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All of our service technicians have been certified by the manufacturers we represent, and even some we don't. Our technicians are experienced but also qualified, having all been trained by the Centre for Environmental Training.
Certification, qualification and experience sets us apart from the competition. Our customers have the peace of mind knowing that their Wastewater Technicians can be trusted to do the job right, each and every service. |
Below is a short list of the brands and types of wastewater ( black & grey ) systems that we currently service and maintain:
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Grey Water Systems:
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The above list is by no means exhaustive. If you cannot see your system or you are just not sure exactly what system you have, please feel free to contact us here.
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Avoid costly repairs by making an effort to understand the workings of your wastewater system and always keep it well maintained and regularly serviced. A malfunctioning treatment system can lead to serious financial costs, not to mention environmental and health problems.
Therefore, to ensure compliant and reliable performance, your system must be maintained correctly by a qualified and certified Wastewater Technician. Not just a handy man. |
Each Council requires the owner/occupier of a premises to receive regular servicing of their wastewater treatment system by a representative of the manufacturer, a service agent or a company acceptable to the
Council. Currently though, there is no requirement that service agents need to be qualified in anyway to service your system.
Fair Trading NSW does not license service contractors so it is left to Councils, with their limited powers, to regulate contractors. We must also point out that in NSW plumbers undergo no training on on-site wastewater treatment and land application. However they are entitled to service wastewater systems.
In the end the ultimate legal responsibility of inspection, servicing and maintenance of the wastewater system falls to the owner/occupier.
The gaps in legislation give rise to many service contractors out there not having any training, qualifications or certifications. They will happily take your money, usually upfront, and slowly and surely let your system fall almost into complete disrepair. In a partly regulated industry, like wastewater servicing and maintenance, Wastewater Technicians are few and far between.
Council. Currently though, there is no requirement that service agents need to be qualified in anyway to service your system.
Fair Trading NSW does not license service contractors so it is left to Councils, with their limited powers, to regulate contractors. We must also point out that in NSW plumbers undergo no training on on-site wastewater treatment and land application. However they are entitled to service wastewater systems.
In the end the ultimate legal responsibility of inspection, servicing and maintenance of the wastewater system falls to the owner/occupier.
The gaps in legislation give rise to many service contractors out there not having any training, qualifications or certifications. They will happily take your money, usually upfront, and slowly and surely let your system fall almost into complete disrepair. In a partly regulated industry, like wastewater servicing and maintenance, Wastewater Technicians are few and far between.
There are currently a number of 'handyman/cowboy' contractors out there that are attempting to service and maintain multiple types of systems, with little to no idea at all. We constantly come across their mistakes and disasters. Usually contacted after the fact by customers that have been duped, lied too, ripped off and left in the lurch. We find that these systems have not been maintained or serviced correctly, or at all. Its always important to know that the person who is servicing your system is qualified, certified and experienced.
Inspections
Kerry Flanagan Wastewater can inspect, service and maintain your wastewater system, no matter what the brand, black and/or grey, residential and commercial. Inspections are a general once over before the commencement of regular servicing. This way you will know how your system and its components are faring. It will show you what needs changing or fixing to bring your system up to operational and Council requirements. Inspections are a good idea even if your system has been or is currently being serviced by another contractor. It is always good to get a second opinion. If your system is not looked after properly it could end up costing you a fortune.
Even septic tanks require regular pumping out, depending on the amount of use, every three to five years is recommended. An inspection every few years, to check the scum and sludge levels, can extend this period to match system use and will save your trenches / land application area from the transfer of sludge from a 'solid' septic. This helps to keep trenches operating effectively, also saving you the need to ask us to perform our bio-augmentation therapy ( cleaning up and fixing ) your existing trenches or sometimes needing to install brand new ones.
Even septic tanks require regular pumping out, depending on the amount of use, every three to five years is recommended. An inspection every few years, to check the scum and sludge levels, can extend this period to match system use and will save your trenches / land application area from the transfer of sludge from a 'solid' septic. This helps to keep trenches operating effectively, also saving you the need to ask us to perform our bio-augmentation therapy ( cleaning up and fixing ) your existing trenches or sometimes needing to install brand new ones.
