Why Rainwater Tanks are Popular and Important in South Australia

Wednesday, 3 February 2021 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

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

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

Wash dishes in the dishwasher every day

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.

Rainwater Harvesting Benefits Farming and Agriculture

Wednesday, 6 January 2021 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.

How to Prevent Mosquitoes From Breeding in Rain Water Tanks

Wednesday, 4 November 2020 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.

How the Ri-Treat Waste Water Treatment System Works

Wednesday, 7 October 2020 by Ri Industries

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.

Cleaning, Septic Systems, and COVID-19

Wednesday, 2 September 2020 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.

Ri-Industries Rainwater Tanks and COVID-19

Thursday, 30 July 2020 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.

Will COVID-19 Affect the Septic System

Wednesday, 8 July 2020 by Ri Industries

COVID-19 introduced many concerns into our lives: A new strain of a virus that we were ill prepared to manage; financial worries stemming from forced lockdowns; even short supplies of everyday necessities. One issue that may not have caused concern, is actually something we should think about – septic systems.

Homes and businesses in rural areas and those without access to the main sewer systems rely on individual septic systems. These systems are designed to function well with ‘normal’ use. When families are forced to remain home, the systems will be put to the test. Increased usage can cause problems for an overworked system.

Fortunately for South Australia, we appear to have recovered well from the virus and people are returning to normal activities. Still, the septic systems have recently been used more than average and with school holidays happening in July we again will have children staying home. Plus it’s a time for family get-togethers. Additional heavy septic use is on the horizon.

So, how can you prepare and keep your septic tank working well? Ri-Industries has some tips:

Take steps to conserve water. Limiting the generation of wastewater can be an effective step to maintaining the health of your system. Remind people to turn the water off when washing hands, brushing teeth, doing dishes in the sink. Ask for people to limit the amount of time they spend in the shower. Only run the washing machine and dishwasher when they are fully loaded.
Manage the type of waste entering the system. Foods containing fats, oils and flour create waste that is difficult for the sewage system to properly handle.
Only dispose of flushable items down the toilet. Read our blog “Is This Safe to Flush?” for a list of items that should not be flushed.

Septic tanks built by Ri-Industries are well designed and should have no problem handling the extra use, but being mindful and taking some precautions are always a smart thing to do. If you have questions about septic tanks or any of the Ri-Industries products, please call us at 08 8444 8100.

Should I Buy a Home with a Septic Tank System?

Wednesday, 6 May 2020 by Ri Industries

When preparing to buy a new home, you’ll likely make a list of all the things you want it to have – the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, a garden, shed or pool etc? One item you may not think about is septic system versus sewer. Before looking at areas and falling in love with a property, ask whether the homes are on a sewer line or if they have individual septic tanks. If you are looking at homes with septic tanks, here are some things you should know.

Unlike sewers or a community septic system, an individual septic tank (often found in more rural areas) is not normally provided by your local council. This means it’s the responsibility of the homeowner to maintain and care for it. What does this entail? You may want to have the tank inspected each year. The inspector will check the system for leaks, inspect the scum and sludge levels, check the effluent screens, inspect the mechanical and electrical components, and more. Also, the septic tank will need to be pumped every three to five years.
Before you start worrying too much about the cost of an annual inspection and services to pump the tank, remember – with a sewer service or community septic system, you are – in effect – paying for this through your local council rates. But if you’re considering buying a property in an unsewered area, it’s a good idea to ask the seller how often they have the tank pumped and what the average cost is, so you can factor the cost into the budget for the home.

Since the septic tank is yours, you have final say when to have inspections or when to have it pumped. However, it’s best to stay on a regular schedule to avoid small problems becoming bigger, expensive ones. An inspection can see a small problem that is simple to repair, but if left unchecked, it can balloon to a large problem. If the septic tank has a leak, it can flood the leach field. If the leach field becomes flooded, sewage can come to the surface or even back up into the house to the bathtub or sink. Now you don’t only have a big, expensive problem to fix, but a smelly, dirty, unhygienic one! But don’t worry. Annual inspections and pumping every three to five years should help prevent these big problems. Also, remember that everything that is flushed or goes down drains will go into the tank, so be mindful of what passes through. With these precautions, your septic tank should function well and avoid major problems.

