image shows rolls of toilet paper

Choosing the Right Toilet Paper for Septic Tanks

by Ri Industries

image shows rolls of toilet paper

Choosing the right toilet paper is more than just a comfort issue—it’s about maintaining the health of your septic tank. A septic system is a delicate ecosystem of bacteria that breaks down waste, and not all toilet papers are created equal when it comes to supporting this process. Using the wrong kind can lead to clogs, slow drainage, and expensive repairs. 

How Septic Systems Work

A septic system separates solids from wastewater, allowing bacteria to break down the waste in the tank. Water and treated waste are then filtered back into the soil. Since everything flushed into the system needs to decompose properly, toilet paper plays a crucial role in maintaining its balance. If the toilet paper doesn’t break down quickly enough, it can accumulate and cause blockages.

What Makes Toilet Paper Septic-Safe?

When selecting a toilet paper for a home with a septic system, the key qualities to look for are:

  • Biodegradability: Septic-safe toilet paper should break down quickly in water to avoid clogging pipes or filling up the tank.
  • Strength vs. Dissolvability: While strong toilet paper is convenient, it should still dissolve easily in water. The balance between softness and dissolvability is crucial.
  • Free from additives: Many scented or lotion-infused toilet papers contain chemicals that may disrupt the bacterial balance in the septic tank, making it harder for waste to break down properly.

Best Toilet Paper Brands for Septic Tanks in South Australia

There are many toilet paper types and brands suitable for septic tanks. Here is a selection:

  1. Quilton Toilet Paper
    • Quilton is a well-known and widely available brand in Australia. Quilton’s standard 3-ply toilet paper is soft and strong, but they also offer a 2-ply variety that’s better suited for septic tanks. The 2-ply option is designed to break down faster in water, which reduces the risk of clogging and allows for a smoother operation in septic systems. It’s a good middle ground between comfort and dissolvability.
  2. Sorbent Toilet Paper
    • Sorbent offers a hypoallergenic range of toilet paper that’s free from fragrances and dyes, making it a great option for those with septic systems. The 2-ply and 3-ply versions dissolve fairly well in water, but for the best results, the 2-ply is recommended. Its thinner sheets allow for quicker breakdown without sacrificing too much in the way of comfort.
  3. Who Gives A Crap Toilet Paper
    • Who Gives A Crap is a popular eco-friendly brand available in South Australia that uses 100% recycled materials. This makes it a great option for septic tanks as recycled toilet paper tends to break down more quickly. Additionally, their products contain no dyes, fragrances, or lotions, which helps maintain the balance of bacteria in septic systems. Bonus: this brand is committed to sustainability and donates 50% of its profits to build toilets in developing countries.
  4. Pure Planet Toilet Paper
    • Pure Planet is another eco-conscious brand that uses bamboo to create toilet paper. Bamboo fibers tend to dissolve quickly, making this a septic-safe choice. Like Who Gives A Crap, Pure Planet also avoids using chemicals or additives, so it won’t disrupt the natural bacteria in your tank.
  5. Coles and Woolworths 2-Ply
    • Coles and Woolworths offer their own brand of toilet paper that’s affordable and septic-friendly. For example, the “So Soft” 2-ply variety from Coles strikes a balance between comfort and biodegradability, making it a solid option for homes with septic tanks. Being supermarket brands, these are easily accessible across South Australia.

Toilet Paper to Avoid for Septic Tanks

While it’s tempting to go for plush, ultra-soft toilet paper, many of these varieties are not ideal for septic tanks. Heavily quilted, thick, or scented varieties take much longer to break down, which can lead to blockages. Avoid 3-ply and 4-ply options, or any brand marketed as “luxury” or “super soft,” as they typically take longer to dissolve. Popular brands that should be used sparingly (or avoided) in homes with septic systems include:

  • Kleenex Cottonelle: Known for its thick, quilted sheets, Cottonelle may be too dense to break down quickly in a septic tank, especially in multi-ply varieties.
  • Scented or Lotioned Varieties: Any brand offering scented or infused papers may contain chemicals that disrupt the septic system’s balance.

Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Septic System

  • Limit Paper Use: Even with septic-safe toilet paper, it’s a good idea to limit how much you flush at one time.
  • Flush only toilet paper: Never flush wipes (even if labelled flushable), paper towels, or other items down the toilet. These do not break down properly and can cause major blockages.
  • Regular Pumping: Ensure that your septic tank is pumped every 3-5 years to remove built-up sludge and prevent overflow.

