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Cleaning, Septic Systems, and COVID-19

by Ri Industries

If it seems you’ve been doing an excessive amount of cleaning these past few months, you’re not alone. Worries about COVID-19 have us washing, wiping, and scrubbing more than usual. What can be wrong with that? Cleanliness plays an important role in keeping us healthy, right?

Of course the answer to that question is yes! Keeping our homes and ourselves clean is important to help maintain our good health. But, when it comes to our septic systems, there can be such a thing as ‘too clean’.

Septic tanks need natural bacteria to form because they work to break down solids. They will rid pollutants such as phosphorus, nitrogen and the disease-causing bacteria found in household wastewater. Using an abundance of cleaning materials can disrupt the growth of the natural bacteria which impedes the treatment of wastewater and can result in groundwater contamination which can, in turn, pose a threat to drinking water. 

You may be cleaning more and using antibacterial soaps, antibacterial cleaners, bleach, ammonia, etc. to help keep you and your family healthy. But by using an excessive amount of these cleaners, you risk upsetting the development of the necessary bacteria in the septic system which can then result in contaminated groundwater and drinking water. So, what is the best thing to do? 

The goal is to find a good balance. Cleaning supplies such as the ones we just mentioned are okay to use in minimal amounts. When possible, substitute septic safe cleaners for the harsh chemicals. Read our blog Safe Cleaning Products for Ri-Treat Waste Water Treatment System to learn more about septic safe cleaners, such as vinegar, bicarbonate of soda, soap – in the form of washing powder, dishwashing liquid and ordinary body soap, and biodegradable cleaning liquids.

Harsh chemicals are also often used to unclog drains. Again, in order to help maintain the natural bacteria in the septic tank, try using the methods we share in our blog Unclog Drains Without Harsh Chemicals. 

We understand staying healthy is on our minds more than usual these days and we want to do all we can to help. If you have questions about safe cleaning products or installing a Ri-Industries septic tank, please call us at 08 8444 8100.

 

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Will COVID-19 Affect the Septic System

by Ri Industries

COVID-19 introduced many concerns into our lives: A new strain of a virus that we were ill prepared to manage; financial worries stemming from forced lockdowns; even short supplies of everyday necessities. One issue that may not have caused concern, is actually something we should think about – septic systems. 

Homes and businesses in rural areas and those without access to the main sewer systems rely on individual septic systems. These systems are designed to function well with ‘normal’ use. When families are forced to remain home, the systems will be put to the test. Increased usage can cause problems for an overworked system. 

Fortunately for South Australia, we appear to have recovered well from the virus and people are returning to normal activities. Still, the septic systems have recently been used more than average and with school holidays happening in July we again will have children staying home. Plus it’s a time for family get-togethers. Additional heavy septic use is on the horizon. 

So, how can you prepare and keep your septic tank working well? Ri-Industries has some tips:

 

  • Take steps to conserve water. Limiting the generation of wastewater can be an effective step to maintaining the health of your system. Remind people to turn the water off when washing hands, brushing teeth, doing dishes in the sink. Ask for people to limit the amount of time they spend in the shower. Only run the washing machine and dishwasher when they are fully loaded. 
  • Manage the type of waste entering the system. Foods containing fats, oils and flour create waste that is difficult for the sewage system to properly handle.
  • Only dispose of flushable items down the toilet. Read our blog “Is This Safe to Flush?”  for a list of items that should not be flushed.

 

Septic tanks built by Ri-Industries are well designed and should have no problem handling the extra use, but being mindful and taking some precautions are always a smart thing to do. If you have questions about septic tanks or any of the Ri-Industries products, please call us at 08 8444 8100.

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Considerations When Buying or Building a New House

by Ri Industries

Buying or building a new home is exciting, but it can also be a very daunting experience. There are many factors to consider such as number of bedrooms/bathrooms, neighbourhood, design, and more. Those are the fun factors which are a matter of choice. Then there are the structural and functional factors that need to be considered; not as fun, but in some ways, more important.

