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Sustainable Home Designs Benefit from Including Concrete Rainwater Tanks

by Ri Industries

Underground concrete rainwater tanks can play a vital role in sustainable home design and
construction practices. Here are some ways in which they can be seamlessly incorporated:

1. Integrated Water Management: Designing a sustainable home involves efficient water
management. Concrete rainwater tanks can be integrated into the overall water
management system, collecting and storing rainwater for various uses such as toilet
flushing, laundry, garden irrigation, and even potable water with proper filtration. By
incorporating rainwater tanks, homeowners can reduce their reliance on mains water
supply, conserve water resources, and minimise the environmental impact of water
consumption.

2. Green Roofs and Walls: Concrete rainwater tanks can be integrated into green roof or
green wall systems. These systems involve vegetation planted on roofs or walls, which
can help insulate the building, reduce stormwater runoff, and improve air quality. The
rainwater collected in the tanks can be used for irrigation, ensuring the plants receive an
adequate water supply.

3. Sustainable Landscaping: Concrete rainwater tanks can support sustainable
landscaping practices. The collected rainwater can be used for watering plants, lawns,
and gardens, reducing the reliance on potable water and conserving water resources.
Additionally, the tanks can be designed to incorporate overflow systems that direct
excess water to permeable surfaces or bioswales, minimizing runoff and replenishing
groundwater.

4. Durability and Longevity: Concrete rainwater tanks are known for their durability and
longevity. By incorporating these underground tanks into the initial construction of a
sustainable home, homeowners can ensure long-term water storage and reduce the
need for replacements or repairs. This reduces waste and supports a more sustainable
approach to building materials.

5. Education and Awareness: Incorporating concrete rainwater tanks into sustainable home
design provides an opportunity to educate homeowners and raise awareness about the
importance of water conservation and sustainable practices. Homeowners can learn

about the benefits of rainwater harvesting, the water cycle, and how their actions can
contribute to environmental sustainability.

By considering the aspects above, homeowners can enhance the sustainability of their homes
while reducing their environmental footprint.

As a manufacturer of pre-cast concrete products, Ri-Industries can provide you with below
ground concrete rainwater tanks. Designed and manufactured in Adelaide to the highest
standards, our underground rainwater tanks are superior quality, with a range of sizes available.
Our team has the perfect rainwater tank for you. Call 08 8444 8100 to learn more. We look
forward to hearing from you!

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How Concrete Septic Tanks Play a Role in Sustainable Living and Reducing Waste

by Ri Industries

Concrete septic tanks can play a significant role in sustainable living and
reducing waste. We’ve previously written a number of articles about water
conservation. You can find those articles on our website.

Today we’d like to talk about a few ways in which concrete septic tanks can
contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly way of living:

1. Waste management: Concrete septic tanks are designed to treat and
store wastewater from households, allowing for safe and effective
disposal of waste. This helps to reduce the amount of waste that
ends up in landfills and minimizes the risk of pollution and
contamination to the environment.

2. Water conservation: A properly functioning concrete septic tank can
help to conserve water by treating and reusing wastewater. This can
be particularly useful in areas where water is scarce, as it allows for a
sustainable supply of water for household and agricultural use.

3. Energy efficiency: Concrete septic tanks can be designed and
installed in a way that maximizes energy efficiency. For example,
some designs use gravity to move wastewater through the system,
which reduces the need for energy-intensive pumps.

4. Durability: Concrete septic tanks are known for their durability and
long lifespan. This means that they can last for many years with
proper maintenance, reducing the need for frequent replacements
and waste.

As you can see, concrete septic tanks can play a key role in reducing waste
and promoting sustainability in households and communities. By
effectively treating and managing wastewater, conserving water,
maximizing energy efficiency, and being durable, concrete septic tanks can
help to create a more sustainable future.

Would you like to learn more about the Ri-Industries septic tank? You may
click this link or call us at 08 8444 8100.

