Rainwater Tanks Make Water Conservation Simple

Friday, 8 August 2014 by Ri Industries

Ready for even more rainwater tank facts? Ri Industries is helping spread the word about the many benefits of using rainwater tanks Adelaide. Here are 9 more compelling reasons to install a rainwater tank at your home.

Rainwater tanks come in many different sizes; visit Ri Industries to learn more, or use our phone app to view specific details and measurements of our rainwater tanks.

Use of rainwater saves our oceans and rivers by reducing the amount of sewage discharged to these waterways.

By the numbers:

10mm of rain fall results in 200sqm roof = 2,000 litres X 80% collection / rain bounce = 1,600 litres water stored;

2,500 litres water stored will provide 4 litres / toilet flush ( 140 litre / week) as an alternative source with lower levels of salt and other substances.

Some governments provide rebates for certain rainwater tank installations.

Producing water from a rainwater tank is 5 times more energy efficient than when produced in a desalination plant.

Rainwater tanks can be buried underground out of sight and is a good option for smaller properties.

According to the Government, if southeast Queensland and Sydney homeowners increased rainwater tank installations by 5 percent, major water projects could be delayed for years.

Your garden will thrive when showered with your collected rainwater!

Learn even more about what a rainwater tank can mean to your home by calling Ri Industries at 08 8444 8100 and speaking with one of our experts.

How Much Water Can a Rainwater Tank Save?

Thursday, 17 July 2014 by Ri Industries

Water conservation is especially important in Australia, but can take a bit of effort. By adjusting the way you bathe, do dishes, wash laundry, etc, you can save a little water here and a little water there. That’s great. Every drop counts. There is a way, however, to dramatically increase the amount of water you and your family save with little to no effort on your part! How? Have Ri Industries install a concrete rainwater tank.

How much water can you save with a rainwater tank? Here are some statistics based upon a family of four in Adelaide, with a 100m² roof catchment area and a 1000L tank. In one year, enough rainwater will be captured to:

Flush a toilet twice per day per person

Provide one bath per person per week (150L tub)

Run a sprinkler system for one hour five days a week (1.5 L/min)

Wash dishes in the dishwasher every day

Give each person a 5 minute shower twice a week (standard flow shower)

Now that’s saving a lot of water! Learn more about Ri Industries concrete rainwater tanks by calling 08 8444 8100.

Tips to Save Water in the Kitchen

Sunday, 6 July 2014 by Ri Industries

Did you know that the kitchen uses around 10% of total household water consumption? To help you save water, Ri Industries offers the following tips:

Dishwashers consume the most water in the kitchen. Look for the WELS label of water efficiency. The more stars, the more water efficient the appliance. Only run the dishwasher when it is full. If the dishwasher has a rinse-hold setting, use it in lieu of rinsing dishes with sink water.
Do not run water over frozen food to defrost. Instead, defrost overnight in the refrigerator.
Use washing-up liquid sparingly to limit the amount of rinsing required.
Waiting for the running water to warm up? Catch it in a container and use it to water plants, rinse dishes, or wash fruits and vegetables.
Use a plugged sink or a tub of water whenever possible to avoid running the tap.

Want to conserve even more water? Call 08 8444 8100 to learn about Ri Industries rainwater tanks and Ri Treat Waste Water Treatment System.

10 Facts about Rainwater Tanks

Sunday, 22 June 2014 by Ri Industries

Are you considering installing a concrete rainwater tank on your property? There are many benefits to having a rainwater tank. Here are 10 facts about rainwater tanks Adelaide that may help you to make your decision to use a rainwater tank.

Collecting rainwater is environmentally beneficial and a socially responsible way to use a natural resource.
When water restrictions are imposed by government to help conserve water, rainwater tanks are an excellent alternative.
Fewer than 20% of households in Australia use a rainwater tank.
Rainwater can be used for drinking purposes if collected and stored properly.
Over 40 percent of households in Adelaide have installed rainwater tanks–significantly higher than Sydney, Melbourne and other populous areas.
A toilet can be flushed with rainwater.
Around 55,000 litres of water could be collected from a 100m2 roof area and used to supply part of your household’s water needs.
Washing your clothes with rainwater is safe and often a preferred method of laundering.
Creativity is not lost when installing an above-ground water tank. Ri-Industries’ pre-cast tanks can be painted to blend into your landscape for an aesthetically pleasing look.
Rainwater tanks are a cost effective way to collect and use water which reduces use of mains water and saves you money on your water bill.