With so much to think about, you’ll be happy to learn that SA Water has provided some helpful tips on what questions you should ask when buying or building a new home:

  • When having a new home built, check that your builder has applied for water and sewerage connection on your behalf. If your contract with your builder doesn’t include a water and sewerage connection, you will need to apply for a connection.
  • If moving into a newly built home, if there is a connection, but no water meter on the property, you will need to apply for a meter.
  • Is your water meter accessible? Water meters must be kept free of obstructions so they can be read, maintained and periodically replaced. If the meter is partially buried or encased in concrete, you have to remove the obstruction or the meter may be relocated at your cost.
  • Is the property located in a dual water supply development? Prior to sale, each property must be checked to ensure no cross connection exists between the drinking water and recycled water supplies.
  • Is the water connection for the property located away from the property? If so, the property will have a special type of connection agreement. It’s important to note you are responsible for the maintenance and replacement of the water pipe between the meter and the property if repairs are required.
  • Does the property have a sewerage connection? Where is it located?
  • What is the condition of the drains connected to the sewerage connection?
  • Is there an external overflow point on the property? In the event of a blockage, an overflow relief gully may be required. This will allow the discharge to flow from the dwelling.

Are you buying or building a new home and have questions about septic systems? Call Ri-Industries, at 08 8444 8100, for answers.

 

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Avoid Summer Septic Tank Problems

by Ri Industries

Summer is a time to enjoy your beautiful outdoors, entertain guests, and simply …RELAX! Well, there are very few home maintenance issues more stressful and less relaxing than problems with your septic tank. To help avoid any messy issues this summer, Ri-Industries offers these tips for summer septic tank care.

  1. Planning a party or having guests stay with you? That means extra water and waste going through the septic tank. You can help eliminate problems by doing laundry and other heavy water use tasks before guests arrive. If you’re having a big party, consider having your septic tank pumped beforehand.
  2. Which items can be flushed? The answer is very simple – only toilet paper and human waste! Be sure your guests understand this. A helpful sign placed above the toilet may help prevent costly repairs. Common items that cause septic tank problems are:
    *Cat litter
    *Grease and oils
    *Cotton swabs
    *Dental floss
    *Nappies
    *Disposable wipes
    *Feminine hygiene products
    *Hair
    *Cigarette butts
  3. Kids, and adults love to play with water when the weather is hot, running through sprinklers in particular. These are best sprayed away from the septic field to avoid standing water. Identify a separate part of the garden for this play.
  4. Parking can be challenging when you have a lot of people over. Avoid using your lawn to increase the parking area, especially over the septic field. Also, do not ride dirt bikes or go-karts near your septic tank as these also can cause damage.

With just a little forethought, planning, and education, your summer can be relaxing, enjoyable, and free of septic tank problems. If you have questions about Ri-Industries Septic Tanks, please call 08 8444 8100 and we will be happy to help you. Happy Summer!

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How to Water Your Garden With Water Collected in a Rainwater Tank

by Ri Industries

Before we discuss how to water your garden with water collected in a rainwater tank, let’s discuss why you might want to use rainwater.

First, rainwater harvesting reduces pollution. When rain falls, oil, pesticides, animal waste and fertilisers from lawns, footpaths, driveways, and streets get washed into our sewers which then overflow into rivers and estuaries. By harvesting rainwater, we eliminate those possible contaminants joining the water. Harvested rainwater is also free of salts, pollutants, and chlorine that are found in ground and surface water.

Second, harvested rainwater reduces demand on our water supplies. This is especially important during the summer months and times of drought.

Now that you have decided to harvest rainwater, how do you actually capture the water? We recommend installing a Ri-Industries Concrete Rainwater Tank. Our underground 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 than plastic, steel or fibre glass.
  • Once the rainwater tank has been installed, you will need to move water from the tank to your garden. The best way to do this is with a pump.
  • Pump systems can be submerged underground or they can be free standing. They can provide enough pressure that the water flows similarly to mains water. You can also install a mains switch-over device to switch from rainwater to mains use when the rainwater runs out.

