Ri-Industries logo

What Happens When a Septic Tank is Pumped?

by Ri Industries

What happens when a septic tank is pumped? What is the process and where do the contents go? If you own a property that has a septic tank, you may be curious.

First, let’s quickly recap how a septic tank works. Simply put, septic tanks allow for the safe disposal of certain household waste products. Wastewater flows down through the sewer pipes in your home and enters the first chamber of the tank, allowing solids to settle (sludge layer). A crust then forms on the surface of the effluent, known as the scum layer. The settled solids are anaerobically digested, reducing the volume of solids. The liquid component flows through the dividing wall into the second chamber, where further settlement takes place, with the excess liquid then draining in a relatively clear condition from the outlet into the soakage field. To learn more, see our articles How a Septic Tank Works and How Do Sewage and Effluent Move Through Septic Systems?

Soil, sludge, excrement and solid waste will build up in the tank over time, eventually requiring the tank to be pumped to make room for more waste to be added. Waste disposal companies begin the pumping process by emptying the tank and removing all the solid waste that has been collected. A tank truck with suction gear, called a gully sucker, collects the waste by sucking the wastewater and sludge from the tank. Once the tank is emptied, the contents will be transported for disposal.

The South Australian government dictates how the contents are to be disposed of. “Septage must either be taken to a facility licensed to receive septage or where this is not reasonable or practicable, applied to land only if for beneficial reuse (for example, in regional locations or small townships).”

We know talking about waste products is not a fun topic, but for those who use septic tanks, this information is important. Knowledge can help keep the septic system running smoothly. For more information on our septic tanks or any of our products, please call 08 8444 8100.

https://www.epa.sa.gov.au/files/8427_guide_septic.pdf
Ri-Industries logo

Weather and Septic Tanks – What You Need to Know

by Ri Industries

You may not think about the impact of weather on septic tanks as the seasons change, but since weather can affect the functioning of septic tanks, it’s a good idea to understand how it can affect it and what you should do about it. 

We typically give no thought to the septic system at our home or place of business until something goes wrong. And many problems can arise when the septic system isn’t properly working. Fortunately, like most things in life, knowledge and prevention can help keep things running smoothly.

Take the weather, for instance. Having the knowledge that weather can affect how the septic system works means you can take steps to prevent problems. Let’s take a look at weather and septic tanks:

    • Cold Weather – Bacteria in the septic tank is used to digest waste. Waste that is left behind by the bacteria will settle to the bottom of the tank as sludge. Cold weather can cause the bacteria to slow down or even come to a complete stop. When this happens, the sludge builds up and problems arise. Fortunately for those of us living in South Australia, bacteria typically doesn’t slow down until the temperature drops to 10 degrees celsius or below. 
    • Heavy Rainfall – Lots of rain can saturate the drain field which means water will be unable to drain from the septic tank. When this happens, the water will move backwards through the pipes and up into the toilets and various drains in your home. It can also cause untreated sewage to make its way into the groundwater and/or local bodies of water causing contamination.

Now that you have some knowledge about weather and septic tanks, how do you use the knowledge to help keep things smoothly flowing? This is where prevention comes into play.

Prevention is the best tool against malfunctioning septic systems.

  • In a previous blog, Preparing Your Septic Tank for Colder Weather, we shared a number of tips about getting ready for cold weather. The first tip, Get Pumped!, is one of the most important preventative steps you can take … and it only needs to be done approximately every 3 – 5 years! Pumping the septic tank will help prevent problems due to cold weather as well as heavy rainfall. 
  • You can also prevent problems by avoiding harsh chemicals or substances that can negatively affect the bacteria population. We have a number of blogs with household tips for your reference. 
  • Heavy vehicles or machinery can damage the drain field, so be sure to place them away from the septic area. 

Knowledge about weather and septic tanks can help you prevent problems. If you have questions or are in need of a new septic tank, please call us at 8444 8100 and we’ll be pleased to assist you. 

 

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.

saddle risers and increments

Why use Saddle Risers, Increments, and Cover Slabs with a Septic Tank

by Ri Industries

Septic tanks are one of those things we understand are important, but we’d rather not think about. We have them installed. We listen to the explanation of maintenance and we may even diary a time to have the tank pumped. Then we put all thoughts of septic tanks out of our minds and go about our business. That’s how it should be. Until the time comes for the tank to be pumped and we don’t remember exactly where it is. That can cause a problem. Luckily for you, Ri-Industries has a solution! Today, we’re going to tell you about saddle risers and increments.

