TIps to prepare septic system for cold weather

Preparing Your Septic Tank for Colder Weather

by Ri Industries

It was a brutally hot summer, but we made it through and are being rewarded with cooler temperatures now. As the days and nights continue to grow colder as we move through Autumn, it’s time to prepare your septic system to work its best during the long winter months. Let’s discuss tips to prepare your septic tank for the colder weather.

  • Get Pumped! Septic tanks don’t need to be pumped every year, in fact on average they should be pumped every 3 – 5 years, but if this is the year that yours should be pumped do it before it gets too cold outside. Colder temperatures mean the ground becomes more difficult to break through and accessing your tank is therefore more difficult
  • Inspection Time! Locate the lid of your septic tank and inspect it for cracks and/or holes. A secure lid is imperative to keep small animals, debris, and even children from getting inside the tank. Plus, we want to trap heat inside the tank because there is resident anaerobic bacteria in the septic tank that break down the solid waste materials and treat the raw wastewater that your household produces. The heat maintains a high level of metabolism among the bacteria. Ri-Industries offers stand-alone child-proof and vandal-proof concrete lids for our tanks should you need a replacement.
  • Protect! The drainage field around the septic tank should be protected during the cold months since freezing temperatures and frozen ground can cause damage. Insulate the drainage field by covering it with a layer of mulch a couple of inches thick.
  • Use It! Regular use of the septic system is important to keep things moving properly. Normal, everyday household use is typically sufficient. If you plan on being away during the winter months, arrange for someone to stop by and make sure your septic system gets some use.

That’s all there is to it! Just a few simple steps to help protect your septic tank and keep it working properly for you throughout the colder winter months. Of course, if you have questions or find you need a new septic tank, please call us at 08 8444 8100.

 

 

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Wastewater Treatment Systems Help Conserve Water in the Home

by Ri Industries

Ri-IndustriesWhen rainwater is scarce, it’s important we look for ways to conserve. As we stated in our blog Times Are Dry, Adelaide recently reported its driest January since 1957. In that blog we offered helpful tips to conserve water around the home. One additional tip is to install a wastewater treatment system such as the Ri-Treat Wastewater Treatment System.

What is a wastewater treatment system? It is a system designed to treat the wastewater produced in your home to be clean enough to water the garden. Most homes in South Australia use potable (drinking) water for every household task. A wastewater treatment system allows the household to conserve the potable water, at least in terms of what you’d normally use to irrigate the garden.

What makes the Ri-Treat Wastewater Treatment System unique?

  • 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 bio filter medium enhances the purity of the recycled water.
  • All irrigation pumps are submersible, quiet, reliable and inexpensive to operate.
  • The Japanese Air Pump offers the most reliable and efficient aeration and has a 2 year warranty.
  • Ri-Treat tanks come in three sizes, offering maximum flexibility and even allowing for an internal spa bath.
  • Child-proof and vandal-proof lids give you additional peace of mind.
  • A high quality irrigation kit for more effective irrigation.
  • The septic tank is sealed as an additional precaution.
  • A manufacturers warranty on tank construction.

For homes needing a smaller wastewater treatment system, or where site access is difficult, Ri-Industries is proud to offer FujiClean Fibreglass Tanks. These fibreglass tanks are a lightweight alternative to our Ri-Treat concrete tanks, and offer the following advantages:

  • Proven design and high performance
  • Simple maintenance and high energy efficiency
  • An environmentally friendly design, resulting in lower operational cost
  • Ease of installation in locations where access is difficult or limited
  • A warranty of 15 years for tanks and 2 years for electrical components.

If you’d like to learn more about either of the wastewater treatment systems offered by Ri-Industries, please call and speak with one of our experts at 08 8444 8100.

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Times Are Dry

by Ri Industries

Adelaide just recorded its driest January since 1957 and water has been in short demand. This seems like a good time to discuss how you can save water in your home. Let’s look at water use in the bathroom and kitchen.

Did you know 40% of all water used in the home is used in the bathroom? To help conserve water and save money, the first thing to do is look at the appliances and look for products with a high star rating. The average home can save approximately $150/year by installing a standard 3-star rated shower head which costs approximately $20.