Choosing the right toilet paper can make a significant difference in the longevity and efficiency of your septic system. By using toilet paper that’s designed to dissolve quickly and avoiding thick or chemical-laden varieties, you’ll help keep your septic system running smoothly for years to come.

Are you interested in learning about our concrete septic tanks? Give us a call on 08 8444 8100.

Speech bubble with Septic Tank FAQ's written in it.

Septic Tank FAQ’s: Septic Tank Questions

by Ri Industries

Speech bubble with Septic Tank FAQ's written in it.

We have compiled a list of septic tank questions which you may find handy. Please have a read and of course, feel free to call us with any additional questions!

  • Are septic tanks environmentally friendly? Yes, septic tanks are environmentally friendly. In fact, the process they use is all  natural. Commercial treatment plants use harsh chemicals to break down waste, but your residential septic tank uses natural bacteria to break down the household waste. 
  • Should I be concerned about disease? No! While it’s true that improperly treated household waste can contribute to, or cause, illness and disease, a properly functioning septic tank can remove this risk.
  • How long will the septic tank last? Concrete tanks, like those built by Ri-Industries, can last up 40 years if it’s properly maintained.
  • Will my septic tank be damaged by flushing things like pills or bleach down the toilet? The process can be disturbed when chemicals are introduced into the system. The process uses bacteria to break down waste. Chemicals, like antibiotics, and those found in some cleaning products, can cause an imbalance in the ecosystem which can weaken or kill the bacteria. When this happens, solid waste will build up more quickly which can lead to problems in the drainfield. 
  • The power’s out! Will the septic tank still work? The pump requires electricity to pump the effluent into the drain field. Without electricity, the tank will fill up. To help minimise problems, when the power is out try to conserve as much water as possible. Take shorter showers, don’t do laundry, and ration the flushing of the toilets. 
  • Is a plastic septic tank better than a concrete septic tank? There are pros and cons of both but concrete tanks typically last longer, they’re more durable, they don’t need as much maintenance and they’re not usually affected by changes to their environment such as tree roots or changing soil conditions.

The questions above are ones that have not been addressed very often in our blogs. For more questions, answers, tips, and facts please check out some of our previous blogs:

What Happens When a Septic Tank is Pumped?

Common Septic Tank Mistakes to Avoid to Keep Your System Running Well

Weather and Septic Tanks – What You Need to Know

Toilet Paper – Which is Best for Septic Systems

To see all of our blogs, including more on septic tanks, please click here. 

Ri-Industries logo and title of article: Common Septic Mistakes to Avoid to Keep Your System Running Well

Common Septic Tank Mistakes to Avoid to Keep Your System Running Well

by Ri Industries

Ri-Industries logo and title of article: Common Septic Mistakes to Avoid to Keep Your System Running Well

Septic tank mistakes can be innocently made by homeowners leading to damage and expensive repairs. While you don’t want to think about your septic tank often, a little knowledge and planning can help you keep it in good working order. 

Let’s talk about common septic tank mistakes:

  1. Lack of Maintenance – This is one of the biggest reasons homeowners find themselves with a non-working septic tank. Maintenance is not required often, but should be done on a regular basis. The size and use of the system will factor into how often it should be pumped, but typically it is best to do every few years. 
  2. Toilets Are Not Rubbish Bins –  Rubbish should be properly disposed of, and this does NOT mean flushed down the toilet. Restrict flushing to toilet paper only and the waste that exits in your body. The most common items flushed which should NOT be flushed are feminine hygiene products, baby wipes, toilet paper that is not labeled ‘septic safe’, and nappies.
  3. System Overload – A steady flow of water is best for the septic system. Frequent loads of laundry and exceptionally long showers should be avoided. 
  4. Ignoring Warning Signs – Common signs of trouble include the sink/bath draining slowly, bad odour emanating from the tank or drain field, and spots of healthy/green grass over the drain field. If you see one or more of these, call in a professional. When caught early, repairs may be less costly than if the warning signs are ignored.
  5. Drain Field Care – Waste water gets treated in the septic tank and then it flows into the drain field where it filters through the soil. When the drain field is not properly cared for, the wastewater cannot filter correctly, which can cause it to flow into the groundwater, or back through your pipes and into your home. Don’t build structures or park vehicles on the drain field and avoid overloading the drain field with too much wastewater at once. 