Servicing
Servicing, when done correctly, will help keep your system operating throughout its life. Some systems can be quick and simple, others can take a little more time and expertise to make sure your system keeps treating the wastewater as it was designed too. Almost all treatment systems require regular servicing and maintenance.
Almost all treatment systems require regular servicing. Each system is different so we make sure to carry out the servicing requirements for your particular brand. At every service we take water samples to satisfy the Council's permit to operate. Replenish the disinfection, replacing chlorine tablets or cleaning and/or replacing the UV lamp if required. When the system has an anaerobic ( septic ) tank we check the scum and sludge levels and the condition of the tank. If the anaerobic tank is fitted with an outlet filter we check and clean it to ensure transfer to the secondary treatment chamber or tank. On some models of AWTS ( Aerated Wastewater Treatment Systems ) they have internal filters that require maintenance at each visit. When the system has an air pump the intake filter is checked, cleaned or replaced.
On suspended growth systems we test for the percentage of suspended solids and ensure that the sequencing is functioning correctly. On dry / wet composters and other terrestrial systems the filter bed is checked for its ability to transfer effluent. Living components such as worm colonies are checked to make sure nothing from the house such as harsh chemicals is killing off the living systems that treat the wastewater. On membrane systems the membranes are taken out and chlorine treated to ensure transfer to the disposal chamber. Alarms, floats and electrical components are also checked as these can save your system from disaster by alerting you and us before a little problem becomes a big one.
On suspended growth systems we test for the percentage of suspended solids and ensure that the sequencing is functioning correctly. On dry / wet composters and other terrestrial systems the filter bed is checked for its ability to transfer effluent. Living components such as worm colonies are checked to make sure nothing from the house such as harsh chemicals is killing off the living systems that treat the wastewater. On membrane systems the membranes are taken out and chlorine treated to ensure transfer to the disposal chamber. Alarms, floats and electrical components are also checked as these can save your system from disaster by alerting you and us before a little problem becomes a big one.
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Keep an eye out for some of the unhealthy indicators:
If any of these indicators are occurring or if in doubt contact us for advise and information. |
The overall condition of the entire system, its components, parts, pumps, pipes and fittings etc, is checked and noted down in our service records and kept in our history for future reference and problem solving. As treatment systems include land application areas we do not see these as separate from the system. These are inspected and if required the disposal filter or auto flush valves are checked, cleaned or replaced. Sprinklers are checked for blockages and their location in regards to buffer distances from buildings, boundaries and waterways.
The condition of the area that the wastewater is disposed to is noted and any unusual growth or lack of growth may require a pH sample to determine whether the field needs to be pH adjusted. Its important in servicing and inspection to note changes in both the treatment system and the land application to preempt any problems that could occur in the future. Major faults and problems with the system or land application area are reported to the owner, to schedule in any additional work that needs to be performed, to get your treatment system operating again.
The condition of the area that the wastewater is disposed to is noted and any unusual growth or lack of growth may require a pH sample to determine whether the field needs to be pH adjusted. Its important in servicing and inspection to note changes in both the treatment system and the land application to preempt any problems that could occur in the future. Major faults and problems with the system or land application area are reported to the owner, to schedule in any additional work that needs to be performed, to get your treatment system operating again.
Maintenance
With so many different brand names, types of treatment, and out of business companies getting a handle on how your particular system or set up works can be difficult. The internet is awash with plenty of information, but not all of it is correct or helpful. Instead of going through every single type of treatment and system individually, we have attempted to put together an all round user guide. Below you can find hints and tips on how to help maintain and live, headache free, with your wastewater treatment system.
All treatment systems rely predominantly on bacteria for the treatment of wastewater, therefore any product used that kills bacteria can be harmful to your treatment system's biology and its ability to effectively treat the wastewater. No matter how good the level of treatment or sophistication of your system, it is always directly affected by what goes down your drain.
