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Why do I need to service my aerobic waste water treatment system?

by Ri Industries

Routine scheduled maintenance is the one thing you need to do to ensure your Ri-Treat Waste water treatment system operates properly.  Aerobic treatment systems are on-site sewage treatment systems that use forced air to treat wastewater and surface application, or drip irrigation, to disperse the treated wastewater. They may also be used to replace subsurface systems that are failing due to high groundwater and/or poor soil.

Servicing

Once the unit has been installed it is the owners/operators responsibility of on-site secondary treatment systems (STS) to ensure the unit is serviced by an accredited service company and to hold a current maintenance and/or service contract for their system. Owners/operators shall ensure that all maintenance and servicing is undertaken by an appropriately trained person. This person must have completed a training course as specified by SA Health.  Servicing must be undertaken in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and the conditions of the relevant authority’s approval (eg. Council/SA Health). Service providers must forward a copy of each service record to the relevant authority and notify that authority if they cease to service the system.

General Maintenance Guidelines          

A system that is poorly maintained will not produce properly treated effluent; therefore Ri –Industries recommends owner/operators hire a maintenance service with the experience and knowledge of your system.

You will have best success for a properly working system if you follow these general guidelines:

  •  Aerobic systems are for household wastewater, so be sure to avoid using any form of bleach, antibacterial solutions or toilet cleaners, as these will kill off all of the good bacteria and create an odour in your system.
  • Be diligent in disinfecting your system to reduce the risk of pathogens in the effluent. Disinfection is the primary mechanism for destroying pathogen organisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and protozoan cysts.  Disinfection also prevents the spread of waterborne diseases to downstream users and the environment. The most commonly used disinfectant is chlorine. Other disinfection methods include ultraviolet (UV) radiation and ozonation.
  • Check the surface application area; your vegetative cover should not be ignored during maintenance inspections.
  • Clean the equalisation tank every one or two years.  Routine tank inspections during your scheduled maintenance service will help you avoid sludge overflow.
  • Don’t ignore your system alarm.  Most systems are equipped with an alarm to alert you of a system failure.  Inspect the system immediately or call a professional if you are not comfortable managing the issue yourself.

If you have questions about the maintenance of your aerobic treatment system, please do not hesitate to contact us with questions. We are proud to serve the Adelaide and South Australia area with all of your waste water treatment needs.

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4 Reasons to Pump Your Septic Tank

by Ri Industries

Most people do not enjoy doing chores. But sometimes, the least appealing activity can turn out to be the most necessary.

The team at Ri-Industries does not want to be a “pump grump,” but there are many reasons that you should get out there at least once a year to clean out your septic tank. We have compiled a list that will hopefully motivate you to get your septic system chores done.

So, why exactly is it important to pump out your septic tank on a regular basis?

Reason 1: Even your septic tank deserves a long, healthy life

Ri-Industries strives for excellence, with engineering experience that spans 60 years and extended 10 to 15 year warranties for our products. Pumping your septic tank at least every four to five years will help ensure the longevity of your tank, perhaps even beyond warranty.

Reason 2: It is important to be a good neighbour

No matter how friendly you may be with your neighbours, they will not be pleased with the smell if you let your septic tank fall into neglect and overflow. The last thing Ri-Industries wants is for you to be known as “the neighbor who smells like poo.” Keep your family and community happy and healthy by ensuring that your tank does not overflow.

Reason 3: You can save money

The cost and effort of getting your Ri-Industries septic tank pumped is minimal, while a failing or improperly maintained septic system may result in costly damage. By pumping your Ri-Industries septic tank regularly, you can maintain the value of your property, and save expenditures on repairs.

Reason 4: Satisfaction

Once you pump your tank, the job is done. It is as simple as that! Pumping your tank at least once every four to five years is an easy way to feel accomplished about maintaining a happy and healthy household.

Now that we have told you why it is important to maintain your septic tank, you might be wondering just how to maintain it. If you have any questions about how to maintain your septic tank, Ri-Industries is here to help. Please do not hesitate to contact us with thoughts and questions at [email protected] / 08 8444 810, or through our Contact Us page.

