Pre-Cast Concrete Septic Tank

Why Choose Pre-Cast Concrete Septic Tanks

by Ri Industries

 

Of all the many items in your home you worry about, the septic tank is definitely one you want to be sure remains in working order. Choosing the right type of septic tank, and the right company to buy it from, can make a huge difference.  There are many different types of septic tank, but we still recommend choosing a pre-cast concrete septic tank if you can.

Why do we recommend a pre-cast concrete septic tank? It has many advantages to the available alternatives:

  1. Concrete is inherently watertight which reduces the risk of leaks over the lifetime of the tank.
  2. Concrete tanks are heavy and will not ‘float’ to the top as lighter tanks sometimes do in certain situations.
  3. Concrete tanks are normally larger than ones made of other materials and therefore require pumping less often.
  4. Concrete does not rust (which can be an issue for tanks made from steel and certain parts of some plastic and fiberglass tanks).
  5. Concrete does not affect groundwater and surface water quality.
  6. Concrete tanks can last for decades (which can be substantially longer than tanks made of other materials).
  7. There is a lower risk of damage during installation of concrete tanks than during installation of tanks made of less durable materials.
  8. Concrete tanks can be pumped without fear of collapse unlike tanks made of other materials.

The septic tank performs an important function in your home and you want to be sure you keep it in working order at all times. Partner with a company who has a great reputation, will guide you to choose the proper tank for your home, and works closely with installers of septic tanks.

Ri-Industries has over 70 years of experience in the septic tank business in Adelaide, South Australia and has developed efficient manufacturing techniques to produce pre-cast concrete septic tanks and septic tank lids of the highest quality that are built to last. Please call to learn more.

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Water Your Garden AND Conserve Water

by Ri Industries

Do you want a beautiful garden but worry it might conflict with your desire to conserve water? We say you can have your garden and conserve water with the Ri-Treat Waste Water System!

You deserve to have beautiful things in your life while feeling good about caring for our environment. The following tips will help you make smart choices when watering your home garden.

  1. Use Ri-Treat to irrigate your garden

The Ri-Treat Waste Water Treatment  System works to clean and re-use your waste water from the toilet, kitchen, and laundry to irrigate your garden. Ri-Treat features a high quality irrigation kit for more effective irrigation. This system is certainly a cost-efficient and environmentally friendly way to keep your garden looking green and healthy.

  1. Water your garden only when it needs it

While the Ri-Treat system can efficiently recycle your waste water for your home, it’s up to you to decide when your garden needs watering. To find out if your lawn needs water, use this rule of thumb: stick your finger about 4 cm into the soil, and if the soil is not moist, it is time for a shower.

  1. Water less often, but with gusto

Flower beds do well with just one or two watering sessions per week as long as it is a thorough watering.

  1. Water when cool

Plan to water during evening or early morning hours when the soil is cool. Less water will evaporate than during the heat of the day, allowing the plants to retain sufficient water.

  1. Dry leaves are healthy leaves

When kept wet overnight, leaf mold may form on leaves.  Leaves that are left wet during the hot daytime hours may develop slight burn marks.

  1. Put your garden on a schedule

For those of us who do not have time to stick our finger in the soil every day, it is recommended to water your garden deeply and infrequently (about 2.5 cm a week). But how do you measure how much water your lawn is soaking in? For this you can use a rain gauge or a cup of water placed on your garden and a ruler. Run your irrigation system for about 15 minutes, check the amount of water left in the cup or rain gauge, and you can do some quick calculations to find out how much water per hour is coming from the sprinkler.

So, go ahead and enjoy a beautiful garden at home while doing your part to conserve water. Have questions about the Ri-Treat Waste Water System? Give Ri-Industries a call at 08 8444 8100 and we’ll be happy to answer your questions.

 

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Gardens Over Septic Tank Soakaways

by Ri Industries

When planning a garden, you may not think about your septic tank, but maybe you should. More specifically, you need to understand the do’s and don’ts of planting in or around your septic tank soakaway, also known as a soakage trench or drainage field.