It is important to remember that the job of chemical companies is to sell you their products, the question is, do you really need what they are selling? Some of the oldest and simplest cleaning agents are also some of the safest and most affordable, namely vinegar and baking soda.
Don't be fooled by the marketing! The term 'Septic Safe' can be misleading. While it may have no detrimental affect on the pipes, tanks or pumps in your system, it may have a catastrophic effect on the biology in your system. Directly impacting the treatment ability of your system.
This kind of disruption to the biology can render it unable to convert the waste and can allow it to produce untreated effluent. The result being unsafe for not only your environment but the health and well being of your family.
Another marketing term that can be confusing is 'Biodegradable'. The use of these products is to be commended but at what stage in the products life cycle does it actually begin to degrade? Products that contain biodegradable anti-bacterial chemicals may not degrade until they have passed through your system, while still killing everything they come in contact with, namely the biology treating your wastewater.
The question you need to ask yourself is 'Do I really need to use that chemical for that cleaning purpose?'
If you do need to use some of the harsher, non-environmentally friendly chemical products then this should be done separately (in a bucket) and the contents can be discarded directly into the garden instead of down the drain and into your system.
All treatment systems rely predominantly on bacteria for the treatment of wastewater, therefore any product used that kills bacteria can be harmful to your treatment system's biology and its ability to effectively treat the wastewater. No matter how good the level of treatment or sophistication of your system, it is always directly affected by what goes down your drain.
It is important to remember that the job of chemical companies is to sell you their products, the question is, do you really need what they are selling? Some of the oldest and simplest cleaning agents are also some of the safest and most affordable, namely vinegar and baking soda.
Don't be fooled by the marketing! The term 'Septic Safe' can be misleading. While it may have no detrimental affect on the pipes, tanks or pumps in your system, it may have a catastrophic effect on the biology in your system. Directly impacting the treatment ability of your system.
This kind of disruption to the biology can render it unable to convert the waste and can allow it to produce untreated effluent. The result being unsafe for not only your environment but the health and well being of your family.
Another marketing term that can be confusing is 'Biodegradable'. The use of these products is to be commended but at what stage in the products life cycle does it actually begin to degrade? Products that contain biodegradable anti-bacterial chemicals may not degrade until they have passed through your system, while still killing everything they come in contact with, namely the biology treating your wastewater.
The question you need to ask yourself is 'Do I really need to use that chemical for that cleaning purpose?'
If you do need to use some of the harsher, non-environmentally friendly chemical products then this should be done separately (in a bucket) and the contents can be discarded directly into the garden instead of down the drain and into your system.
There are substitutes for household hazardous waste. Replace the following hazardous products with products that are less environmentally harmful.
The hazardous cleaners are listed below, followed by the suggested substitute:
Ammonia-based cleaners -
For surfaces, sprinkle baking soda on a damp sponge.
For windows, use a solution of 30 mL white vinegar to 1 L water. Place the mixture into the spray bottle.
Disinfectants -
Use borax: 1/2 cup in 4L water; deodorizes also.
Drain decloggers -
Use a plunger, metal snake, or remove and clean trap.
Scouring cleaners and powders -
Sprinkle baking soda on a damp sponge or add 50g baking soda to 1L warm water. It's cheaper and won't scratch.
Carpet and Upholstery cleaners -
Sprinkle dry cornstarch or baking soda on, then vacuum. For tougher stains, blot with white vinegar in soapy water.
Toilet cleaners -
Sprinkle on baking soda, then scrub with a toilet brush.
Furniture and floor polishes -
To clean, use oil soap and warm water. Dry with soft cloth. Polish with 1 part lemon juice and 2 parts oil (any kind), or use natural products with lemon oil or beeswax in mineral oil.
Metal cleaners -
Brass and copper: scrub with half lemon dipped in salt.
Stainless steel: use scouring pad and a soft wet cloth.
Oven cleaners -
Quickly sprinkle salt on drips, then scrub. Use baking soda and scouring pads on older spills.
Laundry detergents -
Choose one with a zero phosphate content.