If you are considering a rainwater tank as a viable option for your household in Adelaide or South Australia, Ri-Industries is sure to have what you are looking for. We offer above-ground and underground pre-cast concrete rainwater tanks. Contact us to further discuss your needs.

4 Unique Uses for Precast Concrete Tanks

Saturday, 7 June 2014 by Ri Industries

RI industries is well known for its precast concrete tanks used for waste water treatment systems, septic systems, and concrete rain water tanks, but there are other uses for a precast concrete tank.

Here are 4 unique ways to use a precast concrete tank:

1. Storage

A precast concrete tank is an excellent choice for your underground or above-ground storage needs. Whether you want storage space for water, grain and recycling materials, the sturdiness and durability of precast concrete is a sure bet. Also, concrete tanks are ideal to store anything you don’t want to lose in a fire.

2. Shelter

Homeowners, particularly in storm-heavy areas, will benefit from a concrete shelter that can provide a dry, safe haven to weather any storm.

3. Sculpture Base

Precast concrete tanks are a strong base for sculptures and signs. The concrete is typically stained to compliment the sculpture that will utilise the base space. Also, precast concrete tanks are often used to create an aesthetically pleasing entrance sign in shopping malls, restaurants, churches, neighborhoods and more!

4. Plunge Pool

Plunge right into your own precast concrete pool. Compact and economic plunge pools can be used 365 days a year and decorated with tiles to compliment any outdoor garden space. These pools are easy to heat and maintain.

For more information on precast concrete tanks, contact us or download our app to view our precast concrete tank specifications.

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

Sunday, 25 May 2014 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.

5 Ways to Avoid the Cost of Replacing Your Septic Tank

Sunday, 11 May 2014 by Ri Industries

Replacing a septic tank is costly. Though it may be necessary at some point in your lifetime, scheduled routine maintenance and inspection of your septic tank can lengthen the life of your septic system. Ri Industries recommends doing these five things to avoid replacing your septic tank.

1. Keep Foreign Materials Out

It is important to keep foreign materials from getting flushed into your system. Flush biodegradable only; items such as dental floss, tampons, condoms, plastic bags and grease should not be disposed of through your septic system.

2. Remove Sludge

Sludge will build up and block your outlet pipe, eventually causing the septic system to fail. Periodically removing sludge, often called de-sludging, will keep your septic system processing properly. Ri Industries recommends de-sludging every 3-4 years, or according to local regulations.

3. Conserve Water Usage

Water conservation will keep your septic system in good working condition by reducing the amount of water absorption in your drainfield. Ways to reduce your water usage include repair leaky taps and toilets; use water-saving showerheads and low-flow toilets; and not running water when brushing teeth or shaving. Also, when machine laundering, be sure to wash full loads or change your settings to accommodate smaller loads.

4. Maintain Proper Tank Conditions

The enzyme/bacteria in your septic tank converts the solids to liquids – a process necessary to begin purification. To remain at the septic tank system’s recommended bacteria levels, do not dispose of household cleaners, drain openers, chlorine bleaches and other harsh chemicals through the system.

5. Know Your Septic System

Understand your septic tank system’s design; know how it operates and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on how best to care for your septic tank system. Remember— knowledge is power.

In addition to these five maintenance tips, prepare a routine checklist and maintenance schedule, and stick to it. Septic tank inspections should occur 1-2 times each year to allow for timely detection of operating issues and may deter a full replacement of your system.

Do you have any questions about your septic system? Please do not hesitate to contact us for your septic tank needs in Adelaide and South Australia.

Ri-Industries Reaches Customers through Mobile App

Sunday, 27 April 2014 by Ri Industries

Did 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.

3 Steps to a Healthy Septic

Sunday, 13 April 2014 by Ri Industries

In order to make sure that you are healthy, it is important to visit the doctor for a check-up from time to time.

But what ensures the health of your septic tank? Believe it or not, a healthy septic starts with you.