First, what is a 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. Excess nitrogen and phosphorus is removed from the effluent as it is purified by the soil. Plant roots can help your septic tank drain system work better by removing moisture and nutrients which in turn help the soil work more efficiently.

What should you plant over a septic tank soakaway?

Deep roots can damage soakaways, so shallow rooted plants are ideal for this area. A septic tank is generally installed about 0.6 to 0.9 meters underground, meaning you do not want the root systems of your small plants or shrubs to extend below this depth. The best plants to use near drainage fields are flowers, grasses, and small groundcovers that will not grow deep enough to disrupt the pipeline of your septic tank.

While Ri-Industries septic tanks are made from 40 MPa concrete, and the engineer-designed tanks are built to withstand anything, it is not recommended that anything with deep roots, especially trees, are planted near your septic system.

Tips: when planting, do not dig too deep and be sure to wear gloves to protect against bacteria that may be in the soil.

Dense covering, such as a lawn, is recommended over a septic tank soakaway to help prevent soil erosion.

Planting a lawn or garden over the soakaway is a good way to care for it while adding beauty to your landscape.

If you really must have plants near your septic system, speak with your garden specialist to find out the ph of your soil and choose shallow rooted plants suited to that ph level.  Otherwise, the simplest answer is to plant a lawn over the soakage trench.

For questions about septic tanks, call Ri-Industries at 08 8444 8100.

Commercial trade waste arresters

Ri-Industries Trade Waste Arresters

by Ri Industries

What is Trade Waste? It is liquid wastewater from a commercial or industrial entity that enters the sewer system. Some trade waste must be pre-treated before entering the sewer system. In those cases, trade waste arresters are used to stop harmful trade waste entering the drainage system where it may affect people or the environment. The arresters capture the waste and allow it to settle and separate. The treated wastewater can then safely enter the sewer system while the harmful waste can be disposed of.

Commercial trade waste arresters

Ri-Industries makes several trade waste arresters which meet a variety of needs and offer a multitude of benefits:

  • Made from precast concrete with a strength of 50 MPa at 28 days.
  • A number of different trade waste arresters 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.

Maintenance is simple as our trade waste arrestors are particularly strong and built to last. The arrester is designed to trap all fats and oils contained in the washwater. 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.

More information regarding the Ri-Industries Trade Waste Arresters can be found on our website.  A product catalogue is also available for download for your convenience. Of course, the best way to learn about our products is to call us at 08 8444 8100 and speak to one of our experts. We look forward to hearing from you!

Benefits of Ri-Cycle Commercial Wastewater

Benefits of Ri-Cycle Commercial Wastewater Treatment System

by Ri Industries

Constructing commercial properties is a huge undertaking. Many factors go into the initial step of choosing locations for building sites. One important consideration is how wastewater will be managed. Are sewage pipes already laid and available for use? If not, is it possible to connect sewage pipes to the area? What will the cost be for off-site wastewater disposal? Is on-site wastewater treatment a possibility?

On-site wastewater treatment can be a major cost saver compared to installing and maintaining sewer pipes. It is also beneficial to the environment. The use of reclaimed water means less consumption of fresh water and when used water is eventually discharged back into natural water sources, it can still have benefits to ecosystems, improving streamflow, nourishing plant life and recharging aquifers, as part of the natural water cycle.

There are a variety of ways reclaimed water can be used for commercial properties. Irrigation of lawns, gardens, sporting facilities, golf courses is a common use. It can be used for road cleaning, soil compaction, concrete making and even dust control.

If the decision is made to use a commercial wastewater treatment system, the Ri-Cycle manufactured by Ri-Industries should be considered. The Ri-Cycle is an aerobic systemand is one of the most effective methods in Australia for dealing with sewage.