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Rainwater Collection Tanks, What are the Benefits?

by Ri Industries

Rainwater collection tanks are a popular option for households and businesses in South
Australia, especially in areas where water is scarce or expensive. The state government
encourages the use of rainwater tanks through various initiatives, such as rebates and
education programs.

The benefits of using rainwater tanks in South Australia include:

1. Water conservation: South Australia is a water-scarce region, and rainwater tanks help
to conserve water by collecting and storing rainwater for later use.
2. Cost savings: Rainwater tanks can help reduce water bills, particularly in areas where
water is expensive.
3. Improved water quality: Rainwater is often of higher quality than mains water, as it is free
from the chemicals used to treat mains water.
4. Reduced strain on infrastructure: Rainwater tanks can help reduce demand on mains
water infrastructure, particularly during times of drought.

When using rainwater collection tanks in South Australia, it is important to ensure that the tanks
are properly installed and maintained. This includes regular cleaning of the tank and ensuring
that it is correctly plumbed into the household or business water supply.
It is also important to check with local councils and water authorities for any regulations or
requirements related to the installation and use of rainwater tanks, as these can vary depending
on the area.

Ri-Industries offers concrete rainwater tanks that are built to last. Designed and manufactured in
Adelaide to the highest standards, our underground rainwater tanks are superior quality, with a
range sizes available.

Concrete rainwater tanks offer a number of advantages:

● The water stays cooler.
● No algae develops.
● The water has no after-taste.
● They are vandal-proof and fire-proof.
● Being underground means they are out of sight and don’t take up much of your valuable
real estate.
● Concrete is stronger and more durable.

Coupled with our manufacturer’s warranty, you can be sure that rainwater tanks from Ri-
Industries will last the distance.

Call us on 08 8444 8100 to learn more or request a quote. Our team are more than happy to
answer any questions you may have.

 

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Septic Tank Inspections_ Why They’re Necessary and How Often You Should Get One

by Ri Industries

Image of septic tank truck and text saying Septic Tank Inspections: Why They're Necessary and How Often You Should Get One

Septic tank inspections are an essential part of maintaining your septic system. They help to identify any potential issues early on, before they become major problems that require costly repairs or replacements.

There are a few reasons why septic tank inspections are necessary:

  • To ensure proper functioning: Septic tanks need to be working correctly to prevent sewage backups or overflows, which can be hazardous to your health and the environment.
  • To detect problems early: During an inspection, a professional can identify any issues with your septic system, such as leaks or blockages, and take corrective action before they cause damage.
  • To comply with local regulations: In many areas, regular septic tank inspections are required by law to ensure public health and safety.

So, how often should you get your septic tank inspected? The frequency of inspections will depend on several factors, including the size of your tank, the number of people in your household, and your water usage habits.

As a general rule, it’s recommended that you have your septic tank inspected every three to five years. However, if you have a large household or heavy water usage, you may need to have it inspected more frequently.

It’s also important to note that some signs may indicate the need for an inspection sooner. For example, if you notice slow drains, foul odours, or pooling water near your tank, you should have your septic system inspected as soon as possible.

Our website has a number of blogs containing helpful information about septic tanks. If you still have questions, we’ll be happy to answer.  Please call 08 8444 8100.

 

 

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Concrete Rainwater Tanks – What are the Benefits?

by Ri Industries

Get your rainwater tank in time for the ‘rainy season’ in South Australia. We get most of our
rainfall during the winter months of June, July and August, so now is a great time to get
prepared. Let’s look at some of the benefits of using a Ri-Industries concrete rainwater tank.
Rainwater harvesting is a technique used for collecting, storing and using rainwater for
landscape irrigation and other uses. It’s popular in South Australia due to its numerous benefits
such as:

● Reduces water bills
● Provides an alternative water supply during water restrictions
● Helps maintain a green and healthy garden
● Depending upon the tank size and climate, rainwater harvesting can reduce mains water
use by 100%
● Decreases storm water runoff, thereby helping to reduce local flooding.
● Rainwater causes less erosion to household appliances due to their low salinity content
● Rainwater is softer than mains water which may mean you use less soap, detergent, and
shampoo.