Some simple habit changes can also help save water in the bathroom:

  • Take shorter showers.
  • Use a timer in the shower to help you keep track of time.
  • Use a bucket to collect water while waiting for the water to get hot. Use the collected water on plants or other household uses.
  • Insulate hot water pipes.
  • Do not run water while shaving. Use water only to rinse off.
  • Only use as much water as is necessary in the bath.
  • Monitor the temperature as the bath fills to avoid adding water to regulate the temperature.
  • Collect used bathwater to use in the garden or to wash cars.
  • Use 4-star rated toilets.
  • Regularly check toilets for leaks and repair when needed.
  • Turn the water in the sink off when brushing teeth or shaving. Use running water only to rinse.

Another method to conserve water is to install a rainwater tank such as the one manufactured by Ri-Industries. Once the rain starts coming again, it can be collected from your roof and gutters. The rainwater tanks Adelaide can be connected to your toilet plumbing. Then, every time you flush, you are using rainwater, instead of water from the mains. Recycled rainwater is an excellent way to conserve water, plus it will save on your monthly water bills.

Let’s move to the kitchen where around 10% of total household water is consumed. Here are tips to help save water:

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

Small changes can mean big savings in water consumption. In dry times like these, it’s important for us all to make an effort. Call Ri-Industries, at 08 8444 8100, to learn more about our concrete rainwater tanks.

Ri-Treat Waste Water System

Safe Cleaning Products for Ri-Treat Waste Water Treatment System

by Ri Industries

The Ri-Treat Waste Water Treatment System is an environmentally friendly wastewater treatment system Adelaide guaranteed to be of superior quality. It is designed to reclaim the wastewater produced by your home, recycle it, and re-use it around your home. It is a great conservation tool and a way to save money on your water bill.

As with anything in life, to get the best results you should make sure to take proper care of the system. In addition to caring for the system itself, you should also monitor the substances which make their way into the system. Why is this so important? Substances mixed with wastewater will be reclaimed and recycled and will make their way back into your ecosystem. It is important that they don’t have a harmful effect.

One area which deserves close attention is your choice of household cleaners. You want to avoid putting poisonous materials into your waste water. The following are suitable cleaners:

  • Vinegar
  • Bicarbonate of soda
  • Soap – in the form of washing powder, dishwashing liquid and ordinary body soap
  • Biodegradable cleaning liquids

Disinfectants should be used sparingly. Bleach, antibacterial solutions or toilet cleaners should NEVER be used.  Should any form of bleach enter the system this may cause the system to work inefficiently. The bleach will kill off all the ‘good bacteria’ and can create an odour in the system. In addition, doing two or more loads of washing in a 24-hour period can mean the system may not operate effectively. It is recommended that clothing be washed over a period of time to ensure effective operation of the system.

Ri-Industries is proud to deliver quality products that help residents of South Australia with the important task of conserving water. Please call us, at 08 8444 8100, to learn more about our products.

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Is Your Septic Tank Ready for Summer?

by Ri Industries

Summer is on the way and for many of us that means frequent house guests and lots of time spent outdoors. After many long cold months of being cooped up indoors, we can’t wait to step outside and take deep breaths of fresh air while enjoying the beautiful landscape of our home with our friends and family. One kink that might ruin that plan is a septic tank with a problem.

What are some signs that your septic tank may need maintenance?

  • contaminated tanks
  • untreated sewage discharge
  • soft smell spots
  • pooling water
  • slow drains
  • an overly healthy lawn
  • heavy rainfall

Did rainfall surprise you? Heavy rainfalls can cause the water table to rise. When the water table rises too high, it can saturate the septic tank’s soakage field which can cause contaminants to back up into the septic tank. So, when there has been heavy rain, take steps to put less stress on the septic system. For example, flush the toilet less, take shorter showers, and do less laundry. These are important tips to remember especially when you have guests staying with you and therefore the toilets, showers, laundry, etc. are used more. Also, divert water flow away from the area of the septic tank. Keep the soil around the septic tank from getting too saturated.

One more tip, watch how you mow your lawn! The drains that feed your septic system are buried underground, but not that deeply. A heavy riding mower and an improperly set mowing blade could damage the septic lines causing a dangerous backup in the septic system.

It is best to take preventative action to avoid major problems with the septic system so follow the recommendations for best care practices and be familiar with warning signs that maintenance may be needed. Questions?  Call Ri-Industries , 08 8444 8100, and we’ll be happy to help!

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Garden with Less Water Using the Ri-Treat Waste Water Treatment System

by Ri Industries

As the weather warms, many of us experience a condition where our thumbs begin to turn green, the outdoors beckons, and the dirt calls us to dig in and get planting. If you love to garden, or simply love to have a green lawn, it’s a given you will spend ample time watering your property.

