Septic & Bio System Servicing
Septic tank and bio system servicing, including ATUs and leach drains. Pump outs for decommissioning. We service all over the Perth Metro area and surrounds. Private / Residential and Business / Commercial.
What is a septic tank?
A septic tank is a tank in which sewage (waste) is collected as it flows out of your house or premises if you are not connected to the deep sewer system. Septic tanks trap (filter) the solid matter, before allowing the liquid to flow through into the leach drain where the liquid then soaks into the surrounding ground. The majority of septic tanks are concrete (round concrete tanks in the ground), but plastic tanks are also used. Most septic systems have either one tank or two tanks, depending on how old the system is and the type of system installed.
What is an ATU? (Aerobic Treatment Unit)
An ATU (Aerobic Treatment Unit) is a type of septic system that treats and recycles the waste water for use on gardens. There are many different types of ATUs including Aquarius, Biocycle and Biomax just to name a few.
Do I have septic tanks at my property?
If you are not connected to deep sewer, you should have some form of septic tank system in place, be it concrete or plastic tanks or an ATU.
Why do septic tanks need to be pumped?
Septic tanks are essentially a filtering system that trap the solid matter that flow into them, before the liquid flows into the leach drain. If you do not pump out your septic tanks regularly enough, eventually the solid matter that the tanks are designed to contain will flow into the leach drain. This solid matter blocks the leach drain, preventing the liquid from being able to leach away as intended. Once a leach drain is blocked, repairs or worst case replacement are needed to be carried out on the leach drain so that the liquid can leach freely again.
I have 2 septic tanks. Do both tanks need to be pumped?
Standard domestic 2 tank septic systems have a primary (solid) and a secondary (often referred to as the liquid or effluent) tank. Whilst it is not always necessary to have a secondary tank pumped as often as a primary tank, it is still necessary to have the secondary tank pumped from time to time. The secondary tank does contain a portion of solid matter and if not removed, will eventually build up to a point where it can flow into the leach drain. Our operators know how to check the sludge level in the secondary tank to ascertain if the tank needs to be pumped, or if it is ok to leave it until the next time the primary tank is pumped. Ideally though, to protect your system and ensure in continues to operate efficiently, both tanks should be pumped every time.
How often should septic tanks be pumped?
Septic tanks should be regularly pumped to ensure the system continues to function efficiently. If the solid build up with septic tanks builds up too much, the solids will flow into the leach drain which can block the leach drain, preventing it from allowing the liquid it receives to “leach” into the ground around it. How often your septic tank/s need to be pumped can depend on how many people are residing in the house or utilising the facilities if it is a commercial property. Contact our office for further information.
How much does it cost to pump out a septic tank?
Cost depends on what sort of septic system is installed, how many tanks and the size. Contact our office for further information so we can discuss your individual system and situation in more detail and provide a quote.
Does my leach drain need to be pumped out?
As a general rule, leach drains should not need to be pumped out. Providing your septic system is serviced (pumped out) regularly enough and your leach drain has been installed correctly, only liquid should enter the leach drain and this liquid should the “leach” freely. If you do not pump out your septic tanks regularly enough, eventually the solid matter that the tanks are designed to contain will flow into the leach drain. This solid matter blocks the leach drain, preventing the liquid from being able to leach away as intended. Once a leach drain is blocked, repairs or worst case replacement are needed to be carried out on the leach drain so that the liquid can leach freely again. If you are experiencing problems related to a blocked leach drain, pumping out the leach drain is a “bandaid” solution only. It doesn’t take long for a leach drain to fill back up with liquid again and you’re back to square one.
Can you service my ATU?
SG Enviro provides a pump out service for waste removal only, we do not provide a regular maintenance service for ATUs. However, it is necessary for ATUs to be pumped out from time to time. Your maintenance service technician should advise you when a pump out of your system is required.
What should I not flush down the toilet?
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Wet wipes of ANY kind. THIS INCLUDES FLUSHABLE WIPES. Wipes that are marketed as flushable do not break down in septic systems and are a major cause of blockages.
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Sanitary items including pads and tampons.
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Condoms
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Any other item other than what is intended to be flushed down the toilet and toilet paper.
My toilet is not flushing / drains not flowing freely. Is it because the septic tank needs pumping?
Possibly. If a septic system has not been pumped out for some time and become overfull or the leach drain is not functioning properly, this can cause “back up” issues in your house. It could be due to a blockage also. Contact our office and speak to one of our staff who will be able to help you ascertain what may be causing the issue.
Do you decommission septic systems?
We can assist with the decommission of your disused septic system, pumping the waste from the tanks to empty them as required and provide a certificate to say that the waste has been removed accordingly. There is no additional charge for a decommission, only standard pump out charges apply.
Further information can be found on the Department of Heath's website:
https://www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/U_Z/Understanding-Septic-Tank-Systems