toilet paper

Toilet Paper – Which is Best for Septic Systems

by Ri Industries

Toilet paper: A necessary item for all of us, but one we don’t give much thought to until a problem arises, like a clogged toilet, a septic system in need of repair, or a worldwide shortage like we experienced in 2020. We may not be able to help you with the supply and demand issue, but we certainly can share important information to help avoid clogged toilets and damaged septic systems.

It’s actually quite simple. Your choice of toilet paper and how much is used can make a big difference in how well a septic system works. We’ve previously spoken about this in our blog Which Toilet Paper is Best for my Septic System?.

What characteristics of toilet paper are best for the septic system?

Recycled paper – The benefits here are the lack of bleach or other harsh chemicals that might affect the delicate balance in a septic system.
Biodegradable paper – This paper is specially designed to break down quickly. Non-dissolvable fibers are not used and the bonds in the paper are looser than non-biodegradable toilet paper.

The industry experts over at sensibledigs.com have formulated their list of the Best Toilet Paper for Septic Systems of 2021. Even though they are based in the US, the good news is that most of these toilet paper brands are available in Australia, too. Here are their choices:

  • Best Ultra Soft – Cottonelle Ultra Comfort Toilet Pap
  • Best 2-Ply Septic-Safe – Amazon Brand Presto   
  • Best Scented Septic-Safe – Angel Soft Lavender Toilet Paper 
  • Best for RVs – Firebelly Outfitters RV Toilet Paper 
  • Best Recycled – Seventh Generation White Toilet Paper 
  • Best Bamboo Septic-Safe Toilet Paper – Caboo Tree-Free Toilet Paper 

Now you may be wondering what are the characteristics of toilet paper that are bad for the septic system:

  • Quilted – The adhesion between the layers will make this paper more difficult to break down.
  • Triple (or more) Ply – Again, it’s about the layers. The more layers the paper has, the longer it will take to break down.
  • Scented – The fragrance added to the paper introduces harsh chemicals into the delicate balance of the septic system. The experts chose Angel Soft Lavender Toilet Paper for the ‘Best of’ list because it’s not the paper itself that is scented, it’s actually the tube the paper comes on that is scented – clever!

Now that you’ve carefully chosen the safest brand of toilet paper for your septic system, we should talk about how much toilet paper to use: As little as possible. Should the need arise to use more paper than usual, flush throughout the use.

The septic system is designed to be out of sight and out of mind. You can help to keep it that way by smartly choosing the right type of toilet paper and limiting how much you use.

Have questions? Give us a call at 08 8444 8100.

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Tips for Planting Around a Septic Tank

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.

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How Does Flooding Affect a Septic Tank?

by Ri Industries

At Ri-Industries, we often talk about changes in our environment and anyone paying attention is sure to have noticed an increase in storms around the globe. We have seen pictures of unbelievable flooding creating unlivable conditions. Whilst torrential flooding has not affected South Australia as it has other parts of the world, it’s still important to realise the impact of flooding on septic systems.

The good news is that most septic systems should not be damaged structurally by flooding. Our septic tanks are made of concrete and are installed underground so you can have confidence they will stay structurally intact.  However, flood water may enter your septic tank system through the toilet, other fixtures, or the overflow relief gully grate and may wash out solids from the tank causing blockages or system damage.

According to the WA Government (https://www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/), in the event of flooding, the following safety issues should be checked:

  • open covers/pits
  • ruptured/leaking systems (including pipes)
  • damaged/exposed pipes that may need capping/sealing off.

Failed systems are not easy to identify. However, some simple indicators may include:

  • a pungent odour around the tank and land application area
  • blocked fixtures, with wastewater overflowing from the relief point
  • high sludge levels within the primary tank
  • sewage flowing up through the toilet and sinks.

Some onsite wastewater treatment systems may rely on mechanical and electrical equipment, such as pumps, aerators and filters.

This equipment may be damaged by flood or loss of power.

To prevent injury or further damage to your system contact your service agent.

Floods can also reduce the capacity or effectiveness of a septic system. Tanks, leach drains, pump pits and irrigation pipework can fill with silt and debris, crust can lift and block the inlet or outlet of the septic tank pipes.

If your septic tank has been under flood water, do not use toilets, laundry, kitchen, or bathroom utilities which connect to the tank until it has been checked by a trained specialist. If there has been sewage overflow, assume anything that has been touched is contaminated and wear protective gear when doing a clean up.