Another option to consider is having a header tank. This is a great option to use with underground tanks. The header tank will be placed at a higher level than the storage tank. A low-powered pump will transfer the water from the rainwater tank to the header tank, then you can use a gravity fed method to release the water. You can fit a garden tap near to the bottom of the header tank and use a soaker hose to transfer the water out of the tank, using gravity.

Watering your garden with harvested water is a great way to help conserve water and eliminate pollutants. Ri-Industries is proud to provide quality concrete rainwater tanks in Adelaide and surrounding areas for your use. Please call us to speak with one of our experts to learn more.

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The Benefits of Xeriscaping

by Ri Industries

Xeriscaping, pronounced “zeer-i-scape,” is defined as ‘landscaping designed specifically for areas that are susceptible to drought, or for properties where water conservation is practiced.’ The term is derived from the Greek word ‘Xeros,’ which means dry, and ‘scape,’ which means scene. Put together, we get ‘dry scene.’

Xeriscaping is a beneficial practice in South Australia as we battle drought or limited rainfall conditions. The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology puts out a monthly drought report and the latest (June 2019) shows western South Australia once again had below average rainfall. For those of us who want beautiful gardens and/or to help our environment, xeriscaping can be a fantastic solution. 

 What are the benefits of xeriscaping?

  • Reduce water consumption as much as 50 -75%. In fact, if you choose a desert landscape it can eliminate water consumption completely.
  • Limited maintenance is required as mulching and weeding may be all that is required.
  • All natural – by choosing native plants there will be no need for chemical supplements.
  • Reduces pollution because there is no need to use gardening tools such as gas mowers.
  • Creates a wildlife habitat by growing native plants alongside trees, and shrubs.
  • Saves money since there is no need to purchase fertiliser or expensive gardening equipment.

Since the most important aspect of xeriscaping is reduced water consumption, it is important to research the plot of land where the garden will be. Look at the contours of the terrain, soil absorption, and drainage patterns. You want soil that is rich in organic material and you will want to keep it well aerated. Compost is a great way to enrich the soil. 

The goal of the xeriscape is to provide as much of the needed water by rainfall as possible. However, there will be times when additional water will be needed. Consider installing a drip irrigation system from your rainwater tank or simply use soaker hoses. Each of these will deliver water slowly and promote root absorption in your plants and will safeguard against soil erosion. 

Choose native, drought-resistant plants. We have a nice variety of such plants available here in South Australia. Choose a combination of plants you find pleasing to look at and would enjoy. 

Mulching is imperative to help soil retain moisture and temperature as well as help to control weeds. You want to avoid leaving the soil around plants bare. Leaves, wood chips, coarse compost, gravel, bark, and pine needles are all good choices for mulch.

Minimise the turf areas in your garden since they require more watering. Most people choose to include a small turf area for aesthetic reasons. Choose turf from the variety that consumes less water.

It is possible to create a beautiful landscape while conserving water. There are many online resources to help you plan your own xeriscape or there are xeriscape professionals who can plan and create it for you. 

If you would like to learn more about the Ri-Industries concrete rainwater tanks, please call and speak with one of our experts. 

Why Saddle Risers, Increments, and Cover Slabs are Beneficial for Septic Tanks

by Ri Industries

Yay! It’s time to get the septic tank pumped! Wait a minute, that’s not something people get excited about. Let’s face it, while we understand there is a need for a septic tank, it’s not something we like to think about on a regular basis. Once it’s been installed, we’d prefer to put it out of mind.

One good thing about septic tanks is that they are fairly low maintenance. If we follow simple rules about what should not be flushed, the tank should function well without much work on our end. There will come a time though, on average once every three – five years, when the tank should be pumped. Why? Because tanks breed bacteria which digests sewage to a sludge. The sludge builds up over time eventually leaving little room for new sewage. If not pumped, sewage will overflow into the disposal area causing it to fail. Failed disposal areas can be smelly and expensive to fix. So, when the time comes to pump the septic tank, we want it to be as inexpensive as possible and cause the least disruption to the landscaping as possible.

