Sustainable Home Designs Benefit from Including Concrete Rainwater Tanks

by Ri Industries

Underground concrete rainwater tanks can play a vital role in sustainable home design and
construction practices. Here are some ways in which they can be seamlessly incorporated:

1. Integrated Water Management: Designing a sustainable home involves efficient water
management. Concrete rainwater tanks can be integrated into the overall water
management system, collecting and storing rainwater for various uses such as toilet
flushing, laundry, garden irrigation, and even potable water with proper filtration. By
incorporating rainwater tanks, homeowners can reduce their reliance on mains water
supply, conserve water resources, and minimise the environmental impact of water
consumption.

2. Green Roofs and Walls: Concrete rainwater tanks can be integrated into green roof or
green wall systems. These systems involve vegetation planted on roofs or walls, which
can help insulate the building, reduce stormwater runoff, and improve air quality. The
rainwater collected in the tanks can be used for irrigation, ensuring the plants receive an
adequate water supply.

3. Sustainable Landscaping: Concrete rainwater tanks can support sustainable
landscaping practices. The collected rainwater can be used for watering plants, lawns,
and gardens, reducing the reliance on potable water and conserving water resources.
Additionally, the tanks can be designed to incorporate overflow systems that direct
excess water to permeable surfaces or bioswales, minimizing runoff and replenishing
groundwater.

4. Durability and Longevity: Concrete rainwater tanks are known for their durability and
longevity. By incorporating these underground tanks into the initial construction of a
sustainable home, homeowners can ensure long-term water storage and reduce the
need for replacements or repairs. This reduces waste and supports a more sustainable
approach to building materials.

5. Education and Awareness: Incorporating concrete rainwater tanks into sustainable home
design provides an opportunity to educate homeowners and raise awareness about the
importance of water conservation and sustainable practices. Homeowners can learn

about the benefits of rainwater harvesting, the water cycle, and how their actions can
contribute to environmental sustainability.

By considering the aspects above, homeowners can enhance the sustainability of their homes
while reducing their environmental footprint.

As a manufacturer of pre-cast concrete products, Ri-Industries can provide you with below
ground concrete rainwater tanks. Designed and manufactured in Adelaide to the highest
standards, our underground rainwater tanks are superior quality, with a range of sizes available.
Our team has the perfect rainwater tank for you. Call 08 8444 8100 to learn more. We look
forward to hearing from you!

Rainwater Collection Tanks, What are the Benefits?

by Ri Industries

Rainwater collection tanks are a popular option for households and businesses in South
Australia, especially in areas where water is scarce or expensive. The state government
encourages the use of rainwater tanks through various initiatives, such as rebates and
education programs.

The benefits of using rainwater tanks in South Australia include:

1. Water conservation: South Australia is a water-scarce region, and rainwater tanks help
to conserve water by collecting and storing rainwater for later use.
2. Cost savings: Rainwater tanks can help reduce water bills, particularly in areas where
water is expensive.
3. Improved water quality: Rainwater is often of higher quality than mains water, as it is free
from the chemicals used to treat mains water.
4. Reduced strain on infrastructure: Rainwater tanks can help reduce demand on mains
water infrastructure, particularly during times of drought.

When using rainwater collection tanks in South Australia, it is important to ensure that the tanks
are properly installed and maintained. This includes regular cleaning of the tank and ensuring
that it is correctly plumbed into the household or business water supply.
It is also important to check with local councils and water authorities for any regulations or
requirements related to the installation and use of rainwater tanks, as these can vary depending
on the area.

Ri-Industries offers concrete rainwater tanks that are built to last. Designed and manufactured in
Adelaide to the highest standards, our underground rainwater tanks are superior quality, with a
range sizes available.

Concrete rainwater tanks 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.

Coupled with our manufacturer’s warranty, you can be sure that rainwater tanks from Ri-
Industries will last the distance.

Call us on 08 8444 8100 to learn more or request a quote. Our team are more than happy to
answer any questions you may have.

 

Septic Tank Inspections_ Why They’re Necessary and How Often You Should Get One

by Ri Industries

Image of septic tank truck and text saying Septic Tank Inspections: Why They're Necessary and How Often You Should Get One

Septic tank inspections are an essential part of maintaining your septic system. They help to identify any potential issues early on, before they become major problems that require costly repairs or replacements.