We are here to answer all of your questions regarding the care and maintenance of our concrete septic tanks. Call us at 08 8444 8100 to speak with one of our experts.

 

 

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Preparing Septic Systems for Winter

by Ri Industries

The chill in the night air is a reminder for us to prepare for the cooler months ahead. While you close your pool, protect your plants/gardens, and pull out some jumpers from the wardrobe, don’t forget about your septic tank system! Preparing your septic system for the colder months of winter can save expense and hassle.

First of all, keep up with regular inspections and maintenance of your septic system. Winter is not the time to find your pump isn’t working properly, the tank lid is broken, or the pipes are leaking.

If the septic tank cover is broken (and you can’t get it repaired) it is a good idea to put a layer of mulch on top of the septic system. There are 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. So it’s important to have a good cover.  If your septic tank lid is broken (and you have a tank from Ri-Industries), we sell replacement lids so please call us on 8444 8100 to order.

Make sure there is no accumulated sludge in the septic tank, by keeping up with your septic tank maintenance and pump-out schedule.

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.

Regular inspection, maintenance, and a bit of care should keep your septic system working smoothly throughout the cooler months. Have questions or want to learn more? Give Ri-Industries a call at 08 8444 8100.

 

 

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How to Avoid Common Septic System Problems

by Ri Industries

What is a septic system? Essentially it is a large tank where human biological waste materials are broken down. Natural bacteria break the waste down into three components: gases, water, and solids.  The gases and water are eliminated into the environment while the solids sink to the bottom of the tank and eventually will be pumped out. If human biological waste were the only substances to enter the septic system, many of the commonly known problems would not occur.

Most households require their septic system to handle much more than human waste materials. For example, kitchen wastes, water from baths and showers, out put from dishwashers and washing machines including soaps and cleansers. Non-biodegradable items also make their way into the septic systems.

The added substances and extra work required of the septic systems are where many of the problems arise.  Why? Here are a few reasons:

  • Water levels rise more quickly than the solids can break down due to the excess water. This forces the solids into the distribution tubes which are solely designed for water.
  • Non biodegradable substances also cause the water levels to rise forcing the solids into the distribution tubes.
  • Detergents contain phosphates that act as fertilizer causing algae growth which blocks the perforations in the distribution tubes.

The above issues can be avoided or reduced by:

  • Spread the clothes washing out over the course of the week.
  • Shorten the length of showers.
  • Use liquid or gel soaps in dishwashers and washing machines as they do not contain phosphates.
  • Eliminate kitchen wastes.
  • Keep all non biodegradable substances out of the septic system.
  • Have the tank pumped on a regular basis.

For further guidance on maintaining your septic system, call Ri Industries at 08 8444 8100.

Top Myths About Septic Tanks

by Ri Industries

Ri-Industries Septic Tank

 

A septic system not used or maintained properly can bring unsolicited problems as well as become a health hazard and compromise the quality of your water. Here are 4 common myths Ri-Industries wants septic tank owners to be aware of:

MYTH #1: The amount of water a family uses or consumes does not affect its septic tank system.

Water consumption and use, whether through leaking pipes and taps or excessive laundering, will increase the amount of effluent that travels through the tank, requiring more frequent pumping. Ri-Industries recommends being diligent about thorough routine inspections of your plumbing fixtures in addition to your septic tank.

MYTH #2: Bacteria additives are not necessary for your tank.

Solids are broken down by the presence of bacteria; therefore bacteria additives may be an alternative to help your system break down the grease and oils to help your septic tank to work properly and efficiently

MYTH #3: Pouring household chemicals down your drain does not harm your septic tank.

One of the easiest ways to rid your house of chemicals and hazardous materials is to flush them down the drain or toilet. Don’t do it. This practice can cause damage to your septic system and is a health hazard. A great way to avoid toxins in your house and your septic system is to use all natural chemicals.

MYTH #4: If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!

Don’t wait for a problem or for your tank to break. Routine maintenance of your system is required to keep your tank functioning and to prevent damage to your drainfield. Plus, your septic tank will last longer with proper preventive maintenance—and will save you money in the long-run.
If you own a septic tank system and are unsure of how it works, and what is required to keep your tank in good working condition, don’t hesitate to contact us at Ri-Industries. We serve customers throughout Adelaide and South Australia.