Here are the steps you should take to make sure your septic tank is healthy:

Step 1: Know the Signs

Just as a cough and a fever are signs of illness, your septic tank can exhibit certain signs that it might be time for repair. What are those signs that every responsible septic tank owner should know?

• Something smells funny- you know your septic tank is sickly if the air around it smells – usually like rotten egg gas.

• Something is damp- things are probably not working properly if the ground around your septic tank is damp or soggy, or pools form downhill.

• There is unusual grass growing- it might be time to contact a professional if you see dark green grass growing on or around the absorption area of your septic tank.

• Your flush is ineffective- a sure sign of a broken septic is when your toilet or drains are slow to clear, or keep backing up.

Step 2:.Pay Attention

If your septic tank has not been checked for more than 12 months, you may start to experience the smelly, damp, and slimy problems that come along with a malfunctioning septic. The most common cause of septic problems is when septic tank owners forget to pump out the septic every 3-5 years.

Step 3: Call in the Experts

Although you can play septic tank doctor now and then, it is also important to call in professionals when the going gets tough. If you see any signs of a sickly septic, you should act quickly so that the damage, and the cost of repair, does not get any worse.

Here’s who to call if you are experiencing any of these problems:

1) Your council environmental health officer– if in doubt, call for advice. Often a phone call to the council will either solve the problem or put your mind at rest.

2) A plumber, septic system expert or septic pumper –Plumbers, pumpers, and experts can be found under Septic Tank Cleaning Services in the Yellow Pages or Google search.

3) Ri-Industries– Do you have any questions about your septic? As always, do not hesitate to contact us.

Septic Tank Smells, Decoded

Sunday, 30 March 2014 by Ri Industries

Do you ever wake up from a long night of sleep, take in a deep breath and think, “Ah, I just LOVE the smell of septic in the morning!” You probably don’t. Or at least, we hope you don’t!

It would be natural for your septic tank to be smelly because it’s a receptacle for human waste. But you should never be able to smell the septic on your property because a Ri-Industries septic tank is designed to contain its own odour. The plague of uncontrollable septic odour is more than just a nuisance; it is a sign of sewage issues which, if left untended, can contaminate the water supply and lead to dangerous situations.

What is a diligent septic tank owner to do when their septic starts to smell? Ri-Industries has decoded some of the common problems that lead to stink, and how to solve them:

Smelly Problem #1: Full or Overflowing Septic Tank

Solution: This is the easiest smelly situation to solve. Simply have your tank pumped. A septic tank’s size is usually determined by the expected water usage for your home, and most septic tanks are designed to be pumped every 4 years. If you have a leaky tap, or are using more water than usual, you may need to have the septic tank pumped more often to reduce the septic smell.

Smelly Problem #2: Covered Septic Tank Vent

Solution: If your home has been remodeled or renovated since your Ri-Industries septic tank was installed, your septic tank may have been capped or covered up. If you have a septic tank in an older house, check to see that the head vent off of the main drain is still attached and extends above the roof line of the house. When dealing with an old septic tank, make sure to keep your vents uncovered and in best repair.

Smelly Problem #3: No Septic Tank Vent

Solution: If you are experiencing septic tank odour, you may need to install a proper septic tank vent in your home. If the tank wasn’t installed properly, it may have been installed without any sort of vent at all. If you notice the odour mostly after showering, then this is likely the case.

Smelly Problem #4: Bad Chemistry

Solution: Some things simply shouldn’t go into the septic tank. Here is a list of things you shouldn’t let go down the drain: cooking grease, oil or fat, industrial cleaning products, paints, solvents, feminine hygiene products, condoms, antibiotics and other expired medications, anti-freeze, transmission fluid, or gasoline. These can disrupt the sewage breakdown and cause pungent septic tank odours.

If you have tried all of these solutions to your smelly septic problem and the odour still persists, please do not hesitate to contact us with questions.

The Ri-Industries Water Dictionary

Monday, 3 February 2014 by Ri Industries

Ri-Industries strives for excellence and environmental efficiency with all of its products, from our rainwater tanks to the Ri-Treat Waste Water Treatment System.

We often use so many terms related to water conservation that it can be difficult to sort everything out. What is the difference between ‘hard water’ and ‘soft water?’ Is ‘grey water’ really grey after all? It’s about time someone answered all of these water questions, so Ri-Industries is here to clarify.

