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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/.

 

HomeBuilder Grant

The Homebuilder Grant and Septic Systems

by Ri Industries

HomeBuilder Grant

If you were planning on building a new home or renovating an existing home any time over the past year or so, you’re likely familiar with the Homebuilder grant. The grant provides eligible owner-occupiers (including first home buyers) $25,000 towards the cost of building or buying a new home or substantially renovating an existing home. The application process is now closed, but the construction commencement requirement has been extended for all contracts signed between 4 June 2020 to 31 March 2021, from six months to 18 months. This is great news as  the construction industry is experiencing a shortage of many materials, such as timber and steel. 

What can the Homebuilder Grant do for you?

  • For those who are building a new home in a non-sewered area, Ri-Industries can provide either a soakage system septic tank or an aerobic waste water treatment system such as the EP10. Funds from the Homebuilder grant can be used for this expense. 
  • The Homebuilder Grant can also be used for home renovations such as adding additional bedrooms and/or bathrooms to accommodate more people. When adding more people living in the home or increasing the use of water in the home and you already have a septic tank, it’s a good idea to see if the current septic system is large enough to handle the increased use. If not, it’s time to upgrade the system to a bigger unit or possibly move away from the old soakage system septic tank to an aerobic septic tank, and take advantage of recycling your waste water at the same time.

It’s been a stressful year to say the least and you deserve some upgrades in your life. If you’ve already applied for the Homebuilder grant and are planning the build of your new home or the renovation of your existing home, be sure to consider your septic system needs. The experts at Ri-Industries will be happy to help you choose the best solution for your home. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Weather and Septic Tanks – What You Need to Know

by Ri Industries

You may not think about the impact of weather on septic tanks as the seasons change, but since weather can affect the functioning of septic tanks, it’s a good idea to understand how it can affect it and what you should do about it. 

We typically give no thought to the septic system at our home or place of business until something goes wrong. And many problems can arise when the septic system isn’t properly working. Fortunately, like most things in life, knowledge and prevention can help keep things running smoothly.

Take the weather, for instance. Having the knowledge that weather can affect how the septic system works means you can take steps to prevent problems. Let’s take a look at weather and septic tanks:

    • Cold Weather – Bacteria in the septic tank is used to digest waste. Waste that is left behind by the bacteria will settle to the bottom of the tank as sludge. Cold weather can cause the bacteria to slow down or even come to a complete stop. When this happens, the sludge builds up and problems arise. Fortunately for those of us living in South Australia, bacteria typically doesn’t slow down until the temperature drops to 10 degrees celsius or below. 
    • Heavy Rainfall – Lots of rain can saturate the drain field which means water will be unable to drain from the septic tank. When this happens, the water will move backwards through the pipes and up into the toilets and various drains in your home. It can also cause untreated sewage to make its way into the groundwater and/or local bodies of water causing contamination.

Now that you have some knowledge about weather and septic tanks, how do you use the knowledge to help keep things smoothly flowing? This is where prevention comes into play.

Prevention is the best tool against malfunctioning septic systems.

  • In a previous blog, Preparing Your Septic Tank for Colder Weather, we shared a number of tips about getting ready for cold weather. The first tip, Get Pumped!, is one of the most important preventative steps you can take … and it only needs to be done approximately every 3 – 5 years! Pumping the septic tank will help prevent problems due to cold weather as well as heavy rainfall. 
  • You can also prevent problems by avoiding harsh chemicals or substances that can negatively affect the bacteria population. We have a number of blogs with household tips for your reference. 
  • Heavy vehicles or machinery can damage the drain field, so be sure to place them away from the septic area. 

Knowledge about weather and septic tanks can help you prevent problems. If you have questions or are in need of a new septic tank, please call us at 8444 8100 and we’ll be pleased to assist you. 

 

toilet paper

Toilet Paper – Which is Best for Septic Systems

by Ri Industries

Toilet paper: A necessary item for all of us, but one we don’t give much thought to until a problem arises, like a clogged toilet, a septic system in need of repair, or a worldwide shortage like we experienced in 2020. We may not be able to help you with the supply and demand issue, but we certainly can share important information to help avoid clogged toilets and damaged septic systems.

It’s actually quite simple. Your choice of toilet paper and how much is used can make a big difference in how well a septic system works. We’ve previously spoken about this in our blog Which Toilet Paper is Best for my Septic System?.

What characteristics of toilet paper are best for the septic system?

Recycled paper – The benefits here are the lack of bleach or other harsh chemicals that might affect the delicate balance in a septic system.
Biodegradable paper – This paper is specially designed to break down quickly. Non-dissolvable fibers are not used and the bonds in the paper are looser than non-biodegradable toilet paper.

