Choosing the right septic tank system for your rural home is crucial, as it depends on factors like household size, land area, soil types, and environmental regulations.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the basics of selecting a system that fits your needs. Remember, septic systems must be designed and specified by a qualified professional and approved by your local council before installation—this is not a DIY project.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Septic Tank System
There are many factors to consider before selecting a septic tank system, these include:
Number of bedrooms
Size of your property
Soil drainage and topography of your land and
Proximity to sensitive areas
Smaller properties often require a higher level of approval and in turn a higher level of treatment can be required, such as secondary treatment which can be achieved with our ABS2000 . No matter what size your property, one of the main factors contributing to system choice is soil type and drainage. Clay soils common around New Zealand require a higher level of treatment and a larger drainage area.
It is best to approach this decision with an open mind, in most instances what people want is not what is suitable, or compliant for the site. It is unlikely you will get the cheap, power free system that takes up no space that you hope for.
Speaking to a qualified and experienced onsite wastewater designer early on in your project will give you a good idea of what is required and how much room it will need.
Material, Size and Design Considerations
Septic systems are commonly constructed from concrete or plastic. Each material has its pros and cons so it is not fair to say that one is better than the other.
We manufacture concrete septic systems including our ABS2000 and B52 which are great for strength, durability and often more cost effective than plastic. It is also suitable for areas with high groundwater as concrete is less likely to ‘float’. If site access is an issue such as steep hill sites then a lightweight plastic system could be a better choice and we have options for those as well like the Taylex Poly ABS.
The Importance of Septic Tank Size
The size of the required system is mostly influenced by the number of bedrooms. It is important to point out that septic system designs must be based on maximum potential occupancy, not your current occupancy. This accounts for ownership changes, guests coming to stay and functions like hosting the whole family for Christmas. In short, more bedrooms mean a bigger system is needed.
Be mindful of gyms, offices, libraries etc. as irrespective of the name, if it looks like a bedroom and could be used as a bedroom then it must be considered in the design.
This is important because your septic system needs to be able to handle both the blackwater (toilets) and greywater (showers, washing machines etc.) from your home which is normally in the range of 1000-1600 litres per day.
All-in-One Systems for Most Homes
Our ‘all in one’ single tank systems are suitable for homes with up to 5 bedrooms. Larger homes or multiple dwellings will require a larger system or in some cases 2 or more separate systems.
Make an Informed Decision: Speak to an Expert
When planning your septic tank installation, it’s vital to speak to a professional in the early stages of your project to avoid delays and unexpected costs. Getting a good understanding on what is required will help you integrate your septic system into your property in the best way possible.
There is a lot to consider with a new onsite wastewater system and some of the rules, industry jargon, and requirements can be very confusing. That’s where we can help! We’ve been doing this for a long time and we know the ins and outs.
Get in touch for free, no obligation advice on your project and see how we can help you sort this very important part of your property.
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