What are the benefits of our concrete rainwater tank? Concrete rainwater tanks offer a number
of advantages:

● The water stays cooler.
● No algae develops.
● The water has no after-taste.
● They are vandal-proof and fire-proof.
● Being underground means they are out of sight and don’t take up much of your valuable
real estate.
● Concrete is stronger and more durable.

How much water can be saved using our concrete rainwater tanks? A family of four with a
100m² roof catchment area and a 1000L tank can capture enough rainwater in one year to:

● Flush a toilet 2X/day per person
● Fill a 150L tub to provide a bath for one person per week

● Run a sprinkler system for one hour 5X/week
● Use dishwasher every day
● Give a 5 minute shower to each person 2X/week

Good for the environment + saves money = a great investment! Call us at 08 8444 8100 to
speak with one of our experts and learn about installing a concrete rainwater collection tank at your home.

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Lawn Care and Gardening Tips for Summer in Adelaide

by Ri Industries

Now it’s summer, we thought we would round up some lawn care and gardening tips to share with you. The summer growing season is, generally speaking, from December to February. In some Australian climates, it may begin as early as November or end as late as March, so checking your local climate is a great place to start. 

Why does ri-industries.com.au write articles about lawn care and gardening? Because we want to help everywhere we can! Our tips can help you reduce water bills and properly care for your septic system. 

Let’s talk about conserving water and reducing bills. 

  • A simple step to take is to water early in the morning or overnight. Watering while the temperature is relatively cool allows the lawn and garden the chance to fully absorb the water. Watering late in the day can produce humidity overnight which can lead to the development of fungus.
  • Water the garden only when it needs to be watered. How will you know? Stick your finger about 4 cm into the soil, and if the soil is not moist, it’s time to water.
  • Be thorough when watering the garden. Flower beds can do just fine when watered just once or twice per week as long as it’s a good, thorough soak. 
  • Did you know that you can reuse waste water to water the lawn via sub surface irrigation and garden? The surface irrigation disposal area must be dedicated to the sole use of effluent disposal. The area must be landscaped, preferably with salt tolerant shrubs and trees and should be designed to discourage pedestrian and vehicle access. The Ri-Treat Waste Water System works to clean and reuse your waste water from the toilet, kitchen, and laundry to irrigate your garden. This system is a cost-efficient and environmentally friendly way to keep your garden looking green and healthy.
  • Collect rainwater and use it to water the lawn and garden. Our article How to Water Your Garden With Water Collected in a Rainwater Tank talks about the benefits of using a rainwater tank and how to use it.

Now let’s talk about lawn and garden tips to help protect the septic system.

  • Be mindful of the septic tank soakaway. A septic tank soakaway is a series of underground, perforated pipes that allow septic tank effluent to soakaway over a large area. A lawn is the best cover for the soakaway. It will help prevent soil erosion while adding beauty to the landscape. When planting, do not dig too deep and be sure to wear gloves to protect against bacteria that may be in the soil.
  • Know what/what not to plant around a septic tank. First, do not plant anything with deep roots or anything that will be super thirsty. Second, don’t ever plant fruits or vegetables over the septic tank! Third, it’s recommended to plant the right kind of vegetation over the septic tank such as perennials, annuals, and grass. Willow Myrtle trees, Swamp Oak trees, River Red Gum trees, Papyrus shrubs, and Oleander shrubs make particularly good choices to plant near the septic tank. Learn more in our articles Tips for Planting Around a Septic Tank and Tips for Planting Over Septic Drain Fields.

As you can see, we care about providing quality products which benefit the environment as well as you. Our experts will be happy to speak with you and the products that can best suit your needs. Please call us at 08 8444 8100.