So, what are saddle risers and increments?  The word ‘saddle’ makes it sound like we are going for a ride on the septic tank, but we assure you, our feet are staying firmly planted on the ground. Saddle risers are simply a way to help you avoid digging up your septic tank every three to four years for maintenance.

Think about it. The septic tank is buried deep underground. Although low maintenance is required, some maintenance will be required from time to time. How will the worker do what needs to be done? In the past, the pump-out contractor would have to dig down until he reached the septic tank. Now saddle risers, increments, and cover slabs work together to help the 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.

 

Ri-Industries logo

Can I Flush This Waste?

by Ri Industries

There is a common misconception that toilets are designed to handle any type of waste. The truth is, just because it’s rubbish doesn’t mean it should be flushed!

While it may be fast and easy to simply flush unwanted matter down the toilet, remember, it does in fact flow somewhere, which in many cases is a septic tank. This means that some matter may turn this fast and easy solution into a big, messy problem!

Septic tanks are designed to break down organic matter. When matter is unable to be broken down, it may clog or damage the system resulting in costly repairs.

Here is a list of items which are frequently flushed, but shouldn’t be:

  1. Bathroom wipes – Wait, what? It even says right on the package that they’re flushable! Yes, it’s true they are advertised as flushable, but some brands degrade better than others. There is also the issue of how many wipes get flushed. Often, it is the quantity of wipes flushed into the septic tank that causes the problem.
  2. Condoms – This is another biggie we hear about. While the toilet may seem like an easy, even natural, disposal method, it is not a smart one. Condoms do not break down and will in time clog the system.
  3. Nappies – While they are filled with waste which can be safely flushed, the nappies themselves absolutely should not be. They are made from materials which are intended to expand when they come in contact with liquid, such as ….. toilet water! The problem here may occur before the nappy even makes it to the septic tank. Most likely it will get caught on the way down.
  4. Cat Litter – This follows the same line of thinking as nappies. It might seem a natural step to flush away the cat’s waste, but along with the waste goes clay, sand, toxin, and parasites that we never want in water systems.
  5. Prescription Medications – People often assume this is the smartest disposal method for prescription medications as it eliminates the concern that the medicine may be taken by someone it wasn’t intended for. Unfortunately, by flushing the medicine, groundwater gets contaminated.

This list is by no means comprehensive. The bottom line is that septic tanks are designed to handle human waste. Anything else should be placed in the rubbish. Ri-Industries are happy to discuss the do’s and don’ts of flushing. Should you have any questions, please call us at 08 8444 8100.

Ri-Industries logo

Helpful Household Cleaning Tips: Bathroom Edition

by Ri Industries

Ri-Industries has shared many helpful tips over the years. We’ve offered tips for “green” cleaning, how to care for septic systems, which items should not be flushed down the toilet and more. Today, we share more helpful household cleaning tips.

“I LOVE cleaning the bathroom,” said no one ever! Let’s face it, even for those of us that enjoy cleaning our homes, it’s really difficult to enjoy cleaning the bathroom. No matter how tidy family members are on a daily basis, the bathroom will still be germ-laden. The possibility of your hands coming into contact with something undesirable is rather high. Plus, it often seems that no matter how hard you scrub or how strong the cleaner is, there are just some areas that will not get clean.

Well, we searched the internet for helpful household cleaning tips to make your bathroom sparkle and found the following tips by the experts at Absolute Domestics:

  1. Keep your toilet clean and fresh by scrubbing the inside bowl with toilet cleaner, white vinegar or bi-carb soda.  You may want to leave this to soak for a few minutes beforehand. Give a good old scrub with the toilet brush, then flush, rinsing off your toilet brush when flushing.  Give both sides of the lid and outside the toilet a wipe over with anti-bacterial cleaner paying attention to the flush button and bottom of the toilet which often get missed.

 

  1. When you regularly use your bathroom, you’ll often end up with hard water stains on your bathroom taps. These hard water stains can be removed with lemon. Simply rub a fresh lemon over the water stains and not only will shine, it will smell nice too!

 

  1. Shower scum is made up of mineral deposits (usually calcium and carbonate) and soap scum. To get this off your shower without chemicals use White Magic Eraser or White Vinegar. Simply put white vinegar into a spray bottle and spray onto the shower door, scrub the mixture on the shower screen with and old pair of stockings or a soft bristled brush. Yes you heard right, the denier in stockings gives you that bit of added oomph rather than using a harsh scourer that can etch or scratch your glass. Rinse off with warm water. Squeegee off the excess water and dry with a microfibre cloth or soft towel.

There you go. Three simple tips to help make your bathroom sparkle!

Our other blogs at Ri-Industries contain lots of other tips, or give us a call at 08 8444 8100.