It’s never pleasant to find your septic system not working properly. Avoiding these common mistakes can help you avoid that unpleasantness. If you have questions, please call and speak with one of our experts or you may find the answers in one of our many blogs at https://www.ri-industries.com.au/blog/.

 

Preparing for Delivery and Installation of Septic Tanks

by Ri Industries

Preparing for delivery and installation of septic tank Ri-IndustriesCongratulations, you’ve purchased a new septic tank system for your home! What comes next? Preparation for the delivery and installation of the septic tank. Don’t worry, we’ll do all the hard work, but it will be made easier if you understand the process. 

Your first question may be, “What happens with the existing septic tank on my property?” if you already have a septic tank. That’s a great question. The answer will be up to the installer of the new septic tank. Often, they will choose to leave the old tank in the ground. The soil they dig out for the hole for the new tank will be used to fill the old tank and bury it. This is more cost effective than removing the tank. Once the new tank is installed the plumber will run a new line to the new tank.

Your second question may be, “How do you get that large tank onto my property?” Another great question. As you can imagine, our trucks are large. They measure 10 metres long and 2.5 metres wide, therefore we need to assess the best way to unload your tank, taking factors into account such as:

  • We will need to reverse up to the hole therefore easy access is very important
  • A clear, level site is required to unload the tank in your excavated area
  • 4.7 metres is needed for the truck to pass under trees and overhead power lines
  • A minimum height clearance of 8 metres is required when unloading
  • 4 metres clearance is required between gate posts.
  • Once the truck is in position to complete the lift/delivery of the tank it needs an area of 6m wide and 10.5m long for the outriggers and rotation of the crane.

If you have concerns about the delivery of your new septic tanks, please don’t worry. We offer FREE on-site visit inspections by one of our drivers if we have one in the area. If not, we will speak with you over the phone about the site conditions to help make the process as smooth as possible. 

Do you have questions? We will be happy to answer! Please call Ri-Industries at 08 8444 8100.

 

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.

 

 

Ri-Treat Waste Water System

Safe Cleaning Products for Ri-Treat Waste Water Treatment System

by Ri Industries

The Ri-Treat Waste Water Treatment System is an environmentally friendly wastewater treatment system Adelaide guaranteed to be of superior quality. It is designed to reclaim the wastewater produced by your home, recycle it, and re-use it around your home. It is a great conservation tool and a way to save money on your water bill.

As with anything in life, to get the best results you should make sure to take proper care of the system. In addition to caring for the system itself, you should also monitor the substances which make their way into the system. Why is this so important? Substances mixed with wastewater will be reclaimed and recycled and will make their way back into your ecosystem. It is important that they don’t have a harmful effect.

One area which deserves close attention is your choice of household cleaners. You want to avoid putting poisonous materials into your waste water. The following are suitable cleaners:

  • Vinegar
  • Bicarbonate of soda
  • Soap – in the form of washing powder, dishwashing liquid and ordinary body soap
  • Biodegradable cleaning liquids

Disinfectants should be used sparingly. Bleach, antibacterial solutions or toilet cleaners should NEVER be used.  Should any form of bleach enter the system this may cause the system to work inefficiently. The bleach will kill off all the ‘good bacteria’ and can create an odour in the system. In addition, doing two or more loads of washing in a 24-hour period can mean the system may not operate effectively. It is recommended that clothing be washed over a period of time to ensure effective operation of the system.

Ri-Industries is proud to deliver quality products that help residents of South Australia with the important task of conserving water. Please call us, at 08 8444 8100, to learn more about our products.

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Which Toilet Paper is Best for my Septic System?

by Ri Industries

You may not realise that sense of satisfaction when you flush the toilet and see the smooth flow of water down the drain until the moment when you flush and feel a sense of dread as you watch the water rise towards the top of the bowl. The instant moment of panic as you realise the toilet is clogged and will likely overflow at any moment. Clogged toilets can cause a lot of damage. This is something you already know. What you might not know, is that the type of toilet paper you are using may actually be the culprit!

While people may think about what is and is not OK to flush down the toilet, toilet paper surely makes every ‘ok’ list out there. What most people don’t know is that soft and thick varieties of toilet paper could create problems for your septic system because they don’t dissolve quickly. Of course, the amount of toilet paper should also be watched. Flushing excessive amounts of toilet paper at one time can also be major contributors to problems and clogs.