The industry experts over at sensibledigs.com have formulated their list of the Best Toilet Paper for Septic Systems of 2021. Even though they are based in the US, the good news is that most of these toilet paper brands are available in Australia, too. Here are their choices:

  • Best Ultra Soft – Cottonelle Ultra Comfort Toilet Pap
  • Best 2-Ply Septic-Safe – Amazon Brand Presto   
  • Best Scented Septic-Safe – Angel Soft Lavender Toilet Paper 
  • Best for RVs – Firebelly Outfitters RV Toilet Paper 
  • Best Recycled – Seventh Generation White Toilet Paper 
  • Best Bamboo Septic-Safe Toilet Paper – Caboo Tree-Free Toilet Paper 

Now you may be wondering what are the characteristics of toilet paper that are bad for the septic system:

  • Quilted – The adhesion between the layers will make this paper more difficult to break down.
  • Triple (or more) Ply – Again, it’s about the layers. The more layers the paper has, the longer it will take to break down.
  • Scented – The fragrance added to the paper introduces harsh chemicals into the delicate balance of the septic system. The experts chose Angel Soft Lavender Toilet Paper for the ‘Best of’ list because it’s not the paper itself that is scented, it’s actually the tube the paper comes on that is scented – clever!

Now that you’ve carefully chosen the safest brand of toilet paper for your septic system, we should talk about how much toilet paper to use: As little as possible. Should the need arise to use more paper than usual, flush throughout the use.

The septic system is designed to be out of sight and out of mind. You can help to keep it that way by smartly choosing the right type of toilet paper and limiting how much you use.

Have questions? Give us a call at 08 8444 8100.

Introducing the EP10 Secondary Treatment System

Introducing the EP10 Secondary Treatment System

by Ri Industries

Ri-Industries is pleased to announce our new Ri-Treat product called the EP10 Secondary Treatment System which allows you to reclaim your waste water by recycling and reusing water around the home. This product has replaced our previous Ri-Treat units, including the 3250, 4250 and 4500.

Like all our products, the EP10 is guaranteed superior quality and engineer designed. In fact, our customers repeatedly tell us that “Ri-Industries products are the best in South Australia.” What’s particularly exciting is that the EP10 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 18 months, it has been approved by SA Health and carries the SAI Global ‘5 ticks’ StandardsMark License.

Choosing the Ri-Treat EP10 gives you a number of advantages:

  • A mono cast 50 MPa reinforced concrete construction, 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.
  • Child-proof and vandal-proof lids give you additional peace of mind.
  • A 15-year warranty on tank construction – longer than comparable products.
  • The operation of the unit has 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.

If you have any additional questions about the EP10, please do not hesitate to contact us at 08 8444 8100. Our expert staff will be happy to assist you. In the meantime please check out the new EP10 website page and EP10 brochure for more information.

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Why Rainwater Tanks are Popular and Important in South Australia

by Ri Industries

Rainwater tanks are popular and important in South Australia because they help us conserve water. Let’s look at how they are used and how much water they can save.

In South Australia, rainwater tanks are used in communities without access to reticulated water sources, in communities where good quality water supplies are limited, in areas where local regulations require rainwater storage be provided for bushfire prevention, and in urban areas, such as Adelaide and regional communities, which have access to mains water but owners want to conserve water. 

Some advantages of rainwater tanks include:

  • The use of rainwater costs less than mains water
  • Rainwater causes less erosion to household appliances due to their low salinity content
  • Protects water supplies by conserving mains use
  • Rainwater is softer than mains water which may mean you use less soap, detergent, and shampoo

To read more about the benefits of rainwater tanks, please see our blog, What are the Benefits of Rainwater Harvesting.

One of the main benefits of rainwater harvesting is the ability to conserve to water. So, how much can you save? Put into everyday terms, a family of four in Adelaide, with a 100m² roof catchment area and a 1000L tank can capture enough rainwater in one year to:

  • Flush a toilet twice per day per person

OR

  • Provide one bath per person per week (150L tub)

OR

  • Run a sprinkler system for one hour five days a week (1.5 L/min)

OR

  • Wash dishes in the dishwasher every day

OR

  • Give each person a 5 minute shower twice a week (standard flow shower)

If we’ve piqued your interest in rainwater harvesting and you would like to learn about our rainwater tanks, please see information on our website or call us at 8444 8100.

 

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Rainwater Harvesting Benefits Farming and Agriculture

by Ri Industries

Farming and agriculture play an important role in Australia. Rainwater tanks contribute to their success by reducing their reliance on mother nature.