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12 Septic Tank Facts That You Need To Know

by Ri Industries

Do you own a septic tank, or are you thinking about installing one? Knowing the facts about septic tanks will help you maintain the life of your investment.

Here are 12 septic tank facts that you need to know.

Septic Tank Maintenance

  • A septic tank needs to be pumped out every four years if you have 4-6 family members.
  • Have your septic tank inspected once or twice a year to make sure there is no buildup that can cause damage to your system.

Drainage Field Maintenance

  • Make sure all water is diverted away from your drainage field.
  • Never park a vehicle on your drainage field. It could lead to ruptured pipes.
  • Ideally, only plant grass in your drainage field. If you want to add plants, make sure to pick ones with shallow root systems.

Draining

  • Never pour grease down your drain. Grease doesn’t allow the soil around your drain field to absorb liquids, which could cause a backup.
  • Do not pour motor oil, antifreeze, paint, pesticides or potent cleaners down your drain as they will kill the bacteria that break down the solids in your septic tank.

Flushing

  • Never flush plastic bags, disposable nappies, tampons or other non-biodegradable items down your toilet. Septic tanks cannot break down these materials.
  • Don’t flush disinfectants or old medicines down your toilet. It can affect the bacterial action of your septic tank, making it work ineffectively.

Warning Signs

  • If you see effluent pooling near your seepage trench, it’s more than likely a warning sign that your septic system is clogged.
  • An unusual odor around your septic tank can be a sign that your system needs repair.
  • Look at the grass around your septic tank. If you notice darker grass growing around the area, you should get your septic tank checked out.

Also, be sure to consult with your Local Council Health Inspector to understand septic tank maintenance requirements for where you live. If you need more information about septic tanks, please contact us, and we will be happy to help.

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Natural Ways to Keep Your Bathroom Clean

by Ri Industries

If you are interested in purchasing a Ri-Treat Waste Water system or septic tank, you are looking for the greatest level of water-filtering efficiency at the lowest environmental cost. These systems allow you to utilize your local ecosystem to your own personal advantage.

However, Ri-Industries products are not the only natural solution to your daily household needs; there are many natural ways to keep your bathroom clean without hurting the local environment with damaging chemical cleaners.

Here are just a few suggestions for how to clean your bathroom, the natural way.

Suggestion # 1: Daily Maintenance

Believe it or not, daily maintenance of your bathroom can ultimately lead to less intensive cleaning in the long run. How is this possible? To put it simply, cleaning your bathroom for a few minutes each day will keep your tub, sink, and commode from getting putrid. Use a cup to wash the soapy residue down the drain after you shower. Have a towel handy to periodically wipe dust off the mirrors and windows. Finally, try picking a day each week to wash the water around the toilet bowl using your toilet brush, focusing on the water line inside the bowl. With regular maintenance, you’ll never have to do any hard-scrubbing.

Suggestion # 2: Use Natural Cleaners

For those hard-to-reach spots that daily maintenance just can’t handle, you may need to add a bit of cleaner and extra attention. But this does not mean that you need to use a brand name cleaner that may contain harmful chemicals. Try using natural alternatives, such as baking soda and vinegar, or soft cleaners like vegetable oil soap. Vinegar and salt make an especially good surface cleaner, while baking soda is an effective ingredient for cleansing and deodorizing your bathroom.

Suggestion Number 3: Safe Disposal

Using chemical cleaners is especially damaging to your local ecosystem in a non-sewered area, where your waste water can filter in with the ground soil. To protect the area around your home, and work with your natural resources instead of against them, it is important to be conscious of what you are flushing down your drains. For toilet stains, sprinkle baking soda in the bowl, and add vinegar and scrub with a brush. When cleaning and freshening the sink drain, pour baking soda down the drain, followed by vinegar. You can flush the mixture away using boiling water.  If baking soda and vinegar don’t satisfy you, make sure you invest in a biodegradable cleaner that will have the least impact on the environment.

Do you think you are up to the task of keeping a clean, all natural bathroom? Remember, every little effort counts toward maintaining a healthy local ecosystem. If you are interested in this and other ways that Ri-Industries can help you help your environment, contact us here.