anaerobically digested, reducing the volume of solids. The liquid component flows through the dividing wall into the second chamber, where further settlement takes place, with the excess liquid then draining in a relatively clear condition from the outlet into the soakage field. To learn more, see our articles How a Septic Tank Works and How Do Sewage and Effluent Move Through Septic Systems?

Soil, sludge, excrement and solid waste will build up in the tank over time, eventually requiring the tank to be pumped to make room for more waste to be added. Waste disposal companies begin the pumping process by emptying the tank and removing all the solid waste that has been collected. A tank truck with suction gear, called a gully sucker, collects the waste by sucking the wastewater and sludge from the tank. Once the tank is emptied, the contents will be transported for disposal.

The South Australian government dictates how the contents are to be disposed of. “Septage must either be taken to a facility licensed to receive septage or where this is not reasonable or practicable, applied to land only if for beneficial reuse (for example, in regional locations or small townships).”

We know talking about waste products is not a fun topic, but for those who use septic tanks, this information is important. Knowledge can help keep the septic system running smoothly. For more information on our septic tanks or any of our products, please call 08 8444 8100.

https://www.epa.sa.gov.au/files/8427_guide_septic.pdf
Ri-Industries logo and title of article: Common Septic Mistakes to Avoid to Keep Your System Running Well

Common Septic Tank Mistakes to Avoid to Keep Your System Running Well

by Ri Industries

Ri-Industries logo and title of article: Common Septic Mistakes to Avoid to Keep Your System Running Well

Septic tank mistakes can be innocently made by homeowners leading to damage and expensive repairs. While you don’t want to think about your septic tank often, a little knowledge and planning can help you keep it in good working order. 

Let’s talk about common septic tank mistakes:

  1. Lack of Maintenance – This is one of the biggest reasons homeowners find themselves with a non-working septic tank. Maintenance is not required often, but should be done on a regular basis. The size and use of the system will factor into how often it should be pumped, but typically it is best to do every few years. 
  2. Toilets Are Not Rubbish Bins –  Rubbish should be properly disposed of, and this does NOT mean flushed down the toilet. Restrict flushing to toilet paper only and the waste that exits in your body. The most common items flushed which should NOT be flushed are feminine hygiene products, baby wipes, toilet paper that is not labeled ‘septic safe’, and nappies.
  3. System Overload – A steady flow of water is best for the septic system. Frequent loads of laundry and exceptionally long showers should be avoided. 
  4. Ignoring Warning Signs – Common signs of trouble include the sink/bath draining slowly, bad odour emanating from the tank or drain field, and spots of healthy/green grass over the drain field. If you see one or more of these, call in a professional. When caught early, repairs may be less costly than if the warning signs are ignored.
  5. Drain Field Care – Waste water gets treated in the septic tank and then it flows into the drain field where it filters through the soil. When the drain field is not properly cared for, the wastewater cannot filter correctly, which can cause it to flow into the groundwater, or back through your pipes and into your home. Don’t build structures or park vehicles on the drain field and avoid overloading the drain field with too much wastewater at once. 

It’s never pleasant to find your septic system not working properly. Avoiding these common mistakes can help you avoid that unpleasantness. If you have questions, please call and speak with one of our experts or you may find the answers in one of our many blogs at https://www.ri-industries.com.au/blog/.