Farms require an abundance of water to keep their crops and livestock healthy. In Australia, which is known for its dry climate, rainwater tanks Adelaide can help keep the water flowing despite a lack of rain. Another concern of farmers is the outbreak of disease or parasites. When this occurs, it’s in their best interest to have access to their own clean water supply.

Farmers use rainwater harvesting, which is the primary and most efficient component of water supply management for rural and regional Australia, to fill the rainwater tanks. Rainwater that falls on the roofs of houses, sheds, and other farm buildings is collected and stored in tanks. This is an easy way to locally collect water and use it where and when it’s needed.

The collected water can be used in various applications such as feeding stock, spraying crops, and storing water for firefighting. The quality of rainwater is typically superior to water from sources such as dams and local waterways which means it can also be used for domestic use.

Rainwater harvesting is expected to become more popular in the years to come. This is in part due to the cost-effectiveness of rainwater harvesting as compared to setting up main water and sewage services in semi-rural and rural areas. In fact, rainwater harvesting is so cost-efficient that arguments have been made that it should be used more widely in urban areas as well.

The bottom line is that safely storing water in tanks is a cost-effective way to see you through many types of water crises, including drought. If you’d like to learn more about rainwater harvesting and/or Ri-Industries rainwater tanks, we have a range of articles you can read available on our website. Of course, we’ll be happy to take your call to answer questions as well. You can reach us at 08 8444 8100.

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How to Prevent Mosquitoes From Breeding in Rain Water Tanks

by Ri Industries

You may think of mosquitoes simply as a nuisance that come with warmer weather, but they can actually be much more than a nuisance – they can be a health risk. Mosquitoes can transmit serious diseases such as malaria, Zika virus, dengue fever and more. They breed in standing water which means your gutters, pipes, and rainwater tanks Adelaide are ideal environments for them. But don’t worry, there are some simple solutions to help keep the mosquitoes at bay and reduce the health risk to you and your family. 

 

  • ‘Over the gutter mesh’ can be fitted to the gutters to keep leaves and debris from gathering and pooling water. The holes in the mesh should match the size of the leaves in the area. If gutter mesh is not an option, keep trees well trimmed and clean the gutters on a regular basis.
  • Place mosquito-proof screens where the pipe that carries water to the rainwater tank meets the gutter. This will help keep leaves and debris from piling up causing stagnant water.
  • Where the pipe meets the tank, install a mosquito-proof, self-closing flap valve.
  • Use mosquito-proof mesh on the inlets and overflow on the tank. Sealing the overflow can reduce the incidence of mosquitoes by two-thirds—even if the inlet is poorly sealed.
  • Check and clean the first flush device of your rainwater collection system every three months
  • Regularly inspect the mesh to ensure it is in good condition and if it’s not, replace it.
  • Divert overflow water to a covered drain. When the overflow drains to a grassy area, the water can pool and become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. 

 

Taking the above precautions should help to reduce mosquitoes, but what happens if they do manage to get into your tank? 

 

You will know that mosquitoes have been breeding if you see larvae wriggling on the surface of the collected water. First, remove and discard the larvae. Then, find where the mosquitoes entered your system and fix the issue. Inspect the tank, mesh, pipe, and gutters. 

 

Ri-Industries concrete rainwater tanks are made from high frequency vibrated reinforced concrete using the highest quality of materials. Steel mesh is cast into the rainwater tanks and lids, and all fittings are made from brass – to give additional peace of mind. Please call our office, 8444 8100, to learn more about our rainwater tanks, delivery, and installation.

Ri Treat Wastewater Treatment System

How the Ri-Treat Waste Water Treatment System Works

by Ri Industries

Ri Treat Wastewater Treatment System

If you’re interested in conserving water at home, our Ri-Treat Waste Water Treatment System can help. It will reclaim your waste water by recycling and reusing water around the home. Here is how it works:

  • Waste water from your household plumbing fixtures flows into a series of drainage pipes below your home.
  • The waste water then enters the main drain which is connected to your Ri-Treat Waste Water Treatment System.
  • Waste water then flows into the first chamber where it undergoes settlement and digestion for a minimum of 24 hours. This is the anaerobic part of the treatment process.
  • Settled wastewater then flows from the primary septic chamber into aeration chamber 1 where air is pumped through in fine bubbles providing the distribution of air and turbulence required for effective treatment of the waste water.
  • Turbulence causes liquids to travel in a circular motion through the bio filter medium which encourages biomass growth.
  • The biomass incorporates nutrients and oxygen from the water leading to a reduction of impurities as the effluent passes through the system.
  • Effluent and sludge then pass into the settlement chamber where the sludge settles to the bottom before being returned to the primary chamber along with scum which floats in the settlement chamber.
  • Settled effluent water passes through the chlorinator into the irrigation chamber where  it’s held for irrigation and is pumped out when the chamber is full – approximately 450 litres.
  • After the household waste from the toilet, kitchen, and laundry have entered the Ri-Treat Waste WaterTreatment System, it is now separated and has digested the solid waste using a natural process to purify the wastewater.
  • This odorless, clean, disinfected water is then reused through sprinklers in your garden. 