There are a few reasons why septic tank inspections are necessary:

  • To ensure proper functioning: Septic tanks need to be working correctly to prevent sewage backups or overflows, which can be hazardous to your health and the environment.
  • To detect problems early: During an inspection, a professional can identify any issues with your septic system, such as leaks or blockages, and take corrective action before they cause damage.
  • To comply with local regulations: In many areas, regular septic tank inspections are required by law to ensure public health and safety.

So, how often should you get your septic tank inspected? The frequency of inspections will depend on several factors, including the size of your tank, the number of people in your household, and your water usage habits.

As a general rule, it’s recommended that you have your septic tank inspected every three to five years. However, if you have a large household or heavy water usage, you may need to have it inspected more frequently.

It’s also important to note that some signs may indicate the need for an inspection sooner. For example, if you notice slow drains, foul odours, or pooling water near your tank, you should have your septic system inspected as soon as possible.

Our website has a number of blogs containing helpful information about septic tanks. If you still have questions, we’ll be happy to answer.  Please call 08 8444 8100.

 

 

Introducing the EP33 Secondary Treatment System

by Ri Industries

EP33 3 tank system

Ri-Industries has launched a new Ri-Treat product called the EP33 Secondary Treatment System. This three-tank system replaces the Ri-Cycle, which came in three models used in commercial settings. The EP33 can still be used for commercial purposes and has capacity for up to 33 people.

Like all our products, the EP33 is guaranteed superior quality and engineer designed, and it comes with the usual stainless steel Lowara pumps and Mac air blowers for reliability and efficiency. It offers building owners and occupants the chance to reclaim their wastewater by recycling and reusing water, and can be used in many commercial settings such as caravan parks, hotels, factories, mining camps, schools and wineries.

What’s particularly exciting is that the EP33, along with the Ri-Treat EP10 which launched last year, is the only SA-manufactured secondary treatment system that’s been tested, certified and approved to the Australian Standard (AS/NZS 1546.3:2017) for South Australian conditions. After rigorous testing over the last two years, it has been approved by SA Health and carries the SAI Global ‘5 ticks’ StandardsMark License.

The Ri-Treat EP33 offers several features and benefits:

  • Consisting of three pre-cast 50 MPa reinforced concrete tanks, with no fibreglass or plastic structural components, means that no untreated effluent will escape into the environment.
  • The high-quality biofilter medium, with the added bonus of bristle filters, enhances the purity of the recycled water.
  • All irrigation pumps are Lowara stainless steel and are submersible, quiet, reliable and inexpensive to operate.
  • The Japanese Mac100 air blower offers the most reliable and efficient aeration and has a 2-year warranty.
  • A 15-year warranty on tank construction.
  • Other unique features, such as automatic sludge and skimmer returns.

Please note, our approvals only cover the manufacture and sale of the unit. Therefore, installation and commissioning are the responsibility of the purchaser and all servicing must be carried out by an authorised service agent in accordance with the Installation and Maintenance Manuals.

Our website has more details about the new EP33, including a new brochure and copies of the new Owner’s Manual, along with the Installation and Maintenance Manual. We have also updated our Product Catalogue. All manuals are also available in the PDF manuals section of the website.

 If you have any additional questions about the EP33, please do not hesitate to contact us on 8444 8100.

Septic Safe Shower Products

by Ri Industries

We often get questions about which shower/bath products are the best to use in a home with a septic system. Here are some quick tips:

  • Does shower water go into the septic tank? Yes, all the water that leaves your house through a drain goes into the septic tank. This includes shower water, toilet water, laundry water, and sink water.
  • Are long showers bad for septic tanks? That depends. The most important thing to understand is that the size of the septic tank will determine how much use it can handle. Each septic tank is designed to handle a certain quantity of wastewater. Overload it and you can cause problems. Consider factors such as how many loads of laundry have been done, how many people have been using the toilets, has the kitchen sink been used to wash dishes, and how many people are taking showers. When multiple utilities are being used and/or multiple people are using the utilities, you will want to limit the amount of time spent in the shower.
  • Are there special ‘septic safe’ shampoos? Yes there are. Shampoos with high ph balances and certain chemicals can cause problems in the septic system by killing the enzymes which eat the waste in the tank. Without these enzymes, the system may get full or backed up. This can result in the drain field not working properly or the tank needing to be emptied more frequently. Look for shampoos that have less chemicals, use natural ingredients and are pH balanced. The good news is that septic safe shampoos typically make hair softer, smoother, easier to manage, and preserves hair colour longer.
  • Should I use septic safe body soap when I bathe? Generally speaking, natural and organic products made with biodegradable ingredients are best for use with septic tanks because the tank will be able to efficiently filter them. The most harmful soaps are the ‘antibacterial’ ones. Regular use of antibacterial soap can compromise the efficacy of the bacteria in the septic tank.