Did you know that an average Australian household will use 40% of its water in the garden? This makes the garden a prime location for water-saving techniques. Here are a few suggestions:

  • Install a dripper system and only water during the permitted hours.
  • Use mulch to prevent water loss through evaporation and prevent soil erosion.
  • Plant your garden in watering zones. Group plants that require large amounts of water together to reduce your water use.
  • Choose a drought resistant lawn.
  • Don’t over water your lawn – train it to use less water by encouraging the roots to grow deeper. Let grass grow longer in summer months which will shade the soil surface and reduce evaporation loss.
  • Don’t water during windy weather – water will blow away from where it’s needed most.
  • Instead of hosing, use a broom or rake to clean paths, paved areas and patios.

Another great tool to help reduce water waste is our  Ri-Treat Waste Water Treatment System. The design is unique to Ri-Industries and guaranteed to be of superior quality.

Choosing a Ri-Treat waste water treatment system 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 bio-filter medium enhances the purity of the recycled water.
  • All irrigation pumps are submersible, quiet, reliable and inexpensive to operate.
  • The Japanese Air Pump offers the most reliable and efficient aeration and has a 2-year warranty.
  • Ri-Treat tanks come in three sizes, offering maximum flexibility and even allowing for an internal spa bath.
  • Child-proof and vandal-proof lids give you additional peace of mind.
  • A high-quality irrigation kit for more effective irrigation.
  • The septic tank is sealed as an additional precaution.
  • A manufacturers warranty on tank construction.

The operation of the unit has other unique features, such as automatic sludge and skimmer returns.

So go ahead and grow a luxurious lawn and lavish garden! Enjoy the fruits of your labour because Ri-Industries can help eliminate any guilt you might feel from the amount of watering needed to keep your garden beautiful. Call us to learn more about the Ri-Treat Waste Water System at 08 8444 8100.

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Tips for Planting Around a Septic Tank

by Ri Industries

Do you feel that? That’s the sun shining down and warming us up after a cold winter. And sunshine and warmth mean it’s time to start thinking about gardening. For those of us with septic tanks, that means thinking about the plants around your septic tank. How do you know where to plant and what to plant around your septic tank? That’s simple, you ask the experts at Ri-Industries for some tips.

Tip #1: No thirsty plants or trees with deep roots. The root system of water-loving shrubs can become entangled in the pipes of your septic system if planted too close to your drainage field and cause problematic clogging. The root system provides a tree’s primary way of absorbing water, and those roots will extend toward the most abundant source of water in your yard. This means that if a tree is planted too close to a septic system, its roots will grow in the direction of the wet drainage field around it.

Tip #2: It is NEVER safe to plant fruits and vegetables over the septic tank! Eating them might entail ingesting harmful bacteria and you certainly do not want to take that risk.

Tip #3: There is no reason to leave the ground above the septic tank bare. In fact, it is actually advisable to plant the right kind of vegetation to help prevent erosion. Perennials, annuals, and grasses have shallow roots and are good choices to cover the septic tank area. 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.

Septic tanks are not only costly to install, but they provide a very necessary function for your home. It is in your best interest to take heed when planning the landscaping above and around the septic tank to avoid damage, costly repairs, and the extreme inconvenience that accompanies a non-working septic tank.

Ri-Industries produces concrete septic tanks and septic tank lids of the highest quality that are built to last. A septic tank from Ri-Industries delivers many benefits:

  • Engineer-designed and built from fine tolerance steel moulds
  • All horizontal tanks engineered to a maximum depth of 900mm
  • Manufactured from 40 MPa concrete to give additional strength and durability
  • Internally, all joints are sealed, reducing the potential for leakages
  • Available in 14 different sizes, for maximum flexibility
  • Child-proof and vandal-proof concrete lids on our septic tanks give you additional peace of mind – also available as stand-alone replacement lids

For more information, please call 08 8444 8100.

Image show woman and child doing laundry

Laundry Tips to Best Care for Your Septic Tank System

by Ri Industries

Image show woman and child doing laundry

 

What is one chore around the home that is never complete? Laundry! The clothes you are wearing while you are washing, drying, and folding are becoming laundry as you work. It truly is a never-ending cycle and one that can affect your septic tank.

Short of sending your clothes out to be washed by someone else or never wearing the same article of clothing twice, laundry is a fact of life you cannot escape. Most people dread the monotonous chore of laundry and the last thing they want to do is cause problems in their home by the way they do the laundry. Ri-Industries is here to help you avoid common laundry mistakes that often lead to problems with septic tank systems.