The Ri-Treat Waste Water Treatment System allows you to recycle water all year long, not just when it rains. 

If you have questions regarding the Ri-Treat Waste Water Treatment System or would like information on purchase and installation, please call us at 8444 8100.

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Cleaning, Septic Systems, and COVID-19

by Ri Industries

If it seems you’ve been doing an excessive amount of cleaning these past few months, you’re not alone. Worries about COVID-19 have us washing, wiping, and scrubbing more than usual. What can be wrong with that? Cleanliness plays an important role in keeping us healthy, right?

Of course the answer to that question is yes! Keeping our homes and ourselves clean is important to help maintain our good health. But, when it comes to our septic systems, there can be such a thing as ‘too clean’.

Septic tanks need natural bacteria to form because they work to break down solids. They will rid pollutants such as phosphorus, nitrogen and the disease-causing bacteria found in household wastewater. Using an abundance of cleaning materials can disrupt the growth of the natural bacteria which impedes the treatment of wastewater and can result in groundwater contamination which can, in turn, pose a threat to drinking water. 

You may be cleaning more and using antibacterial soaps, antibacterial cleaners, bleach, ammonia, etc. to help keep you and your family healthy. But by using an excessive amount of these cleaners, you risk upsetting the development of the necessary bacteria in the septic system which can then result in contaminated groundwater and drinking water. So, what is the best thing to do? 

The goal is to find a good balance. Cleaning supplies such as the ones we just mentioned are okay to use in minimal amounts. When possible, substitute septic safe cleaners for the harsh chemicals. Read our blog Safe Cleaning Products for Ri-Treat Waste Water Treatment System to learn more about septic safe cleaners, such as vinegar, bicarbonate of soda, soap – in the form of washing powder, dishwashing liquid and ordinary body soap, and biodegradable cleaning liquids.

Harsh chemicals are also often used to unclog drains. Again, in order to help maintain the natural bacteria in the septic tank, try using the methods we share in our blog Unclog Drains Without Harsh Chemicals. 

We understand staying healthy is on our minds more than usual these days and we want to do all we can to help. If you have questions about safe cleaning products or installing a Ri-Industries septic tank, please call us at 08 8444 8100.

 

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Ri-Industries Rainwater Tanks and COVID-19

by Ri Industries

As cases of COVID-19 ebb and flow across the globe, it’s understandable that we continue to worry about our risk of exposure. The government of South Australia advises that we continue taking everyday precautions such as social distancing, thoroughly washing our hands, and not touching our eyes/nose/mouth to limit our risk of exposure.

The less time spent in crowded places, such as supermarkets, can also help reduce your risk of exposure. Online ordering and home delivery have increased as people look for ways to reduce their time in stores. Since many people choose to purchase bottled water for drinking, we have seen an increase in demand for rainwater collection tanks so drinking water will not have to be bought in stores or delivered to homes. Not only will this be one way to help reduce risk of exposure to COVID-19, but collecting rainwater for drinking and home use is great for our environment.

Ri-Industries rainwater tanks are made from concrete and are built to last. Our rainwater tanks Adelaide 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.

As all tanks are manufactured in our Adelaide, South Australian factory, inlets and outlets can be custom made and inserted at any required position on the tanks – to suit your exact requirements. So if you need a rainwater tank that’s a little different, we’ll design and manufacture it for you, no worries!

Rainwater can provide a free and renewable supply of soft, clear and odourless water for a range of purposes including drinking, food preparation, washing, bathing, laundry, toilet flushing and gardening. There are a few facts that are worth considering. First, rainwater does not contain fluoride, so when rainwater is the major source for drinking and cooking, additional methods of getting fluoride may be needed. Check with dental professionals for guidance. Second, there may be increased pollution by airborne contaminants in water collected from very heavy traffic or in industrial areas. People who are immuno-compromised may want to boil water intended for drinking purposes. Check with medical professionals for guidance.

We’d love to help you catch rainwater at your home! Please call 08 8444 8100 to learn about our underground, concrete rainwater tanks. Our experts will help you choose the options that are best for you.