Grey Water: While it is not always ‘grey’ in colour, grey water is the leftover water from baths, showers, hand basins, kitchen sinks and washing machines around your home. Not comfortable recycling water right out of the sink? The Ri-Treat Aerobic Wastewater System processes the grey water from your main drainage pipe into clean, odourless water to use for irrigation. Reusing grey water from laundry and bathrooms can save about 100,000 litres a year. With the average Australian family using 800 litres of water each day, conserving grey water can be crucial to helping our environment.

Hard Water: Hard water contains high levels of dissolved minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, and is measured as the equivalent concentration of calcium carbonate (milligrams per liter). For this reason, it is considered ‘hard,’ like a rock. ‘Hard water’ tends to lessen the lathering of soap, shampoo and detergents. You can typically find hard water in wells and boreholes.

Soft Water: Hardness levels of water in Adelaide are classified as less than 200 mg/L, and are considered by the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines as good quality. However, people may want to ‘soften’ the water in their home in order to avoid mineral build-up from excessively hard water that can potentially clog the pipes or stain crockery. While soft water does not occur naturally as often as hard water, it reduces the need for detergent because it doesn’t contain minerals that interact with cleaning products.

So there you have it: three entries in the Ri-Industries Water Dictionary. Above all, it is important to remember that the best kind of water is reused and recycled efficiently. Are you interested in ways to make your home more environmentally friendly? Ri-Industries can help! Contact us with any questions.

What To Look For In A Rainwater Tank

Sunday, 1 December 2013 by Ri Industries

South Australia is Australia’s driest state, and predictions say that it will only become hotter and drier as years go on.

Do you ever wish you had some sort of magical machine that could make it rain every day, or at least when you wanted it to?

Ri-Industries can make your wishes come true with our pre-cast concrete rainwater tanks. Rainwater tanks can help you harvest and save precious rainwater for a variety of uses around your home.

Here is a list of things that you should look for, so you can tell whether or not your rainwater has that magic touch.

Safety

At Ri-Industries, we believe in safety first. When purchasing and installing a rainwater tank, it is important to have a tight-fitting cover so that no children or animals can get access. A cover is also crucial so that water cannot be lost through evaporation and light cannot enter, which would promote harmful algae growth. Steel mesh is cast into all of Ri-Industries’ tanks and lids, and all fittings are made from brass so you can have peace of mind that everything fits together tightly and securely.

Discreteness

Even though a rainwater tank is efficient and environmentally friendly, it does not have to be an eye sore. With Ri-Industries, you can choose between an-above ground or underground rainwater tank, and both options offer aesthetically pleasing features. The underground rainwater tanks are out of sight and won’t take much space from your valuable real estate, while the above-ground tanks feature attractive conical or flat roofs. If you are building a new house, it can be especially easy to install a rainwater tank out of the way under the house, or at gutter level. Appearance is important when buying a rainwater tank, and discretion is key; that’s why Ri-Industries also offers to paint above ground tanks to fit in better with your surroundings.

Location

When installing your rainwater tank, you need to pay special mind to where you are placing it. For example, you should put your tank out of the path of the midday sun in order to avoid evaporation from the inspection holes. Thankfully, for those of us who are not rainwater-tank-placement experts, Ri-Industries is here to help. All Ri-Industries tanks are manufactured in our South Australian factory, and all inlets and outlets can be custom inserted at any required position to fit your specific needs.

Durability

This one is fairly self-explanatory. You want a reliable product that will last a long time without needing replacement. Ri-Industries’ concrete tanks are made from high frequency reinforced concrete, made from only the highest quality materials. All Ri-Industries rainwater tanks also come with a 10-15 year warranty, meaning you can be sure that your tank will go the distance.

Versatility

Did you know that some customers have used Ri-Industries rainwater tanks for a variety of uses, including installing them into the ground as cellars? You can install an underground rainwater tank and build a house or shed over the top. This can serve as a cheap, effective alternative to building a cellar out of bricks or pouring on onsite.

Keep these five features in mind when looking for your new rainwater tank, and you can’t go wrong. If you have any questions about your current or future rainwater tank, please do not hesitate to contact us!

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