Too Much is Not A Good a Thing

Some people like to take a big breath, dive in and get a week’s worth of laundry done in a day. Unless you can accomplish this in two loads, it’s not a good idea. When too much water passes through the septic tank, it does not have enough time to undergo the settlement process to properly break down the solid matter. The end result is that your soakage field could fail, causing expensive damage. Be especially cautious with the number of loads you do after an excessive amount of rain has fallen. To best care for your septic system, loads should be well spaced apart.

Double the Lint

Check your washing machine for a lint tray. Many machines come with one that needs to be emptied and cleaned just as you do with the lint tray in your dryer. Laundry debris and lint can escape to your pipes causing severe blockages. These substantial backups can break down your septic system, so take this tip seriously.

Liquid is Better Than Powder

Powdered detergents use fillers or extenders that can clog the soil in the drainfield and permanently damage its absorption ability.

Again, Too Much is Not a Good Thing

Excessive amounts of bleach and detergents will damage the good bacteria in the septic system. Good bacteria are needed to break down solids within your septic tank.

Excess Dirt Not Welcome

What? This is the laundry. Isn’t this where I’m supposed to put my dirty clothes? Normally soiled clothes, yes. Clothes that are excessively dirty, eg with caked-on mud, should first be brushed off to remove any excess dirt. The dirt/mud can clog the system and damage the absorption ability of your drainfield.

The above tips may not make your laundry chore go faster, but they will reduce the risk of damage to your septic tank system which we think you will consider a big plus. If you have more questions or would like to learn about Ri-Industries’ septic tanks, please call us at 08 8444 8100.

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Why Does My Septic Tank Smell?

by Ri Industries

There are many beautifully fragrant smells to enjoy in South Australia, but septic tank smells certainly are not on the list. In fact, you should not smell your septic tank at all. If you do notice a malodorous scent wafting from the direction of your septic tank, it may be an indication of something gone wrong. Let’s talk smells and what they might mean for your septic tank.

If you are smelling the odour from your septic tank on your property it is a sign that something has gone wrong and if not attended to it could lead to contaminated water supply and or dangerous situations.

  • A smelly septic tank may mean a full or overflowing septic tank. The solution to this problem is simple. Call a professional and have your tank pumped. Most tanks are designed to be pumped every 4 years, but this will vary depending upon the size of the tank and the water usage of your home. Using more water than usual or expected average use will mean the tank will need to be pumped more often to reduce the septic smell.
  • Another problem that may result in a smelly septic tank is a covered septic tank vent. This often happens when a home or landscape is remodeled or renovated after your septic tank was installed. Check to make sure the vents are uncovered and in best repair.
  • Do you notice the odour is worse mostly after showering? If this is case, it most likely means the septic tank was not properly installed and may have been installed without any type of vent at all.
  • A clogged drain can lead to dryness and when a drain is dry, the gases that are normally trapped and prevented from entering the home can seep in. If you suspect a drain is clogged, you need to call a plumber.
  • Finally, an overly ripe septic tank can be caused by inappropriate items making their way into the system. Here is a list of things you shouldn’t let go down the drain:
    • Cooking grease, oil or fat
    • Industrial cleaning products
    • Paints
    • Solvents
    • Feminine hygiene products
    • Condoms
    • Antibiotics and other expired medications
    • Anti-freeze, transmission fluid, or gasoline.

These can disrupt the sewage breakdown and cause pungent septic tank odours.

When installed and maintained properly, Ri-Industries septic tanks should not allow the natural bad odours they contain to escape. If you have questions about your septic tank, please call us at 08 8444 8100.

pre-cast concrete

Why Use Pre-Cast Concrete?

by Ri Industries

Ri-Industries has been specialists in pre-cast concrete products since 1947. We think that’s impressive! We’re hoping you will think that too, especially once you fully understand what pre-cast concrete is.

Regular concrete, or insitu or site-cast concrete, is poured on site. In contrast, high quality precast concrete is produced in a controlled factory environment using advanced manufacturing techniques. Reusable, reinforceable, and adjustable moulds are used and they are set up per design specifications before the concrete is poured in. Then the concrete is poured, vibrated, and cured. If specified, architectural finishes (such as honing, polishing or staining) may then be applied while still in the factory. From there, the finished pre-cast elements are transported to the site and craned into position.

By manufacturing the concrete in a factory, we are able to do all the pre-checks before products get delivered to site which gives us increased quality control over insitu concrete. Dimensional accuracy, properties of the hardened concrete and position of reinforcement can all be checked before being sent to site.