The good news here is that the fix is simple and within your control. Only flush small amounts of toilet paper at one time and research the type of toilet paper you use. What’s the best type of toilet paper to buy? Paper that is soft, strong, and most importantly for your septic system, dissolves quickly. There’s even a fun little test you can do at home to check the toilet paper you choose before you flush. Test the paper by soaking it in water for 30 minutes and see how much it breaks down. The more it breaks down the better.

Properly functioning septic systems are important for your home and can be expensive to fix or replace. Taking control when and where you can will help keep your septic system running smoothly for many years to come. Questions? Call Ri-Industries at 08 8444 8100 and we will be happy to help you.

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Gardens Over Septic Tank Soakaways

by Ri Industries

When planning a garden, you may not think about your septic tank, but maybe you should. More specifically, you need to understand the do’s and don’ts of planting in or around your septic tank soakaway, also known as a soakage trench or drainage field.

First, what is a septic tank soakaway?

A septic tank soakaway is a series of underground, perforated pipes that allow septic tank effluent to soakaway over a large area. Excess nitrogen and phosphorus is removed from the effluent as it is purified by the soil. Plant roots can help your septic tank drain system work better by removing moisture and nutrients which in turn help the soil work more efficiently.

What should you plant over a septic tank soakaway?

Deep roots can damage soakaways, so shallow rooted plants are ideal for this area. A septic tank is generally installed about 0.6 to 0.9 meters underground, meaning you do not want the root systems of your small plants or shrubs to extend below this depth. The best plants to use near drainage fields are flowers, grasses, and small groundcovers that will not grow deep enough to disrupt the pipeline of your septic tank.

While Ri-Industries septic tanks are made from 40 MPa concrete, and the engineer-designed tanks are built to withstand anything, it is not recommended that anything with deep roots, especially trees, are planted near your septic system.

Tips: when planting, do not dig too deep and be sure to wear gloves to protect against bacteria that may be in the soil.

Dense covering, such as a lawn, is recommended over a septic tank soakaway to help prevent soil erosion.

Planting a lawn or garden over the soakaway is a good way to care for it while adding beauty to your landscape.

If you really must have plants near your septic system, speak with your garden specialist to find out the ph of your soil and choose shallow rooted plants suited to that ph level.  Otherwise, the simplest answer is to plant a lawn over the soakage trench.

For questions about septic tanks, call Ri-Industries at 08 8444 8100.

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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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Summertime Septic Tank Maintenance

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.

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!

 

 

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

Septic System Care for the Holidays

by Ri Industries

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

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!

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Compost to Conserve Water

by Ri Industries

Water conservation can be achieved using many methods.  We’ve talked about a lot of them, but one method we haven’t touched on yet is composting. Yes, composting can actually help us conserve water!

Let’s start at the beginning by answering the question, what is compost? Quite simply, compost is decomposed organic matter. It is generally made up of vegetable peelings, fruit waste, grass clippings, tea bags, and plant prunings, but other materials may be added as well. Compost is well known for adding nutrients to gardens and plants, but it also helps to conserve water.

Using composted mulch in landscaping and agriculture has been shown to improve the efficiency of water use by reducing evaporation, improving water infiltration and storage, and reducing deep drainage.

Turf grown with the application of composted soil conditioner can require up to 30% less water. This can increase root penetration, resulting in deeper root systems that explore a larger soil area for moisture and nutrients, reducing deep drainage and irrigation requirements. In sandy soils, composted soil conditioners improve water retention and lateral root distribution in the soil, improving plant access to soil water, and reducing deep drainage and irrigation requirements.

Compost application tips:

  • Composted mulch is applied on the soil surface around the plants after planting. It should not touch the stems and trunks of plants.
  • Compost can be applied any time of the year.
  • For water conservation, apply prior to summer when soil evaporation is usually highest and when plants require the most water.
  • Compost exposed to full sun will not deliver its full benefits so use compost on the soil and then cover it with mulch.

Here at Ri Industries we’re always on the lookout for water conservation tips we can share. This one can be a fun project and result in beautiful foliage and tasty fruit and vegetables. How great is that?

For more ways Ri Industries can help, contact us at 08 8444 8100.