Septic System Servicing & Improvements in Victoria

A type 1 septic tank system is one where the sewage flows out from the house to a septic tank. It gets retained in the tank where all treatment takes place as far as separation and some anaerobic bacterial action. And from there it flows out to a distribution box that flows out to the field lines or it flows from the septic tank into a pump chamber where it is pumped up to a different level location for the disposal field itself. It can be pumped into a distribution box and then flow from there out, or it can be pumped up into a pressure distribution system which is the more common system being installed.

Septic disposal systems generally require assessing under conditions where the homeowner has found effluent surfacing taking place in the septic disposal areas or there is a sewage backup in the house. By observing the tank operating levels, we can discover whether the problem is between the house and the septic tank, in the tank itself or between the outlet of the tank and the disposal field itself.
Routine maintenance usually involves septic tank pumping, confirming the integrity of the tank and that the system is operating at normal levels. Access riser lids to the surface are a very necessary requirement for proper tank maintenance and servicing and allow for quick assessment and resolution of the problem.
If an inspection reveals the disposal field itself is the source of a problem, it would prompt a septic disposal field investigation. This involves exposing the distribution system and an investigation of the dispersal lines themselves. It is common to find broken lines, roots, sediment or sludge buildup that will require possible flushing, pumping and rebalancing for restoring the system to normal operating levels.
It is common to find disposal systems that require some minor field repairs usually involving repairs to tank outlet, inlet, or separations within the tank itself. In the disposal field there are replacements of distribution boxes, broken pipe, or tiles and the like. There are many things that need to be investigated before an upgrade or complete renewal cost is considered.

It has taken many years of hands-on experience and training to develop the methods our investigation technicians use and no one will be more considerate of your cost.
If a septic system upgrade is required, this involves having a Registered Onsite Wastewater Practitioner (ROWP) perform a service assessment of the disposal requirements and areas available for disposal. This would involve investigation of the property and soil conditions including a percolation test of the soil. If we have been involved in the malfunction investigation process, much of the required work will have already been done removing any duplication of cost.
Often a new design and installation will be called for when a renovation is considered and may impact the disposal area or increase the design flows. After a thorough investigation of the site is completed, a ROWP tech can design a new disposal system for the property that would comply with the new regulations based on the size of the property, size of the house, the number of bedrooms and the permeability of the soil.
Every septic disposal system should have a scheduled preventative maintenance program. In an older-style flow through system, the only regulated maintenance requirement is having the tank pumped out every 3 to 5 years, although more maintenance may be recommended to extend the life of the disposal system. Recommending that the field disposal pipe work be cleaned and the distribution system rebalanced is common. In a pumped distribution system, the pump operation would also require servicing.

Proper tank inspection on a regular basis will extend the life of your disposal field greatly. Tanks with filters will need to be inspected on at least a yearly basis.