How Concrete Septic Tanks Play a Role in Sustainable Living and Reducing Waste

Wednesday, 31 May 2023 by Ri Industries

Concrete septic tanks can play a significant role in sustainable living and
reducing waste. We’ve previously written a number of articles about water
conservation. You can find those articles on our website.

Today we’d like to talk about a few ways in which concrete septic tanks can
contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly way of living:

1. Waste management: Concrete septic tanks are designed to treat and
store wastewater from households, allowing for safe and effective
disposal of waste. This helps to reduce the amount of waste that
ends up in landfills and minimizes the risk of pollution and
contamination to the environment.

2. Water conservation: A properly functioning concrete septic tank can
help to conserve water by treating and reusing wastewater. This can
be particularly useful in areas where water is scarce, as it allows for a
sustainable supply of water for household and agricultural use.

3. Energy efficiency: Concrete septic tanks can be designed and
installed in a way that maximizes energy efficiency. For example,
some designs use gravity to move wastewater through the system,
which reduces the need for energy-intensive pumps.

4. Durability: Concrete septic tanks are known for their durability and
long lifespan. This means that they can last for many years with
proper maintenance, reducing the need for frequent replacements
and waste.

As you can see, concrete septic tanks can play a key role in reducing waste
and promoting sustainability in households and communities. By
effectively treating and managing wastewater, conserving water,
maximizing energy efficiency, and being durable, concrete septic tanks can
help to create a more sustainable future.

Would you like to learn more about the Ri-Industries septic tank? You may
click this link or call us at 08 8444 8100.

Common Causes of a Failing Septic System

Thursday, 3 March 2022 by Ri Industries

A failing septic system is a concern shared by many homeowners. Repairs, or replacement, can be costly. But what might be even worse, is living in a home when the septic system is not working as it should.

Although it’s unlikely that homeowners think about their septic system every day, they do benefit from its function each and every day. When a septic tank is mentioned, most people immediately think of toilets. And yes, the septic tank is extremely important to manage human waste disposal, but it’s responsible for handling so much more in the house. Showers, laundry, dish washing, anything that produces wastewater in the home will use the septic tank. It’s easy to see why it’s important to keep it flowing smoothly and functioning well.

One of the most common causes of a failing septic system is heavy water usage in the home. To help understand why, let’s take a simple look at how the septic system works:

Wastewater flows from the inlet to the outlet in the septic tank.
Solids and liquids of different densities are separated.
Scum rises to the top, sludge sinks to the bottom, and the watery effluent stays in the middle.
The effluent then flows out of the septic tank into the drain field.

The size of the septic tank and the drain field will dictate how much wastewater can be processed at a time. If too much wastewater overwhelms the system, it will not be able to break it down properly and can result in clogging the system.

The septic system may be overlooked when plans are made to remodel a home. If space is being added to allow additional people to live in the home, you will want to speak with a professional to help determine if the current septic tank is large enough to handle the extra use.

The drain field plays an important role in the septic system. Be careful where trees are planted to help avoid clogging due to tree roots. Also, be sure no one drives over the drain field. The weight of the vehicles could compact or crush underground pipes.

Human waste is the only matter the septic system is designed to break down. A common cause of a failing septic system is the introduction of other materials such as paper towels, cigarette butts, feminine hygiene products, nappies, and even ‘flushable’ wipes. Bacteria is unable to break these products down and can result in forming a blockage in the system.

An often-overlooked cause of a failing septic system is the use of cleaners or antibacterial agents which disrupt or kill the bacteria that is responsible for breaking down the wastewater.

Now that we know about some of the common causes of a failing septic system, let’s talk about common signs to help homeowners contact the experts when needed:

Unexplained slow drains (sinks, bathtubs, and showers)
Sewage backup into your home (sinks, bathtubs, showers, laundry)
Wet or spongy spots in the yard (that are not due to rain or other water source)
Grass that is unusually green over the septic system
Foul odor near the septic system

The experts at Ri-Industries can help homeowners determine the proper size tank needed for their home and will ensure it is properly installed. To learn more please visit our website or call us at 8444 8100.

Keep the Septic Tank Flowing Smoothly During the Holidays

Wednesday, 1 December 2021 by Ri Industries

Happy Holidays! (nearly)

Despite the changing rules about COVID and travel, it seems many people are opting to stay within the borders of South Australia for the holidays. Opening your home to friends and family means extra work for the septic system. In the spirit of best wishes for happy holidays, Ri-Industries offers the following tips to help keep the septic tank flowing smoothly in your home.