With its unique design, the Ri-Cycle wastewater system offers a number of benefits:

  • Flexible design so they can be tailored to suit your exact requirements
  • The high quality bio filter medium enhances the purity of the recycled water
  • All irrigation pumps are stainless steel, submersible, quiet, reliable and inexpensive to operate.  And because of the high quality of effluent being passed through the system the normal manufacturer’s warranty of 12 months is extended to 3 years
  • A German-manufactured side channel Air Pump offers a reliable and efficient aeration
  • Three sizes of Ri-Cycle tanks offer maximum flexibility for use in many buildings and sites
  • Child-proof, vandal-proof and trafficable lids give you additional peace of mind
  • A manufacturers’ warrantyon tank construction – longer than comparable products

Please call us at 08 8444 8100 to learn more about the Ri-Cycle. Our experts will be happy to assist you.

The Ri-Treat Wastewater Treatment System Helps Conserve Water

by Ri Industries

Waste not, want not!

A proverb:
If you use a commodity or resource carefully and without extravagance, you will never be in need.

Water is definitely a commodity we do NOT want to find ourselves without. Yet, we also know how easy it is to waste water around our homes. There are simple steps we can take to reduce water waste like turning the taps off while brushing teeth, taking shorter showers and watering lawns/gardens in the early morning or evening. Ri-Industries has a simple method to conserve even greater amounts of water in your home: our Ri-Treat Waste Water Treatment System!Most homes in South Australia use potable (drinking) water for all household needs. What a waste! We can literally treat the wastewater produced in your home to be clean enough to water the garden, do laundry, and more. According to the Your Home government website, here are some advantages of using treated wastewater:

  • Reduce water bills
  • Use fewer water resources
  • Irrigate the garden during drought or water restrictions
  • Cut down the amount of pollution going into waterways
  • Help save money on new infrastructure for water supplies and wastewater treatment
  • Decrease demand on infrastructure for sewage transport, treatment and disposal, allowing it to work better and last longer.

Ri-Treat Wastewater Treatment System

 

What advantages do you get from installing a Ri-Treat Wastewater System?

  • 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 houses needing a smaller treatment system, or where site access is difficult, Ri-Industries also offers a fiberglass waste water treatment alternative:  FujiClean.

Our products are reputed to be the best in South Australia and our employees are top experts in the field. Call us on 08 8444 8100 to learn how a wastewater treatment system Adelaide can benefit your home.

 

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How Does Flooding Affect a Septic Tank?

by Ri Industries

At Ri-Industries, we often talk about changes in our environment and anyone paying attention is sure to have noticed an increase in storms around the globe. We have seen pictures of unbelievable flooding creating unlivable conditions. Whilst torrential flooding has not affected South Australia as it has other parts of the world, it’s still important to realise the impact of flooding on septic systems.

The good news is that most septic systems should not be damaged structurally by flooding. Our septic tanks are made of concrete and are installed underground so you can have confidence they will stay structurally intact.  However, flood water may enter your septic tank system through the toilet, other fixtures, or the overflow relief gully grate and may wash out solids from the tank causing blockages or system damage.

According to the WA Government (https://www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/), in the event of flooding, the following safety issues should be checked:

  • open covers/pits
  • ruptured/leaking systems (including pipes)
  • damaged/exposed pipes that may need capping/sealing off.

Failed systems are not easy to identify. However, some simple indicators may include:

  • a pungent odour around the tank and land application area
  • blocked fixtures, with wastewater overflowing from the relief point
  • high sludge levels within the primary tank
  • sewage flowing up through the toilet and sinks.

Some onsite wastewater treatment systems may rely on mechanical and electrical equipment, such as pumps, aerators and filters.

This equipment may be damaged by flood or loss of power.

To prevent injury or further damage to your system contact your service agent.

Floods can also reduce the capacity or effectiveness of a septic system. Tanks, leach drains, pump pits and irrigation pipework can fill with silt and debris, crust can lift and block the inlet or outlet of the septic tank pipes.

If your septic tank has been under flood water, do not use toilets, laundry, kitchen, or bathroom utilities which connect to the tank until it has been checked by a trained specialist. If there has been sewage overflow, assume anything that has been touched is contaminated and wear protective gear when doing a clean up.