If branded products are more your thing its important to remember that most of the environmentally friendly brands these days are competitively priced, use natural ingredients, clean to the same level as the chemical products and are safer for you, your family and your environment.
The hazardous cleaners are listed below, followed by the suggested substitute:
Ammonia-based cleaners -
For surfaces, sprinkle baking soda on a damp sponge.
For windows, use a solution of 30 mL white vinegar to 1 L water. Place the mixture into the spray bottle.
Disinfectants -
Use borax: 1/2 cup in 4L water; deodorizes also.
Drain decloggers -
Use a plunger, metal snake, or remove and clean trap.
Scouring cleaners and powders -
Sprinkle baking soda on a damp sponge or add 50g baking soda to 1L warm water. It's cheaper and won't scratch.
Carpet and Upholstery cleaners -
Sprinkle dry cornstarch or baking soda on, then vacuum. For tougher stains, blot with white vinegar in soapy water.
Toilet cleaners -
Sprinkle on baking soda, then scrub with a toilet brush.
Furniture and floor polishes -
To clean, use oil soap and warm water. Dry with soft cloth. Polish with 1 part lemon juice and 2 parts oil (any kind), or use natural products with lemon oil or beeswax in mineral oil.
Metal cleaners -
Brass and copper: scrub with half lemon dipped in salt.
Stainless steel: use scouring pad and a soft wet cloth.
Oven cleaners -
Quickly sprinkle salt on drips, then scrub. Use baking soda and scouring pads on older spills.
Laundry detergents -
Choose one with a zero phosphate content.
If branded products are more your thing its important to remember that most of the environmentally friendly brands these days are competitively priced, use natural ingredients, clean to the same level as the chemical products and are safer for you, your family and your environment.
The following recommendations will ensure that your system stays in good condition and provides safe treatment of your wastewater:
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There are a number of do's and don'ts that will help ensure a long life and minimal maintenance for your system. As a general rule, nothing should be disposed into any wastewater system that hasn't first been ingested, other than toilet tissue, mild detergents, and water.
Here are some additional guidelines:
Here are some additional guidelines:
DON'T flush dangerous and damaging substances into your wastewater treatment system.
Specifically, do not flush . . .
DON'T use special additives that are touted to enhance the performance of your tank or system. Additives can cause major damage to other areas in the collection system. The natural microorganisms that grow in your system generate their own enzymes that are sufficient for breaking down and digesting nutrients in the wastewater.
DO collect grease in a container and dispose with your trash. And avoid using garbage disposals excessively. Compost scraps or dispose with your trash, also. Food by-products accelerate the need for septic pumping and increase maintenance.
DO use your trash can to dispose of substances that cause maintenance problems and/or increase the need for septic pumping.
Do not flush the following down the drain . . .
DON'T direct water softener discharge brine into your wastewater system. (The softened WATER is OK, just not the BRINE that's produced during the regeneration cycle.)
DO route the brine around your wastewater system so it discharges directly into the soil. This is a cost-effective solution that ensures the long-term performance of your system and the biological processes that occur inside it. Water softener brine interferes with nitrogen removal. And it degrades treatment by interfering with the settling process inside the tank. Without proper settling, solids, grease, and oils are carried through your system, clogging components.
This increases your costs by...
DO keep lint out of your wastewater treatment system by cleaning the lint filters on your washing machine and dryer before every load. Installing a supplemental lint filter on your washing machine would be a good precautionary measure. (This normally takes just a few minutes. Lint and other such materials can make a big difference in the frequency and cost of pumping out your septic tank/zone.)
DON'T ignore leaky plumbing fixtures; repair them. A leaky toilet can waste up to 7,500L of water in a single day. That's 10-20 times more water than a house-hold's typical daily usage. Leaky plumbing fixtures increase your water bill, waste natural resources, and overload your system.
DON'T use excessive amounts of water. Using 150L per person per day is typical. If your household does not practice any of the "water conserving tips" below, you may be using too much water:
DON'T enter your tank, ever! Gases that can be generated in the tank and/or oxygen depletion can be fatal. It is regarded as a "CONFINED SPACE".
