Septic systems are a basic requirement for rural and semi-urban homes in South Australia not connected to SA Water.
Many of these homes also employ aerobic systems or ‘secondary treatment’ plants which purify water to a higher standard than a basic septic system for the purpose of reuse or dispersal.
A good number of these properties are new builds in much closer proximity to the city than might be expected.
They include houses in areas like Gawler in the north, Aldinga in the south and Adelaide Hills regions from Mount Barker through to Nairne, Littlehampton and Strathalbyn.
Depending on when they were built, some older houses much closer to the CBD, may also remain off-grid.
That is the term given to any property not sewer-connected to the SA Water network.
The vast majority of these properties rely on their own septic system.
But regular maintenance is absolutely essential to ensure owners don’t end up with a very smelly problem!
How septic systems work
A septic tank is a watertight tank usually made of concrete, fibreglass or polyethylene which is buried underground.
A property’s wastewater drains into the tank through an inlet pipe where it undergoes a natural biological treatment.
Solids sink to the bottom forming sludge while oils and grease rise to the top forming a layer of scum.
Bacteria breaks down organic matter in the wastewater before the remaining liquid, known as effluent, is sent via the outlet to a drain field or soakage area which is a series of trenches containing perforated pipes and gravel.
Wastewater slowly trickles from the drain field into nearby soil where it undergoes the natural process of purification from the earth before rejoining the groundwater.
In South Australia, the minimum required capacity of a septic tank for a six-person household is 3000 litres with a soakage area of 45 x 1.2 metres.
Aerobic systems and secondary treatment
An Aerobic system is a more elaborate onsite plant where wastewater is treated to a more advanced standard also known as ‘secondary treatment’.
There are two types of aerobic systems with choice dependent on both personal preference and the suitability of a property.
Aerobic Wastewater Treatment System
These include a primary and secondary treatment component and one or two tanks.
An aeration chamber oxygenates the wastewater, ideal for bacteria to thrive.
The water is then sent to a settling compartment before being discharged by a pump chamber to an on-site irrigation system.
The irrigation system is a mulched area planted with suitable shrubs and must be at least 200m² in size and situated at least 1.5m from the tanks and 0.5m from any boundary.
Quarterly maintenance is required to satisfy SA Health standards.
Aerobic Sand Filter System
Wastewater is sent to a septic tank for primary treatment and then travels via a distribution sump to a sand bed for secondary treatment where it filters through to a collection point beneath the sand.
It then travels to a pump chamber for disinfection before being discharged to an irrigation area.
Fewer moving parts means a reduced likelihood of mechanical failure.
However quarterly inspections are still advised to check for blockages of the distribution sump, signs of stormwater runoff on the surface of the sand filter and to ensure it remains free of debris or decaying organic matter.
Maintenance of septic systems
Septic tank failure can be particularly unpleasant.
That is why regular maintenance is so important.
In South Australia, it is a requirement that a septic tank be serviced every four years.
Regular maintenance helps ensure the system’s longevity as well as compliance with SA Health regulations by preventing system failure.
When a maintenance job is booked, the septic tank will undergo a process known as desludging.
This involves cleaning out the tank to prevent solids from overflowing and clogging the drain field (soakage area).
The service will also include:
- checking outlet filters remain unblocked
- monitoring the effectiveness of bacterial action
- ensuring no waterlogging or overflow
- verifying integrity of electrical pump and their components
Many tanks fail because they have been exposed to the usual range of items that should never be flushed down toilets including women’s sanitary products, condoms, baby wipes, hair and paper towels.
Strong chemicals such as bleach and drain cleaners should be avoided because they can disrupt the effectiveness of a tank’s natural bacteria.
It is also important not to overload a septic tank by avoiding heavy water usage.
That means reducing the length of showers and potentially spreading laundry tasks over several days rather than all at once.
Signs of failure in septic systems
Owners of septic systems never take long to identify they have a problem.
Foul odours are the most obvious giveaway that not all is well.
But there are a few other signs that a service may be required and they are:
- pooling water
- slow drainage
- sink or toilet backup
- effluent surfacing
In the event of any of the above, immediate action is required in the interests of public health to prevent contamination of groundwater.
This could in turn impact the value of a property and impact future council approvals.
Regulations and liability
Fines of up to $500,000 for individuals and $2,000,000 for body corporates exist in South Australia under the Environment Protection Act 1993 (SA) where it can be proven that someone is guilty of “intentionally or recklessly causes serious environmental harm”.
If no intention or recklessness can be proven, fines of up to $250,000 for individuals and $500,000 for body corporates still apply.
Civil penalties may also follow and local councils may order systems be repaired, closed or removed.
Get expert plumbing support and advice today
Breathing the crisp country air is great – except when a septic system has failed or not been properly maintained.
Whether you are a homeowner or property manager of a complex in a rural or semi-rural area, understanding your obligations regarding septic systems is imperative.
Builders and developers working on sites in ever-sprawling cities also need to understand options available to their clients and ensure correct installation.
That’s why you need to deal with professionals like James Smith Plumbing.
JSP are one of South Australia’s most dependable and trusted plumbing companies and can support the needs of your septic systems.
They will do so in the interests of your health and safety, while guaranteeing compliance with SA Health regulations.
They can also advise builders on the most practical options for any given site and undertake installations as required, ensuring all permits and regulations are satisfied.
JSP is always on hand 24/7 to attend any plumbing emergency as required, including those pertaining to septic systems.
Call James Smith Plumbing today on 0411 206 046 at the first sign of a problem and for all your septic system needs.
You can rely on JSP for the highest standards of workmanship and a minimum of fuss.