We are here to answer all of your questions regarding the care and maintenance of our concrete septic tanks. Call us at 08 8444 8100 to speak with one of our experts.

 

 

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Rainwater Harvesting FAQ’s

by Ri Industries

What is rainwater harvesting? Why should I harvest rainwater? We get asked lots of questions about our concrete rainwater tanks, and collecting rainwater.  So, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions along with the answers to help spread awareness.

  1. What is rainwater harvesting?  Rainwater harvesting is a technique used for collecting, storing and using rainwater for landscape irrigation and other uses.
  2. From where is rainwater collected? The rainwater is collected from various hard surfaces such as rooftops and/or other manmade aboveground hard surfaces.
  3. Is rainwater harvesting only for rural areas? No, it is not just for rural areas. Although urban households may be connected to a reticulated, treated (mains) water supply, rainwater harvesting can significantly lower mains water usage.
  4.  What are the benefits of rainwater harvesting? It will reduce water bills, provide an alternative supply during water restrictions and help maintain a green, healthy garden. Rainwater harvesting can reduce mains water use by a substantial amount. Rainwater harvesting also decreases stormwater runoff, thereby helping to reduce local flooding and scouring of creeks.
  5.  Will harvesting rainwater be more costly? No, after all, rainwater is FREE! Once you have a rainwater tank installed, and start using this water instead of mains water, you begin saving money on your water bill each and every month.
  6. What can harvested rainwater be used for? Rainwater can be used to flush toilets, do laundry, water the garden, wash cars, and more.
  7.  Can I drink harvested rainwater?  If your rainwater is to be used for human consumption, the system must be designed, operated and maintained to ensure the water quality is suitable.

Ri Industries offers concrete rainwater tanks that can be installed below the ground. Being underground means they don’t take up much of your valuable real estate.

Have your questions been answered here? If not, call us at 08 8444 8100 and we’ll happy to answer all of your questions.

 

 

FujiClean – Waste Water Treatment System

Exciting Times for Ri-Industries!

by Ri Industries

It’s exciting times for us at Ri-Industries! Our business continues to grow through the hard work and dedication of our staff, our commitment to long-term relationships with our partners, and of course, loyalty and support from our customers. We are pleased to share the following news with you.

Congratulations to Ivan Sayers for his recent promotion to Managing Director. Ivan began his journey with Ri-Industries in 2002 as Production Manager and became General Manager in 2012. We are excited for Ivan to take the helm as Managing Director and look forward to following his lead as we bring additional value to our community.

Ri-Industries continues to work on South Australian infrastructure projects, including the Darlington Upgrade, along with our partner Reinforced Earth. Not only does this work improve South Australian infrastructure, but it keeps South Australians employed right here in SA. Our factories will be kept busy over the next 12 months.

Ri-Industries has worked closely with our partner Xylem Water Solutions on an exciting development: releasing a new product into our production of an elliptical-shaped station. This pump station comes from a long-term project to manufacture an alternative shaped-station that ensures logistics are easier, but still provides a capacity equivalent to a 3800 internal diameter.

South Australian customers are benefitting from our continued relationship with FujiClean.  We provide a lightweight alternative waste water treatment system that adds to our already extensive range of environmentally-focussed products. Ivan recently visited the FujiClean headquarters in Japan to further develop our relationship.

South Australia is introducing new certifications required for waste water treatment systems and we are busy getting ready for them. In fact, we are already working with key partners on the certification process for Ri-Treat and Ri-Cycle.

We would like to thank all of our customers and contacts for your continued support. If you’d like more information on any of these updates, or our products, please call us on 8444 8100.

 

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How Do Sewage and Effluent Move Through Septic Systems?

by Ri Industries

Safe disposal of sewage and effluent is essential to protect the health of the community. Why? Sewage and effluent can contain a variety of human disease-causing microorganisms and parasites which can be spread to humans by direct contact or indirectly by consumption of contaminated food or water.

