Maintain Your Septic System
Servicing of Your System
When Council authorizes installation of a septic system, ongoing servicing requirements are attached to that system. Servicing can only be done by a qualified person – usually a licensed plumber unless otherwise advised by the installer.
A service assesses:
- The functioning of your system
- The integrity of the infrastructure.
A pump out is not a service and generally costs three or four times more, so should not be your first response to signs of poor performance.
The below table outlines the usual inspection requirements associated with most systems (Please note: some systems are made up of multiple components):
| Treatment System Type/Component | Maintenance Requirements |
|---|---|
| Septic Tank | Servicing at three year intervals Pump out at three year intervals unless otherwise advised by the licensed plumber |
| Worm Farm (no sand filter) |
Servicing within six months and 18 months of installation then at two year intervals |
| Sand FIlter (after Septic Tank or Worm Farm) | Annual service check of sand filter Pump out at three year intervals unless otherwise advised by the licensed plumber |
| Aerated Wastewater Treatment System (AWTS) |
Annual contract for quarterly servicing |
| Membrane Wastewater Treatment System (Orenco AX20, Taylex MBS) |
Annual contract for half year servicing |
| Greywater Treatment Systems | Annual service contract with an accredited and trained service technician Check and/or pump out tank at three year intervals |
| Eco-Max Cells |
Annual check of system by experienced service agent |
| Biolytix BF6 (vermiculture system) | Check and/or pump out tank at three year intervals with two yearly servicing by an experienced service agent. |
| Reed Bed | Check and/or replace dead reeds as needed, in addition to maintenance of other infrastructure |
| Dry or Wet Composting Units | Remove broken down solids with safety equipment from the unit and dig into appropriate area, in addition to maintenance of other infrastructure |