So, if you find a home you love and it has a septic system, we say go for it! Do you have questions about the care of the septic system? Do you need a system installed at your new home? We’ll be happy to help! Please call us on 8444 8100 or visit the septic tank section of our website.

Our Focus on Safety & the Environment

Wednesday, 1 April 2020 by Ri Industries

As a pre-cast concrete manufacturer, we view the safety of our workers and our environment as our number 1 priority. So we are particularly glad to report a number of things happening at Ri-Industries, as well as all the additional work practices we have put in place in relation to the current COVID-19 crisis.

Silicosis is widely talked about in the workplace and via Safework SA (it is an incurable and often fatal lung disease contracted through exposure to silica dust).

It can affect people working in very dusty environments as the tiny particles are respirable or – in plain language – inhalable. This is widely prevalent in areas of cutting stone but also in grinding concrete.

Working with concrete can be dusty work. As a pre-cast concrete manufacturer, we are committed and focused on reducing the amount of dust in processes and our factories. This includes undertaking specialist measurements of respirable dust in our environment and during certain processes as part of the manufacture of pre-cast concrete products.

Our communication with staff and interaction with safety suppliers ensures we are not just wearing face masks but staff are trained in how to fit their masks properly, which makes a huge difference to their effectiveness, keeping harmful respirable dust out.

Other initiatives include, but are not limited to, filtration cleaning systems, grinding systems and other Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) which also positively work with our environmental approach.

Therefore, we are pleased to report that having recently had a dust survey and full inspection at both our factories in Wingfield and Angle Park, our levels of respirable dust were between 0.1 and 0.4mg/m³ – well below the Safe Work limit of 1mg/m³. We don’t just work to the guidelines that are set, we always go above and beyond at Ri-Industries.

Ri-Industries also has three certifications by the Certification Approval Panel of TQCS International which require annual audits. You can learn about these certifications in one of our previous blogs, but here is a brief summary:

AS 4801: Safety – Demonstrating compliance with internal and external safety systems, including performance, preventive measures and monitoring.
ISO 9001: Quality – Recognising our compliance in areas including client liaison, internal communication, issue resolution and efforts toward continuous improvement.
ISO 14001: Environment – Acknowledging our commitment to preserving the environment and preventing pollution.

The certification process is thorough, and approval is not easy to achieve. We are incredibly proud to earn these and appreciative of the dedication our staff show to safety. And for our customers it’s good to know you’re dealing with a company so focused on the safety of our workers and our environment.

Considerations When Buying or Building a New House

Thursday, 27 February 2020 by Ri Industries

Buying or building a new home is exciting, but it can also be a very daunting experience. There are many factors to consider such as number of bedrooms/bathrooms, neighbourhood, design, and more. Those are the fun factors which are a matter of choice. Then there are the structural and functional factors that need to be considered; not as fun, but in some ways, more important.

With so much to think about, you’ll be happy to learn that SA Water has provided some helpful tips on what questions you should ask when buying or building a new home:

When having a new home built, check that your builder has applied for water and sewerage connection on your behalf. If your contract with your builder doesn’t include a water and sewerage connection, you will need to apply for a connection.
If moving into a newly built home, if there is a connection, but no water meter on the property, you will need to apply for a meter.
Is your water meter accessible? Water meters must be kept free of obstructions so they can be read, maintained and periodically replaced. If the meter is partially buried or encased in concrete, you have to remove the obstruction or the meter may be relocated at your cost.
Is the property located in a dual water supply development? Prior to sale, each property must be checked to ensure no cross connection exists between the drinking water and recycled water supplies.
Is the water connection for the property located away from the property? If so, the property will have a special type of connection agreement. It’s important to note you are responsible for the maintenance and replacement of the water pipe between the meter and the property if repairs are required.
Does the property have a sewerage connection? Where is it located?
What is the condition of the drains connected to the sewerage connection?
Is there an external overflow point on the property? In the event of a blockage, an overflow relief gully may be required. This will allow the discharge to flow from the dwelling.