In most unsewered developments across Australia, septic tank systems are used to treat and dispose of sewage, also referred to as wastewater. The government of Western Australia has provided a rather simple explanation of how septic tank systems work which apply to South Australia as well:

“When wastewater passes through the septic tanks, heavier solids sink to the bottom and undergo bacterial digestion. This reduces the quantity of solids and also changes its composition to sludge, which builds up in the bottom of the tank. Materials such as grease and oil float to the surface in the tanks to forma crust over the liquid. The remaining liquid, called effluent, flows from the tanks into the drainage receptacles to soak into the surrounding soil where it may undergo further natural treatment processes.”

Also from the Government of Western Australia come tips for a healthy efficient septic tank system:

  •  Have the septic tanks pumped out regularly.
  •  Allow as little fat or grease as possible into the system.
  •  Minimise and stagger water usage.
  •  Regularly switch the drain or soakwells in use if you have an alternating system.
  •  Do not dispose of non-biodegradable materials into your septic, e.g. plastics.
  •  Do not dispose of old medicines, large amounts of disinfectant (biocides) or other strong chemicals into the septic tank. These can kill the normal bacteria and interfere with the system. Bleaches and detergents have no adverse effects when used in moderation.
  •  Do not drive vehicles over the system.

Of course, Ri-Industries can answer all your questions on how septic tank systems work, problems that may arise, and how to maintain septic tank systems for best use. Call us with your questions or to learn about the products we sell. 08 8444 8100

 

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Did You Know Conserving Water is Good for Your Septic Tank?

by Ri Industries

Isn’t it great when we can do something good for ourselves and it happens to be good for the environment too? Taking steps to care for your home’s septic tank can mean less stress and less money spent on repairs. One way of caring for your septic tank is by conserving water, which of course, is good for the environment too!

Let’s break this down. The septic system receives wastewater from many places in your home: toilets; showers; washing machines; dishwashers; and sinks. The less water you use, the less of a load that is placed on the soil absorption area (also known as a drainage field). The drainage field can only hold so much, meaning that excessive water may overload your septic system and result in system failure. By conserving water use in your home, not only can you extend the lifetime of the septic system, but you also extend the health of the environment.

So, how exactly can you limit water use in your home? Luckily there are some simple and easy ways to get started:

  • Fix leaky taps and running toilets.
  • Don’t leave the water running.
  • Toilets are not for rubbish – place rubbish in the rubbish bin, not the toilet.
  • Reduce water use up to 50% by using water efficient fixtures.
  • Do less loads! Only run dishwashers and washing machines when they are full.
  • One load of washing dispels a large amount of water into the drainage field. Give it time to recover by spacing out the loads.
  • Spread out showers and baths as well.
  • Fill your garden with plants, flowers, and bushes that require little water.
  • Don’t water your lawn or garden during the hottest times of the day.

With just a little thought and planning, it can be easy to reduce water use in your home. Share these tips with the others in your household to get the most benefits and help your septic system live a long and healthy life. Questions? Call Ri-Industries (08 8444 8100) for answers or to learn more about our septic tank systems.

 

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Preparing Septic Systems for Winter

by Ri Industries

The chill in the night air is a reminder for us to prepare for the cooler months ahead. While you close your pool, protect your plants/gardens, and pull out some jumpers from the wardrobe, don’t forget about your septic tank system! Preparing your septic system for the colder months of winter can save expense and hassle.

First of all, keep up with regular inspections and maintenance of your septic system. Winter is not the time to find your pump isn’t working properly, the tank lid is broken, or the pipes are leaking.

If the septic tank cover is broken (and you can’t get it repaired) it is a good idea to put a layer of mulch on top of the septic system. There are 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. So it’s important to have a good cover.  If your septic tank lid is broken (and you have a tank from Ri-Industries), we sell replacement lids so please call us on 8444 8100 to order.

Make sure there is no accumulated sludge in the septic tank, by keeping up with your septic tank maintenance and pump-out schedule.

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.

Regular inspection, maintenance, and a bit of care should keep your septic system working smoothly throughout the cooler months. Have questions or want to learn more? Give Ri-Industries a call at 08 8444 8100.