DO keep the tank access lid closed and/or fastened at all times. If the tank lid becomes damaged, BLOCK ACCESS TO THE TANK OPENING IMMEDIATELY AND KEEP CHILDREN AND ANIMALS AWAY until all repairs are made.
DON'T dig without knowing the location of your wastewater system or land application area. As much as possible, plan landscaping and permanent outdoor structures before installation.
DON'T drive over your tank or land application area. If the system is subject to possible traffic, put up a fence or a row of shrubs.
DON'T dump motor home waste into your wastewater system. It will increase the frequency of required septic pumping. When dumped directly into the tank, motor home waste clogs or fouls equipment, causing undue maintenance and repair costs. (Also, some motor home waste may contain chemicals that are toxic or that may retard the biological digestion occurring within the tank.)
DON'T ever connect rain gutters or storm water drains to the sewer, backwash water from swimming pools or spas or allow surface water to drain into it. And don’t discharge hot-bath water into your system. The chemicals will adversely affect the biology in your tank and the additional water will increase costs, reduce the capacity of the collection and treatment systems, and could flood the land application area. It can also wash excess solids through the tank.
IMPORTANT CAUTION!
Only a qualified electrician or authorized installer/agent should work on your control panel or electrical box. Before anyone does any work on either the wiring to the floats and pumps in and out of the tank(s) or the control panel itself, it is imperative to first switch the isolation fuse/breaker and the circuit breakers in the system's electrical box to the "OFF" positions, then switch "OFF" the power to the system at the buildings main electrical box!
DO locate your electrical control panel / box where it will be protected from potential vandalism and have unobstructed access.
DO familiarise yourself with the location of your wastewater system and electrical control panel and any alarm panels or lights.
DO remember that on some systems the audible alarm can be silenced by pushing the mute button located on the box or panel. Hold the button until the alarm goes off. With normal use, many systems have a reserve storage capacity good for about 24 hours. It is always important to call us and let us know that an alarm event has occurred.
DON'T turn off the power to the wastewater system when going on holidays, contact us before switching your system off.
DO make arrangements with us to provide regular servicing and maintenance for your system. Keep our details handy so if there is an alarm event or problem you can contact us immediately.
DO inform new tenants or new owners about the system and please pass on our details.
DO keep a file copy of our service reports and history. This information will be beneficial for future real estate transactions or Council visits.
Specifically, do not flush . . .
- Pharmaceuticals.
- Excessive amounts of bath or body oils.
- Water softener backwash.
- Flammable or toxic products.
- Household cleaners, especially wool wash, floor wax and rug cleaners.
- Chlorine bleach, chlorides, and pool or spa products.
- Pesticides, herbicides, agricultural chemicals, or fertilizers.
DON'T use special additives that are touted to enhance the performance of your tank or system. Additives can cause major damage to other areas in the collection system. The natural microorganisms that grow in your system generate their own enzymes that are sufficient for breaking down and digesting nutrients in the wastewater.
DO collect grease in a container and dispose with your trash. And avoid using garbage disposals excessively. Compost scraps or dispose with your trash, also. Food by-products accelerate the need for septic pumping and increase maintenance.
DO use your trash can to dispose of substances that cause maintenance problems and/or increase the need for septic pumping.
Do not flush the following down the drain . . .
- Egg shells, cantaloupe seeds, gum, coffee grounds.
- Tea bags, chewing tobacco, cigarette butts.
- Condoms, dental floss, sanitary napkins, diapers.
- Paper towels, newspapers, candy wrappers, plastic.
- Rags, large amounts of hair.
- Baby wipes, medicated wipes, cleaning wipes, and wipes made of non-biodegradable material.
DON'T direct water softener discharge brine into your wastewater system. (The softened WATER is OK, just not the BRINE that's produced during the regeneration cycle.)