A common problem faced by septic tank maintenance companies is difficulty locating the tank. Sounds a bit funny, doesn’t it? But the tank is, after all, underground and it’s likely there have been years to develop beautiful landscaping around it. Wouldn’t it be awful if every three – five years the landscaping had to be destroyed simply to find the septic tank?

Thankfully, Ri-Industries has a solution to help the septic tank maintenance worker locate the tank without making a mess and ruining your landscaping. Saddle risers, increments, and cover slabs work together to help the septic tank maintenance worker avoid all that painful digging and disruption to your outdoor area. No more guessing the exact spot where the septic tank is located. The saddle makes it easy to find, open and access septic tanks to pump out the contents and quickly re‐seal the cover. The covers are gas tight to contain odours and water tight to prevent effluent leaking from the septic tank or water from entering the septic tank.  They can also stop children and stock falling into or accessing your septic tank.

Ri-Industries manufacture saddles risers, increments, and cover slabs:

  • To suit all horizontal septic and holding tanks
  • Coverslabs suitable for pedestrian traffic only
  • Radius of saddle riser varies to suit tank
  • Each component fitted with 1.3t ‘Swiftlift’ anchors for lifting

For answers to all your septic tank, saddle riser, increment, and cover slab questions, call us at 08 8444 8100. We look forward to hearing from you.

TIps to prepare septic system for cold weather

Preparing Your Septic Tank for Colder Weather

by Ri Industries

It was a brutally hot summer, but we made it through and are being rewarded with cooler temperatures now. As the days and nights continue to grow colder as we move through Autumn, it’s time to prepare your septic system to work its best during the long winter months. Let’s discuss tips to prepare your septic tank for the colder weather.

  • Get Pumped! Septic tanks don’t need to be pumped every year, in fact on average they should be pumped every 3 – 5 years, but if this is the year that yours should be pumped do it before it gets too cold outside. Colder temperatures mean the ground becomes more difficult to break through and accessing your tank is therefore more difficult
  • Inspection Time! Locate the lid of your septic tank and inspect it for cracks and/or holes. A secure lid is imperative to keep small animals, debris, and even children from getting inside the tank. Plus, we want to trap heat inside the tank because there is 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. Ri-Industries offers stand-alone child-proof and vandal-proof concrete lids for our tanks should you need a replacement.
  • Protect! The drainage field around the septic tank should be protected during the cold months since freezing temperatures and frozen ground can cause damage. Insulate the drainage field by covering it with a layer of mulch a couple of inches thick.
  • Use It! 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.

That’s all there is to it! Just a few simple steps to help protect your septic tank and keep it working properly for you throughout the colder winter months. Of course, if you have questions or find you need a new septic tank, please call us at 08 8444 8100.

 

 

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Wastewater Treatment Systems Help Conserve Water in the Home

by Ri Industries

Ri-IndustriesWhen rainwater is scarce, it’s important we look for ways to conserve. As we stated in our blog Times Are Dry, Adelaide recently reported its driest January since 1957. In that blog we offered helpful tips to conserve water around the home. One additional tip is to install a wastewater treatment system such as the Ri-Treat Wastewater Treatment System.

What is a wastewater treatment system? It is a system designed to treat the wastewater produced in your home to be clean enough to water the garden. Most homes in South Australia use potable (drinking) water for every household task. A wastewater treatment system allows the household to conserve the potable water, at least in terms of what you’d normally use to irrigate the garden.

What makes the Ri-Treat Wastewater Treatment System unique?

  • 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 homes needing a smaller wastewater treatment system, or where site access is difficult, Ri-Industries is proud to offer FujiClean Fibreglass Tanks. These fibreglass tanks are a lightweight alternative to our Ri-Treat concrete tanks, and offer the following advantages:

  • Proven design and high performance
  • Simple maintenance and high energy efficiency
  • An environmentally friendly design, resulting in lower operational cost
  • Ease of installation in locations where access is difficult or limited
  • A warranty of 15 years for tanks and 2 years for electrical components.

