Onsite tanks and cleanout services
If your home is on a rural property and not connected to Council’s reticulated sewerage network, then you are likely to dispose of your wastewater onsite using an onsite sewage management system such as a septic tank or aerated wastewater treatment system.
Septic tanks and aerated wastewater treatment systems generally look after themselves and can last for several years before a cleanout is required, but this depends on the care each system receives and whether they are operating efficiently.
Click on the tabs below to find out more.
Septic tank systems
Septic tanks are generally buried, water-tight containers usually made of concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene. They are designed to hold wastewater long enough to separate the waste liquids in the tank allowing the solids to settle on the bottom of the tank and any oil and grease products floating on the top.
From the surface, the outside of the tank may look like this:
On the inside, a septic tank will look something like this:
Over time the solids on the bottom of the tank form a sludge that must be removed in order to avoid system failure such as blockages and the transfer of solids to your disposal area like a trench or second collection tank. The liquid inside the tank is treated internally by anerobic bacteria which improves the wastewater quality ensuring it is suitable for subsurface disposal.
The septic tank absorption trench is a crucial component of a septic system, acting as the final treatment and dispersal area for wastewater after it leaves the septic tank. It consists of a shallow gravel-filled trench, often lined with perforated pipes or a self-supporting arch allowing wastewater to seep into the surrounding soil for further natural filtration.
Septic tank cleanouts are recommended every 5 years to ensure the ongoing working of a system is maintained.
Aerated wastewater treatment systems
An aerated wastewater treatment system (AWTS) is most often a concrete tank installed underground so you only see the lid and electrical control box. They can be described as an onsite “mini treatment plant” that treats all the wastewater from your home. This kind of system is designed to treat wastewater to a higher environmental standard than a septic tank.
On the surface, the system may look something like this:
On the inside they look something like this:
An AWTS must be serviced quarterly by a qualified agent contracted by you. The service agent will advise when a cleanout is required.
Due to the delicate nature of the treatment process, the service agent must be onsite at the cleanout to instruct the contractor where to pump from during the cleanout. On completion of the cleanout, the service agent will refill the tank proportionately to avoid the tank from popping out of the ground.
Brands of AWTS include:
- Biocycle
- Bioseptic
- Econocycle
- Envirocycle
- FujiClean
- Garden Master
- Taylex
- Supertreat
- Ultraclear
Care and maintenance of a system
To get the most out of your system:
- Keep the tank lid clear of grass, plants and weeds.
- If cracks appear in the lid, get them fixed. Excessive rain infiltration into the tank can cause your system to fail.
- Trenches from septic tank seep-away systems should ideally be located away from trees and have good exposure to direct sun. Grass should be cut regularly to promote drying.
- Septic tanks are meant to be full. Some odours may be present and this is not unusual.
Regardless of type, regular care and maintenance of your system is important. If carefully operated, systems can last several years before a cleanout is required, but we recommend arranging a cleanout at least every five (5) years.
Signs your tank may need a cleanout
There are a few warning signs that signal there are troubles with your tank. Ensure that these problems are attended to immediately to protect the health of residents and the environment.
- Water drains too slowly
- Drainpipes gurgle and make noises
- Strong and persistent sewerage smells
- Water is backing up into the sink
If you’re experiencing warning signs, there are several products on the market that may assist. Most are enzyme activated products that digest fats, grease and other wastes that can clog the system and cause odours. These products are usually dosed through the toilet and then flushed.
Managing the system will significantly increase the time between cleanouts.
Tank cleanout services
When your onsite sewage management system is ready for a clean out, we are here to help. We offer pre-paid tank cleanout services that will be conducted within three (3) working days of us receiving your cleanout request.
If your tank is in serious trouble and at risk of overflowing, we can also perform an emergency cleanout service that will be conducted within 24 hours of notification. Please be advised that an emergency cleanout will incur an additional fee payable alongside the standard cleanout fee.
What type of onsite sewage system do you have?
Septic tank - click here to find out more.
Aerated wastewater treatment system (AWTS) - click here to find out more.
On completion of a cleanout, the service agent will refill the tank proportionately to avoid the tank from popping out of the ground.
Emergency cleanout services
If your tank is at risk of overflowing and you require an emergency cleanout, we can be there within 24 hours.
Submit our online cleanout request form (relevant to your tank type and size) and then call us immediately on (02) 4429 3214 so that we can escalate your request as a high priority.
Please be advised that an emergency cleanout will incur an additional fee payable alongside the standard cleanout fee.
Non-standard systems and ad-hoc cleanouts
On request, cleanouts can be performed on larger non-standard treatment systems, private pump stations or tanks greater than 8000 litres, even if you are not a customer of ours.
Submit our online request form relevant to the type of system you have, and we will perform a standard cleanout within 3 working days, or an emergency cleanout within 24 hours. See fees and charges in the attachment below.