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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.

 

 

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Using Concrete Tanks for Underground Storage and Bunkers

by Ri Industries

When you think of Ri-Industries, do you think of storage? Do you think of bunkers? Probably not, but you could. You may already be familiar with our reputation in precast concrete tanks used for waste water treatment systems, septic systems, and rainwater tanks. Now you can get to know us for some other uses.

We wrote about some of the unique uses for our tanks a while ago. If you read that blog, you will see pictures of concrete tanks being used as a base of a sculpture and even as a plunge pool. It also talks about using the concrete tanks for shelter and storage. We thought now might be a good time to elaborate on these, as we are seeing an increasing trend amongst our South Australian customers for underground cellars and bunkers.

The political and environmental climates of the world have created a larger interest in underground storage and underground bunkers.  We can custom design features to suit your requirements, just as we have done for a customer in the Tea Tree Gully area. He used one of our precast concrete tanks as an underground cellar. We custom-made a lid for the tank and the customer added a staircase for easy access. It’s been our experience that people living in the metro area tend to use the concrete tanks as an underground cellar, while residents of the Adelaide Hills tend to use the concrete tanks as storage to protect belongings from fire.

What might someone place in underground tank? Some items might be:

  • Important documents
  • Family heirlooms
  • Clothing
  • Cash, credit cards
  • Food
  • Blankets
  • Camping equipment
  • Computer hardware/software
  • Wine

In bushfire prone areas, our customers really are thinking ahead by using underground concrete tanks as bunkers.  What peace of mind you will have knowing that the documents you need to recover from a disaster are safe and accessible along with some clothing and cash to get you by. It is always so heartbreaking to see news footage of people coming back to their home destroyed by flood or fire and watch them sift through the wreckage trying to salvage precious family mementos. Concrete tanks really can help.

Please call us (08 8444 8100) to learn more about using precast concrete tanks for underground storage, cellars or bunkers. We look forward to hearing from you.

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Summertime Septic Tank Maintenance

by Ri Industries

Summer should be a carefree time when you slow down the pace a bit and enjoy sights and smells of the season. Poor septic tank maintenance can create the wrong sights and the wrong smells! Here are some summertime tips for septic tank maintenance.

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

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

Wait, rainfall? Yes! Heavy rainfalls can cause the water table to rise. When the water table rises too high, it can saturate the septic tanks leach 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. Also, divert water flow away from the area of the septic tank. Keep the soil around the septic tank from getting too saturated.

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!

 

 

Image show a Christmas holiday wreath around a Ri-Industries Septic Tank

Septic System Care for the Holidays

by Ri Industries

Image show a Christmas holiday wreath around a Ri-Industries Septic Tank

Holidays are the time for friends and family to gather together and enjoy great company, food, and drink. Those who welcome one and all into their homes work hard to create a festive ambience for all to enjoy. Nothing can ruin smells of delectable holiday dishes and the spreading of good cheer like a backed up septic system can! So if you’re facilities will be working extra hard this holiday season, here are some helpful tips to know:

  • Plan water use – Having guests in the home means extra water usage. From toilet flushing and hand washing for short term visitors to showers and laundry for long term guests. Do as much as you can before guests arrive. Have dishes washed, laundry done, and maybe even clean your family (otherwise known as shower) the day before the big event. If you have guests staying over, politely request they take short showers, turn off water while brushing teeth or washing dishes. After all, it is in their best interest as well as yours to take care of the septic system!
  • While you’re talking to your guests … – Now that you have asked for consideration in the amount of water your guests use, remind them of which items are appropriate to flush. The list is short: toilet paper and human waste. All other items such as feminine hygiene products, baby wipes, cleaning products, cigarette butts and other items should be thrown in the trash can. This will help prevent those items from getting into your septic tank and causing a blockage.
  • Early is better – Prepare as much of the food and drink beforehand as possible. Doing so will help spread out the water use.
  • Out of sight means out of use – Using the garbage disposal is one thing to avoid completely when your septic system will be asked to accommodate extra use. Block the switch so guests will not see and use it and to remind you that it is off limits.

Follow the above tips to keep your septic system from giving back this holiday season! For more tips or information on septic systems, please call us at 08 8444 8100.

Happy Holidays from Ri-Industries!

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Achilles Supply Chain Community Member

by Ri Industries

As a pre-cast concrete manufacturer, Ri-Industries does a lot more than manufacture septic tanks, waste water treatment systems and rainwater tanks.  We also provide concrete products to a wide range of businesses in the mining, oil, gas, engineering and construction industries.

For a business to decide to work with Ri-Industries to complete a project, we understand that we must first prove that our products and service are worthy. This can be a time consuming and frustrating task for both sides. To save time and effort for everyone, Ri-Industries is pleased to announce that we are now an approved supplier on the Achilles supply chain community.