DO route the brine around your wastewater system so it discharges directly into the soil. This is a cost-effective solution that ensures the long-term performance of your system and the biological processes that occur inside it. Water softener brine interferes with nitrogen removal. And it degrades treatment by interfering with the settling process inside the tank. Without proper settling, solids, grease, and oils are carried through your system, clogging components.
This increases your costs by...
- Requiring the tank to be pumped more often (at hundreds of dollars per pumpout).
- Requiring filters to be cleaned more often.
- Fouling land application areas and other downstream equipment.
DO keep lint out of your wastewater treatment system by cleaning the lint filters on your washing machine and dryer before every load. Installing a supplemental lint filter on your washing machine would be a good precautionary measure. (This normally takes just a few minutes. Lint and other such materials can make a big difference in the frequency and cost of pumping out your septic tank/zone.)
DON'T ignore leaky plumbing fixtures; repair them. A leaky toilet can waste up to 7,500L of water in a single day. That's 10-20 times more water than a house-hold's typical daily usage. Leaky plumbing fixtures increase your water bill, waste natural resources, and overload your system.
DON'T use excessive amounts of water. Using 150L per person per day is typical. If your household does not practice any of the "water conserving tips" below, you may be using too much water:
- Take shorter showers or take baths with a partially filled tub. Be cautious about excessive use of large soaking tubs.
- Don't let water run unnecessarily while brushing teeth or washing hands, food, dishes, etc.
- Wash dishes and clothes when you have a full load.
- When possible, avoid doing several loads in one day.
- Use water-saving devices on faucets and shower heads.
- When replacing old toilets, buy dual-low-flush models.
DON'T enter your tank, ever! Gases that can be generated in the tank and/or oxygen depletion can be fatal. It is regarded as a "CONFINED SPACE".
DO keep the tank access lid closed and/or fastened at all times. If the tank lid becomes damaged, BLOCK ACCESS TO THE TANK OPENING IMMEDIATELY AND KEEP CHILDREN AND ANIMALS AWAY until all repairs are made.
DON'T dig without knowing the location of your wastewater system or land application area. As much as possible, plan landscaping and permanent outdoor structures before installation.
DON'T drive over your tank or land application area. If the system is subject to possible traffic, put up a fence or a row of shrubs.
DON'T dump motor home waste into your wastewater system. It will increase the frequency of required septic pumping. When dumped directly into the tank, motor home waste clogs or fouls equipment, causing undue maintenance and repair costs. (Also, some motor home waste may contain chemicals that are toxic or that may retard the biological digestion occurring within the tank.)
DON'T ever connect rain gutters or storm water drains to the sewer, backwash water from swimming pools or spas or allow surface water to drain into it. And don’t discharge hot-bath water into your system. The chemicals will adversely affect the biology in your tank and the additional water will increase costs, reduce the capacity of the collection and treatment systems, and could flood the land application area. It can also wash excess solids through the tank.
IMPORTANT CAUTION!
Only a qualified electrician or authorized installer/agent should work on your control panel or electrical box. Before anyone does any work on either the wiring to the floats and pumps in and out of the tank(s) or the control panel itself, it is imperative to first switch the isolation fuse/breaker and the circuit breakers in the system's electrical box to the "OFF" positions, then switch "OFF" the power to the system at the buildings main electrical box!
DO locate your electrical control panel / box where it will be protected from potential vandalism and have unobstructed access.
DO familiarise yourself with the location of your wastewater system and electrical control panel and any alarm panels or lights.
DO remember that on some systems the audible alarm can be silenced by pushing the mute button located on the box or panel. Hold the button until the alarm goes off. With normal use, many systems have a reserve storage capacity good for about 24 hours. It is always important to call us and let us know that an alarm event has occurred.
DON'T turn off the power to the wastewater system when going on holidays, contact us before switching your system off.
DO make arrangements with us to provide regular servicing and maintenance for your system. Keep our details handy so if there is an alarm event or problem you can contact us immediately.
DO inform new tenants or new owners about the system and please pass on our details.
DO keep a file copy of our service reports and history. This information will be beneficial for future real estate transactions or Council visits.
If you have any questions or would like to get the ball rolling simply use the quick links below.
