Image shows Ri-Industries logo and title of article: Common Causes of a Failing Septic System

Common Causes of a Failing Septic System

by Ri Industries

Image shows Ri-Industries logo and title of article: Common Causes of a Failing Septic System

A failing septic system is a concern shared by many homeowners. Repairs, or replacement, can be costly. But what might be even worse, is living in a home when the septic system is not working as it should. 

Although it’s unlikely that homeowners think about their septic system every day, they do benefit from its function each and every day. When a septic tank is mentioned, most people immediately think of toilets. And yes, the septic tank is extremely important to manage human waste disposal, but it’s responsible for handling so much more in the house. Showers, laundry, dish washing, anything that produces wastewater in the home will use the septic tank. It’s easy to see why it’s important to keep it flowing smoothly and functioning well. 

One of the most common causes of a failing septic system is heavy water usage in the home. To help understand why, let’s take a simple look at how the septic system works: 

  • Wastewater flows from the inlet to the outlet in the septic tank. 
  • Solids and liquids of different densities are separated. 
  • Scum rises to the top, sludge sinks to the bottom, and the watery effluent stays in the middle. 
  • The effluent then flows out of the septic tank into the drain field. 

The size of the septic tank and the drain field will dictate how much wastewater can be processed at a time. If too much wastewater overwhelms the system, it will not be able to break it down properly and can result in clogging the system.

The septic system may be overlooked when plans are made to remodel a home. If space is being added to allow additional people to live in the home, you will want to speak with a professional to help determine if the current septic tank is large enough to handle the extra use. 

The drain field plays an important role in the septic system. Be careful where trees are planted to help avoid clogging due to tree roots. Also, be sure no one drives over the drain field. The weight of the vehicles could compact or crush underground pipes. 

Human waste is the only matter the septic system is designed to break down. A common cause of a failing septic system is the introduction of other materials such as paper towels, cigarette butts, feminine hygiene products, nappies, and even ‘flushable’ wipes. Bacteria is unable to break these products down and can result in forming a blockage in the system.

An often-overlooked cause of a failing septic system is the use of cleaners or antibacterial agents which disrupt or kill the bacteria that is responsible for breaking down the wastewater. 

Now that we know about some of the common causes of a failing septic system, let’s talk about common signs to help homeowners contact the experts when needed:

 

  • Unexplained slow drains (sinks, bathtubs, and showers)
  • Sewage backup into your home (sinks, bathtubs, showers, laundry)
  • Wet or spongy spots in the yard (that are not due to rain or other water source)
  • Grass that is unusually green over the septic system 
  • Foul odor near the septic system

The experts at Ri-Industries can help homeowners determine the proper size tank needed for their home and will ensure it is properly installed. To learn more please visit our website or call us at 8444 8100.

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.

 

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Purchasing a Septic Tank

by Ri Industries

Learn about the process of purchasing a septic tankPurchasing a septic tank is not something one does often in life and may, at first, feel overwhelming. Ri-Industries would like to help ease your mind by explaining how the process works.

There are two circumstances when you might purchase a septic tank: for a new home build or for an existing home. Each circumstance follows its own process.

Purchasing a septic tank for a new home build: Typically speaking, the builder will handle the entire process. They will arrange for a wastewater engineer to determine the size and type of septic tank needed. This may be a STED point, common effluent point, or a soakage bed.  They will also arrange for a plumber (installer) to inspect the site for any other concerns that may arise from an installation perspective. However, the homeowner may decide to take the septic tank out of the home build and handle it directly. Therefore, the homeowner will be responsible for arranging the wastewater engineer and plumber. The homeowner may purchase the septic tank directly from Ri-Industries or he/she may instruct the plumber to purchase the septic tank from us.

Purchasing a replacement septic tank: The homeowner can choose to handle the entire process themselves which means they will be responsible to arrange for the wastewater engineer, the plumber/installer, and purchase the septic tank. Or, the homeowner may hire a plumber/installer who will manage all of the other steps for them.

Are you installing a Ri-Treat Waste Water Treatment System instead of a standard septic tank? If so, these units need to be ‘commissioned’ by a service agent, so you need to contact them two weeks prior to you moving into your new house. Generally, the procedure is to ensure that the tank is ¾ full of water and all pumps are operational.  The system should be fully established within two weeks, with clean water discharging to the irrigation system.

If a Ri-Treat unit is replacing an existing septic tank,  we will send the unit pre commissioned therefore ready to run and work as soon as the electricity is connected.

Ri-Industries has been in operation since 1947 and we have made it our life’s work to deliver outstanding pre-cast concrete products. We are committed to excellence, not only in our manufacturing techniques and processes but through every interaction we have with our customers. We appreciate the opportunity to speak with you about your septic tank needs. Please call us at 08 8444 8100 to speak with one of our experts.

 

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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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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.

Septic Tank FAQ's

Septic Tank FAQ’s

by Ri Industries

Ri Industries Septic Tank FAQ's

Maintaining a residence or commercial building is a big expense and takes a lot of time. We expect to routinely dust, vacuum, wash floors, garden, and more. Then there are items that we assume are working in the background and will be there for us when we want them: such as electricity and plumbing. Septic tanks fall into that category. We hope once they are installed, they will reliably do their job as we ignore it and go on with our daily lives. The good news is that can almost be true. With some knowledge and maintenance, your septic tank should serve you well with little effort on your part. Ri Industries has collected some of the frequently asked questions by our customers so we can share the helpful answers to keep your septic tank running smoothly.

How often should my septic tank be pumped?

For an average family of 4-6 people your septic tank may have to be de-sludged (pumped out) approximately every 4 years as required by regulations.

Are there materials we should avoid putting in the septic tank?

Septic tanks do not like materials that will not break down e.g. plastic bags, tampons, disposable nappies, condoms, etc. Use biodegradable products whenever possible.

What cleaning products are safe for the septic tank?

The bacterial action of your septic tank can be severely inhibited if excessive amounts of disinfectants are used. Only use products approved for use in septic systems.

Is it safe to flush medicines?

As with certain cleaning products, excessive amounts of medicine can inhibit the bacterial action of the septic tank. It is best not to flush medicines.

I noticed some pooling around the area of the septic tank. What does this mean?

Pooling of effluent near your seepage trench will give you a warning that the system may be clogging up.

With just a little bit of care and maintenance, your septic tank will be one of the items in your home that requires little action on your part. To learn more or ask questions, call Ri Industries on 08 8444 8100.