Achillies supply chain communities

Supplier number 193731

Achilles is a leading provider of supplier risk management services. Suppliers undergo a strenuous pre-qualification program before they are granted a stamp of approval by Achilles. Buyers and suppliers agree to use one standard supplier questionnaire which eases the pre-qualification process for everyone involved.

Ri-Industries understands that companies are under pressure to maintain strong compliant supply chains that satisfy:

  • Regulation
  • Legislation
  • Their company’s own policies and standards

The Achilles questionnaire simplifies this process and the buyer can trust that the supplier has been fully vetted.

We are proud to be included in the Achilles supply chain community.  This, along with our recent TQCSI certifications in Quality, Safety and the Environment give all our customers peace of mind that we are focused on the highest levels of quality and service standards.

To discuss any projects that require pre-cast concrete, please contact us at 08 8444 8100.

 

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Can I Flush This Waste?

by Ri Industries

There is a common misconception that toilets are designed to handle any type of waste. The truth is, just because it’s rubbish doesn’t mean it should be flushed!

While it may be fast and easy to simply flush unwanted matter down the toilet, remember, it does in fact flow somewhere, which in many cases is a septic tank. This means that some matter may turn this fast and easy solution into a big, messy problem!

Septic tanks are designed to break down organic matter. When matter is unable to be broken down, it may clog or damage the system resulting in costly repairs.

Here is a list of items which are frequently flushed, but shouldn’t be:

  1. Bathroom wipes – Wait, what? It even says right on the package that they’re flushable! Yes, it’s true they are advertised as flushable, but some brands degrade better than others. There is also the issue of how many wipes get flushed. Often, it is the quantity of wipes flushed into the septic tank that causes the problem.
  2. Condoms – This is another biggie we hear about. While the toilet may seem like an easy, even natural, disposal method, it is not a smart one. Condoms do not break down and will in time clog the system.
  3. Nappies – While they are filled with waste which can be safely flushed, the nappies themselves absolutely should not be. They are made from materials which are intended to expand when they come in contact with liquid, such as ….. toilet water! The problem here may occur before the nappy even makes it to the septic tank. Most likely it will get caught on the way down.
  4. Cat Litter – This follows the same line of thinking as nappies. It might seem a natural step to flush away the cat’s waste, but along with the waste goes clay, sand, toxin, and parasites that we never want in water systems.
  5. Prescription Medications – People often assume this is the smartest disposal method for prescription medications as it eliminates the concern that the medicine may be taken by someone it wasn’t intended for. Unfortunately, by flushing the medicine, groundwater gets contaminated.

This list is by no means comprehensive. The bottom line is that septic tanks are designed to handle human waste. Anything else should be placed in the rubbish. Ri-Industries are happy to discuss the do’s and don’ts of flushing. Should you have any questions, please call us at 08 8444 8100.

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Helpful Household Cleaning Tips: Bathroom Edition

by Ri Industries

Ri-Industries has shared many helpful tips over the years. We’ve offered tips for “green” cleaning, how to care for septic systems, which items should not be flushed down the toilet and more. Today, we share more helpful household cleaning tips.

“I LOVE cleaning the bathroom,” said no one ever! Let’s face it, even for those of us that enjoy cleaning our homes, it’s really difficult to enjoy cleaning the bathroom. No matter how tidy family members are on a daily basis, the bathroom will still be germ-laden. The possibility of your hands coming into contact with something undesirable is rather high. Plus, it often seems that no matter how hard you scrub or how strong the cleaner is, there are just some areas that will not get clean.

Well, we searched the internet for helpful household cleaning tips to make your bathroom sparkle and found the following tips by the experts at Absolute Domestics:

  1. Keep your toilet clean and fresh by scrubbing the inside bowl with toilet cleaner, white vinegar or bi-carb soda.  You may want to leave this to soak for a few minutes beforehand. Give a good old scrub with the toilet brush, then flush, rinsing off your toilet brush when flushing.  Give both sides of the lid and outside the toilet a wipe over with anti-bacterial cleaner paying attention to the flush button and bottom of the toilet which often get missed.

 

  1. When you regularly use your bathroom, you’ll often end up with hard water stains on your bathroom taps. These hard water stains can be removed with lemon. Simply rub a fresh lemon over the water stains and not only will shine, it will smell nice too!

 

  1. Shower scum is made up of mineral deposits (usually calcium and carbonate) and soap scum. To get this off your shower without chemicals use White Magic Eraser or White Vinegar. Simply put white vinegar into a spray bottle and spray onto the shower door, scrub the mixture on the shower screen with and old pair of stockings or a soft bristled brush. Yes you heard right, the denier in stockings gives you that bit of added oomph rather than using a harsh scourer that can etch or scratch your glass. Rinse off with warm water. Squeegee off the excess water and dry with a microfibre cloth or soft towel.

There you go. Three simple tips to help make your bathroom sparkle!

Our other blogs at Ri-Industries contain lots of other tips, or give us a call at 08 8444 8100.