If you’d like to learn more about either of the wastewater treatment systems offered by Ri-Industries, please call and speak with one of our experts at 08 8444 8100.

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Is Your Septic Tank Ready for Summer?

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!

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Garden with Less Water Using the Ri-Treat Waste Water Treatment System

by Ri Industries

As the weather warms, many of us experience a condition where our thumbs begin to turn green, the outdoors beckons, and the dirt calls us to dig in and get planting. If you love to garden, or simply love to have a green lawn, it’s a given you will spend ample time watering your property.

Did you know that an average Australian household will use 40% of its water in the garden? This makes the garden a prime location for water-saving techniques. Here are a few suggestions:

  • Install a dripper system and only water during the permitted hours.
  • Use mulch to prevent water loss through evaporation and prevent soil erosion.
  • Plant your garden in watering zones. Group plants that require large amounts of water together to reduce your water use.
  • Choose a drought resistant lawn.
  • Don’t over water your lawn – train it to use less water by encouraging the roots to grow deeper. Let grass grow longer in summer months which will shade the soil surface and reduce evaporation loss.
  • Don’t water during windy weather – water will blow away from where it’s needed most.
  • Instead of hosing, use a broom or rake to clean paths, paved areas and patios.

Another great tool to help reduce water waste is our  Ri-Treat Waste Water Treatment System. The design is unique to Ri-Industries and guaranteed to be of superior quality.

Choosing a Ri-Treat waste water treatment system 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 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.

The operation of the unit has other unique features, such as automatic sludge and skimmer returns.

So go ahead and grow a luxurious lawn and lavish garden! Enjoy the fruits of your labour because Ri-Industries can help eliminate any guilt you might feel from the amount of watering needed to keep your garden beautiful. Call us to learn more about the Ri-Treat Waste Water System at 08 8444 8100.

pre-cast concrete

Why Use Pre-Cast Concrete?

by Ri Industries

Ri-Industries has been specialists in pre-cast concrete products since 1947. We think that’s impressive! We’re hoping you will think that too, especially once you fully understand what pre-cast concrete is.

Regular concrete, or insitu or site-cast concrete, is poured on site. In contrast, high quality precast concrete is produced in a controlled factory environment using advanced manufacturing techniques. Reusable, reinforceable, and adjustable moulds are used and they are set up per design specifications before the concrete is poured in. Then the concrete is poured, vibrated, and cured. If specified, architectural finishes (such as honing, polishing or staining) may then be applied while still in the factory. From there, the finished pre-cast elements are transported to the site and craned into position.

By manufacturing the concrete in a factory, we are able to do all the pre-checks before products get delivered to site which gives us increased quality control over insitu concrete. Dimensional accuracy, properties of the hardened concrete and position of reinforcement can all be checked before being sent to site.

Pre-cast concrete is extremely versatile. For example, we use it to make septic tanks, waste water treatment systems and rainwater tanks. It’s also safe for indoor use since it doesn’t require any chemical treatment.  We also work regularly with civil engineering and construction companies to provide tailored pre-cast concrete solutions, such as bridge parapets, arch tunnels and retaining wall panels.

One of the great benefits of pre-cast concrete comes at the construction site. Unlike insitu concrete, there are no worries about weather delays. We can avoid a lot of headaches and hassles with this one. Because the tank is already formed in our factory, we can crane it into position during a rainy day just as we can on a sunny day (providing the rain hasn’t caused any access problems for our trucks). By manufacturing pre-cast concrete products in a factory, this also means that you can get the same results each time, as the weather will often affect the outcomes of concrete being poured on site.

On site, precast can be installed immediately, there is no waiting for it to gain strength and the modularity of precast products makes installation go quickly. With the ability to so tightly control the process, from materials to consolidation to curing, you can get extremely durable concrete.

These are just some of the reasons we are proud to be pre-cast concrete specialists.   What projects can we complete for you? You can see some of our work on our website , but better yet, give us a call at 08 8444 8100.