Limit water use by planning ahead. Don’t do laundry on the same days your house will be full of guests. When guests are arriving in the afternoon or evening, ask family members to shower early in the day. Wash dishes before guests arrive. Prepare as much of the food as possible before the guests arrive. Septic systems can only handle so much water at one time therefore spreading out the water use gives the system time to work.
Don’t use the garbage disposal! Yes, there are still homes in South Australia with garbage disposals and yes, they can make clean-up a bit easier. But, they can also tax the septic system. Make sure anything caught in your strainer goes directly in the garbage – not your septic tank.
Toilet paper and human waste. That’s all. Nothing else should be flushed down the toilets. Be sure your family members and your guests are aware of this rule. All other items such as feminine hygiene products, baby wipes, cleaning products, cigarette butts and other items should be thrown in the bin. This will help prevent those items from getting into your septic tank and causing a blockage.
Plan when to water the lawn. Since the septic system can only handle a certain amount of water at one time, plan to water the lawn on a day when you won’t be having guests. This goes for car washing and any other water use too.
Pump it out. Don’t wait for a problem to occur, especially when you’re entertaining! Be proactive and have your system pumped before the holidays if you’re due.

From our families to yours, we wish you happy, healthy, and peaceful holidays!

Tips for Planting Over Septic Drain Fields

Wednesday, 3 November 2021 by Ri Industries

Will your spring gardening include planting over the septic drain field? If so, Ri-Industries has the following tips for you:

Choose plants with roots that won’t extend past 1m deep. Flowers, hedges, and grasses with more shallow roots will avoid affecting the pipes or the septic tank. They also assist absorption trenches and purify the effluent before it enters the environment.
Grass is an effective option for planting directly above the drain field. Grass over the drain field holds the soil in place and helps the absorption of nutrients, prevents soil erosion and ensures the proper functioning of the septic system.
Climbers, shrubs, and shallow rooted plants work well in the surrounding area, but not directly above the drain field.
DO NOT plant fruits or vegetables directly over the drain field. They can become infected by bacteria and will be dangerous to consume.
Avoid planting fast growing trees on or surrounding the drain field. In fact, avoid planting trees in the area altogether. When searching for moisture, the roots can extend deep underground and in turn can cause damage to the pipes and septic system.
Plants that require less water make good choices.
The area around the septic system can be salty from detergents, fabric softeners, and household effluent, so choose plants that thrive in a salty environment.
It’s important to wear gloves when planting on or around the drain field as the soil can have bacteria in it.
Be careful when tilling the soil to avoid damaging the pipes.

Here are some suggestions of good choices to plant near the septic system:

Shrubs – Oleander, Papyrus, Umbrella Grass, Swamp Mahogany
Climbers – Purple Coral Pea, Snake Vine, Common Jasmine, Passion Flower
Ground Covers – Shasta Daisy, Marguerite Daisy, Black Eyed Susan, Bog Salvia

We’d love to hear some of your gardening tips especially for planting over septic drain field! Please share in the comments, or head to our Facebook page and leave us a post.

For information on our septic tanks, please call us at 08 8444 8100

Septic Tank Safety Precautions

Friday, 3 January 2020 by Ri Industries

Septic tanks are vital and necessary to help ensure the health and safety of our family and to ensure our homes work effectively. Ri-Industries has frequently written about the importance of regular maintenance to help keep your septic tank system functionally properly such as in this blog, but it is also important to note possible life saving safety precautions you should take when working on or near the septic tank.

Our first tip has been addressed in previous blogs. It relates to having a properly fitting and sturdy septic tank lid which covers the access port to the septic tank. The child-proof and vandal-proof concrete lids on our septic tanks will give you peace of mind. They are also available as stand-alone replacement lids.
If there are noxious fumes near the tank, that is a sign it is time for maintenance and you should not work in the area alone in case the fumes become overwhelming.
Be sure all cuts and open wounds are well covered when working on or near the septic tank. Obviously, septic tank systems may contain serious bacterial hazards.
No open flames! The contents of the septic tank can produce methane gas which is highly explosive. It’s best to place your fire pit well away from the septic tank just in case methane gas is expelled.
Do not get close to open septic tanks. It is best practice to allow professionals to perform all maintenance and repairs on the tank. When the tank is being worked on and the lid is off, do not lean over the opening. You may fall in, which is not only dangerous but also a very unpleasant experience, and/or the gases could be strong enough to knock you out. Again, passing out from the fumes is bad, passing out and falling into the tanks is seriously dangerous.
If, by chance, you are nearby when someone else falls into the septic tank, DO NOT TRY TO RETRIEVE THEM YOURSELF! Immediately call for help from professionals with the proper equipment to keep them safe. While waiting for the emergency professionals to arrive, you can place fans around the opening to help blow fresh air into the tank.