Our experts at Ri-Industries are here to answer your questions on septic tanks or any of our other products. Please feel free to call us at 8444 8100.

Introducing the EP10 Secondary Treatment System

by Ri Industries

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

Like all our products, the EP10 is guaranteed superior quality and engineer designed. In fact, our customers repeatedly tell us that “Ri-Industries products are the best in South Australia.” What’s particularly exciting is that the EP10 is the only SA-manufactured secondary treatment system that’s been tested, certified and approved to the Australian Standard (AS/NZS 1546.3:2017) for South Australian conditions. After rigorous testing over the last 18 months, it has been approved by SA Health and carries the SAI Global ‘5 ticks’ StandardsMark License.

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

  • A mono cast 50 MPa reinforced concrete construction, with no fibreglass or plastic structural components, means that no untreated effluent will escape into the environment.
  • The high-quality biofilter medium, with the added bonus of bristle filters, enhances the purity of the recycled water.
  • All irrigation pumps are Lowara stainless steel and are submersible, quiet, reliable and inexpensive to operate.
  • The Japanese Mac100 air blower offers the most reliable and efficient aeration and has a 2-year warranty.
  • Child-proof and vandal-proof lids give you additional peace of mind.
  • A 15-year warranty on tank construction – longer than comparable products.
  • The operation of the unit has other unique features, such as automatic sludge and skimmer returns.

Please note, our approvals only cover the manufacture and sale of the unit. Therefore, installation and commissioning are the responsibility of the purchaser and all servicing must be carried out by an authorised service agent.

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

Ri-Industries Rainwater Tanks and COVID-19

by Ri Industries

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

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

Ri-Industries rainwater tanks are made from concrete and are built to last. Our rainwater tanks Adelaide offer a number of advantages:

  • The water stays cooler.
  • No algae develops.
  • The water has no after-taste.
  • They are vandal-proof and fire-proof.
  • Being underground means they are out of sight and don’t take up much of your valuable real estate.
  • Concrete is stronger and more durable.

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

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

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

Our Focus on Safety & the Environment

by Ri Industries

Ri-Industries Safety and Precautions

 

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:

 

Certification Approval Panel of TQCS International

  • 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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

Ri-Industries’ New Certifications!

by Ri Industries

Quality is of the utmost importance to us so we are honoured to share that Ri-Industries has formally been approved for certification by the Certification Approval Panel of TQCS International in three categories.
TQCS International is a fully accredited, third party certification body providing a number of certifications. Customers can be assured that a certified company is meeting or exceeding international standards.

Ri-Industries certifications include:
• 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 would like to thank our employees for their dedication and commitment to following strict procedures which ensure we continue to provide safe and quality service to our customers.

Learn more about our certifications, services, and products by calling 08 8444 8100.

Ri-Industries Reaches Customers through Mobile App

by Ri Industries

Ri-Industries Reaches Customers through Mobile AppDid you know Ri-Industries has a mobile app?

With half of Australian adults owning a smartphone, Ri-Industries wanted a way to reach our customers on the go.  Focused on convenience, our Ri-Industries Catalogue App allows you to view our product specs and measurements – anytime, anywhere.

Ri-Industries app features

Our products are at your fingertips with simple navigation features on the mobile version of the Ri Industries catalogue.  View easy-to-read diagrams, including sizes and specs, on all of our products, such as rainwater tanks, septic tanks and accessories, storm water sumps, and grates and frames.

Plus, contacting us is easier than ever with the app’s messaging and email capabilities. Our app also allows you to search by keywords, select favourites and review your viewing history.

How to download the Ri-Industries Catalogue App:

Android Users

  • Click here for a direct download for your Android smartphone or tablet
  • Or, Android users can download the app from Google Play; just click the “Install” button and you’ll be ready to go.

iPhone or iPad users

  • Download the app for your iPad or iPhone.
  • Or,  iOS (iPad or iPhone) users can search “Ri Industries” on iTunes, and click on the “FREE,” then “Install” buttons to download our Ri Catalogue App.

Of course, either Ri Catalogue Apps can be downloaded by visiting our website home page directly.

Share with us

We hope you find our catalogue app to be time-saving and convenient.

Click here to tell us how we’re doing—we would love to hear from you.  And, if you have an idea of more conveniences we can offer our customers, please share it in the comments below.