Pre-cast concrete is extremely versatile. For example, we use it to make septic tanks, waste water treatment systems and rainwater tanks. It’s also safe for indoor use since it doesn’t require any chemical treatment.  We also work regularly with civil engineering and construction companies to provide tailored pre-cast concrete solutions, such as bridge parapets, arch tunnels and retaining wall panels.

One of the great benefits of pre-cast concrete comes at the construction site. Unlike insitu concrete, there are no worries about weather delays. We can avoid a lot of headaches and hassles with this one. Because the tank is already formed in our factory, we can crane it into position during a rainy day just as we can on a sunny day (providing the rain hasn’t caused any access problems for our trucks). By manufacturing pre-cast concrete products in a factory, this also means that you can get the same results each time, as the weather will often affect the outcomes of concrete being poured on site.

On site, precast can be installed immediately, there is no waiting for it to gain strength and the modularity of precast products makes installation go quickly. With the ability to so tightly control the process, from materials to consolidation to curing, you can get extremely durable concrete.

These are just some of the reasons we are proud to be pre-cast concrete specialists.   What projects can we complete for you? You can see some of our work on our website , but better yet, give us a call at 08 8444 8100.

 

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Which Toilet Paper is Best for my Septic System?

by Ri Industries

You may not realise that sense of satisfaction when you flush the toilet and see the smooth flow of water down the drain until the moment when you flush and feel a sense of dread as you watch the water rise towards the top of the bowl. The instant moment of panic as you realise the toilet is clogged and will likely overflow at any moment. Clogged toilets can cause a lot of damage. This is something you already know. What you might not know, is that the type of toilet paper you are using may actually be the culprit!

While people may think about what is and is not OK to flush down the toilet, toilet paper surely makes every ‘ok’ list out there. What most people don’t know is that soft and thick varieties of toilet paper could create problems for your septic system because they don’t dissolve quickly. Of course, the amount of toilet paper should also be watched. Flushing excessive amounts of toilet paper at one time can also be major contributors to problems and clogs.

The good news here is that the fix is simple and within your control. Only flush small amounts of toilet paper at one time and research the type of toilet paper you use. What’s the best type of toilet paper to buy? Paper that is soft, strong, and most importantly for your septic system, dissolves quickly. There’s even a fun little test you can do at home to check the toilet paper you choose before you flush. Test the paper by soaking it in water for 30 minutes and see how much it breaks down. The more it breaks down the better.

Properly functioning septic systems are important for your home and can be expensive to fix or replace. Taking control when and where you can will help keep your septic system running smoothly for many years to come. Questions? Call Ri-Industries at 08 8444 8100 and we will be happy to help you.

saddle risers and increments

Why use Saddle Risers, Increments, and Cover Slabs with a Septic Tank

by Ri Industries

Septic tanks are one of those things we understand are important, but we’d rather not think about. We have them installed. We listen to the explanation of maintenance and we may even diary a time to have the tank pumped. Then we put all thoughts of septic tanks out of our minds and go about our business. That’s how it should be. Until the time comes for the tank to be pumped and we don’t remember exactly where it is. That can cause a problem. Luckily for you, Ri-Industries has a solution! Today, we’re going to tell you about saddle risers and increments.

So, what are saddle risers and increments?  The word ‘saddle’ makes it sound like we are going for a ride on the septic tank, but we assure you, our feet are staying firmly planted on the ground. Saddle risers are simply a way to help you avoid digging up your septic tank every three to four years for maintenance.

Think about it. The septic tank is buried deep underground. Although low maintenance is required, some maintenance will be required from time to time. How will the worker do what needs to be done? In the past, the pump-out contractor would have to dig down until he reached the septic tank. Now saddle risers, increments, and cover slabs work together to help the worker avoid all that painful digging and disruption to your outdoor area. No more guessing the exact spot where the septic tank is located. The saddle makes it easy to find, open and access septic tanks to pump out the contents and quickly re‐seal the cover. The covers are gas tight to contain odours and water tight to prevent effluent leaking from the septic tank or water from entering the septic tank.  They can also stop children and stock falling into or accessing your septic tank.

Ri-Industries manufacture saddles risers, increments, and cover slabs:

  • To suit all horizontal septic and holding tanks
  • Coverslabs suitable for pedestrian traffic only
  • Radius of saddle riser varies to suit tank
  • Each component fitted with 1.3t ‘Swiftlift’ anchors for lifting

 

For answers to all your septic tank, saddle riser, increment, and cover slab questions, call us at 08 8444 8100. We look forward to hearing from you.