When you have a quality septic tank such as the ones provided by Ri-Industries and you hire professionals to maintain and repair the septic tank, there is very little risk of injury to you or your family. However, it’s important to be aware of the above-mentioned safety tips to ensure you take the highest level of safety precautions.

For questions regarding our septic tanks, or if you need to order a new septic tank lid to replace an old one, please call 08 8444 8100 and we will be happy to assist you.

Purchasing a Septic Tank

Wednesday, 12 June 2019 by Ri Industries

Purchasing a septic tank is not something one does often in life and may, at first, feel overwhelming. Ri-Industries would like to help ease your mind by explaining how the process works.

There are two circumstances when you might purchase a septic tank: for a new home build or for an existing home. Each circumstance follows its own process.

Purchasing a septic tank for a new home build: Typically speaking, the builder will handle the entire process. They will arrange for a wastewater engineer to determine the size and type of septic tank needed. This may be a STED point, common effluent point, or a soakage bed. They will also arrange for a plumber (installer) to inspect the site for any other concerns that may arise from an installation perspective. However, the homeowner may decide to take the septic tank out of the home build and handle it directly. Therefore, the homeowner will be responsible for arranging the wastewater engineer and plumber. The homeowner may purchase the septic tank directly from Ri-Industries or he/she may instruct the plumber to purchase the septic tank from us.

Purchasing a replacement septic tank: The homeowner can choose to handle the entire process themselves which means they will be responsible to arrange for the wastewater engineer, the plumber/installer, and purchase the septic tank. Or, the homeowner may hire a plumber/installer who will manage all of the other steps for them.

Are you installing a Ri-Treat Waste Water Treatment System instead of a standard septic tank? If so, these units need to be ‘commissioned’ by a service agent, so you need to contact them two weeks prior to you moving into your new house. Generally, the procedure is to ensure that the tank is ¾ full of water and all pumps are operational. The system should be fully established within two weeks, with clean water discharging to the irrigation system.

If a Ri-Treat unit is replacing an existing septic tank, we will send the unit pre commissioned therefore ready to run and work as soon as the electricity is connected.

Ri-Industries has been in operation since 1947 and we have made it our life’s work to deliver outstanding pre-cast concrete products. We are committed to excellence, not only in our manufacturing techniques and processes but through every interaction we have with our customers. We appreciate the opportunity to speak with you about your septic tank needs. Please call us at 08 8444 8100 to speak with one of our experts.

Is Your Septic Tank Ready for Summer?

Wednesday, 5 December 2018 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!

Tips for Planting Around a Septic Tank

Thursday, 4 October 2018 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.

Summertime Septic Tank Maintenance

Thursday, 2 February 2017 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.

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

Septic System Care for the Holidays

Friday, 13 January 2017 by Ri Industries

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!

Tips for Healthy Septic Tanks

Friday, 17 June 2016 by Ri Industries

There are few things more unpleasant than non-functioning septic tanks. The cost of repair, the inconvenience, and oh …. the smell! No need for excessive worry because maintaining healthy septic tanks can be fairly simple once you are armed with some knowledge. Ri Industries has gathered such knowledge to share with you:

Do not overload your septic system
Use water sparingly
Do only full dishwasher loads, and full washing machine loads, at off-peak times if possible
Do not put kitchen grease down the drain
Do not flush cigarettes, feminine products, disposable nappies, or other inorganic materials down the toilet
Do not put petrol, oil, anti-freeze, paint, paint thinner, pesticides, etc., down the drain
Do not flush medicines
Only use cleaning products approved for septic tanks
Check all plumbing fixtures for leaks.

Learn more about maintaining healthy septic tanks by calling Ri Industries on 08 8444 8100.

Septic System Start Up Suggestions

Thursday, 5 May 2016 by Ri Industries

Congratulations on installing a brand new septic system! You’re ready for things to flow smoothly, but if you are like many of our customers you may be wondering if there are any special steps you should take when first using the septic system.

People talk about priming, prepping, or kick starting a new septic system. Since bacteria in the septic system naturally breaks down organic waste matter and slows the accumulation of the sludge layer, there is a common belief that materials should be introduced to kick start the growth of bacteria. People have been known to place a dead possum or sheep in the septic tank as well as buttermilk.

You may be happy, and relieved, to learn that this is not a necessary step. The natural sewage which flows into the septic system as soon as it is installed provides plenty of nutrients for the bacteria to do its job.

After Ri Industries installs a new septic system, we do recommend one little extra step be taken. Fill the tank with clean water and then add a cupful of lime to the toilet once per day for seven days. The lime prevents odours and increases the pH or alkalinity which encourages the growth of the good bacteria wanted in the septic system.

Call Ri Industries at 08 8444 8100 and we will be happy to answer all of your septic system questions.

Ri-Industries Septic tank