Are you buying or building a new home and have questions about septic systems? Call Ri-Industries, at 08 8444 8100, for answers.

Trade Waste Arrestors by Ri-Industries – Benefits, Installation, and Maintenance

Wednesday, 5 February 2020 by Ri Industries

Trade waste arrestors are used to stop harmful trade waste from entering the drainage system where it could harm people or the environment. Arrestors vary in both size and type depending upon the type of trade waste produced. Ri-Industries offers a number of options to best suit your needs.

Why choose a trade waste arrestor manufactured by Ri-Industries? Here are just some of the benefits:

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

Ri-Industries also provides installation of the arrestors. Some key details about the installation:

Outside installations must be a minimum of 50mm above ground level to exclude stormwater.
Chequerplate covers can be fitted with recessed drop handles and/or frame to suit brick paved areas.
Cast iron covers can be supplied.
Epoxy coating is available upon request.
Increments are available on request.
Heavy duty and light duty concrete covers with cast in cast iron covers and frames are available.
Trade waste arresters are available as either oil and grease arrestors, settling pits or acid neutraliser pits.

Before delivery of the trade waste arrestor, there are steps you will need to take to prepare the site. You can find information about the preparation here.

Once the trade waste has been installed and is in use, you will want to ensure it is properly maintained. Our trade waste arrestors are particularly strong and built to last. The arrestor is designed to trap all fats and oils contained in the wash water. Therefore, it should be completely cleaned out at three-monthly intervals or more frequently if necessary, following SA Water recommendations. Tank waste must not be discharged to the sewage system.

If you’d like to learn more about our trade waste arrestors or any of our products, please call 08 8444 8100 and we will be happy to assist you.

Septic Tank Safety Precautions

Friday, 3 January 2020 by Ri Industries

Septic tanks are vital and necessary to help ensure the health and safety of our family and to ensure our homes work effectively. Ri-Industries has frequently written about the importance of regular maintenance to help keep your septic tank system functionally properly such as in this blog, but it is also important to note possible life saving safety precautions you should take when working on or near the septic tank.

Our first tip has been addressed in previous blogs. It relates to having a properly fitting and sturdy septic tank lid which covers the access port to the septic tank. The child-proof and vandal-proof concrete lids on our septic tanks will give you peace of mind. They are also available as stand-alone replacement lids.
If there are noxious fumes near the tank, that is a sign it is time for maintenance and you should not work in the area alone in case the fumes become overwhelming.
Be sure all cuts and open wounds are well covered when working on or near the septic tank. Obviously, septic tank systems may contain serious bacterial hazards.
No open flames! The contents of the septic tank can produce methane gas which is highly explosive. It’s best to place your fire pit well away from the septic tank just in case methane gas is expelled.
Do not get close to open septic tanks. It is best practice to allow professionals to perform all maintenance and repairs on the tank. When the tank is being worked on and the lid is off, do not lean over the opening. You may fall in, which is not only dangerous but also a very unpleasant experience, and/or the gases could be strong enough to knock you out. Again, passing out from the fumes is bad, passing out and falling into the tanks is seriously dangerous.
If, by chance, you are nearby when someone else falls into the septic tank, DO NOT TRY TO RETRIEVE THEM YOURSELF! Immediately call for help from professionals with the proper equipment to keep them safe. While waiting for the emergency professionals to arrive, you can place fans around the opening to help blow fresh air into the tank.

When you have a quality septic tank such as the ones provided by Ri-Industries and you hire professionals to maintain and repair the septic tank, there is very little risk of injury to you or your family. However, it’s important to be aware of the above-mentioned safety tips to ensure you take the highest level of safety precautions.

For questions regarding our septic tanks, or if you need to order a new septic tank lid to replace an old one, please call 08 8444 8100 and we will be happy to assist you.

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