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Maintaining a septic system is essential for optimal performance, long lifespan, and meeting local council requirements. Septic systems in New Zealand now include modern components like pumps and air blowers, which improve treatment quality , benefiting both the environment and public health. Unlike older gravity systems, newer systems are designed to meet stringent wastewater standards, making regular maintenance critical for both homeowners and the environment. Why Septic System Maintenance is Essential Modern septic systems are more advanced than older styles, incorporating pumps, air blowers, and other technology to enhance wastewater treatment. This shift results from advancements in environmental standards and treatment technology, which enable more effective treatment and disposal of waste. Regular maintenance is vital to ensure these systems perform at their best, especially as councils in New Zealand increasingly require compliant and eco-friendly systems. Regular Maintenance Schedule for Septic Systems Just as cars need regular servicing to avoid breakdowns, septic systems require periodic maintenance to prevent costly repairs. Ignoring scheduled servicing impacts system reliability and longevity and repair is more costly than prevention. Maintenance intervals depend on factors like system type, manufacturer recommendations, and council requirements. Aerated Systems Systems like the ABS Range  should be serviced every 6 months. Septic Tanks Primary treatment systems like the B52 Septic  system need servicing every 12 months. Check your consent wording or contact your system supplier if you are unsure of the servicing requirements for your system. Pump Outs vs. Regular Servicing Servicing and pump outs are different things. A service keeps your system running as it should whereas a pump out removes accumulated solids from your system. Pump outs are typically required every 3-5 years but this can be longer depending on how much use the system gets and your lifestyle and cooking habits. Your service technician will normally notify you when a pump out is required. Septic System Costs in NZ In addition to ongoing maintenance, it’s helpful to understand the broader costs associated with septic systems in New Zealand. While initial septic system costs in NZ vary depending on the type and size of the system, maintenance is an ongoing expense that protects this investment. Service technicians can provide pricing based on the specific needs of your system, though unexpected repairs or part replacements may incur extra charges. While costs vary based on system type and location, regular servicing offers benefits like compliance with council standards, longer system life, and performance feedback. For context, households on town sewer systems pay significant rates yearly for similar upkeep, often offsetting private maintenance costs. Best Practices for Septic System Care How you use your septic system directly affects its performance and reliability. Our Owners Manual  has some great advice on this topic but here are some essential tips for system care: Avoid flushing inappropriate items Items like sanitary products and wet wipes clog the system and are challenging to remove. Choose cleaning products carefully Anti-bacterial cleaners can kill the beneficial bacteria essential for processing wastewater. Control water usage Excess water can overload the system. Spread out laundry loads throughout the week rather than concentrating them on weekends. By following these best practices, homeowners can improve their system’s reliability and reduce the risk of expensive repairs. Preventing Repairs Through Effective Maintenance Proper maintenance at the recommended intervals helps prevent common issues that lead to costly repairs. Technicians conduct checks and adjustments to optimise system settings, which can enhance wastewater processing and reduce odours. Here are a few key maintenance actions: Filter Cleaning:   Regular cleaning of all system filters, including the outlet filter, prevents backups and reduces pump strain, prolonging pump life. Pumps aren’t cheap so the longer you can make yours last the better for your bank balance. Field Flushing:  Particularly important for systems especially with driplines, this process removes biofilm buildup, preventing blockages and ensuring even distribution of the wastewater. Regular maintenance is key to keeping septic systems in New Zealand compliant, efficient, and cost-effective. By following recommended servicing schedules, adhering to best practices, and understanding the associated costs, homeowners can make informed choices to preserve the health and functionality of their septic systems. Austin Bluewater has a team of trained service technicians available to service our systems in the Canterbury area, we also stock a range of replacement parts should anything go wrong. For other areas, we can usually recommend a good service agent or speak to your installer about this service. If you need advice or support with your project, feel free to contact our experienced team.

When it comes to managing onsite wastewater systems, New Zealand has clear and strict regulations that homeowners and builders must adhere to. From gaining council approval to maintaining compliance, understanding the requirements can feel overwhelming. This blog aims to break down the basics of septic system regulations and provide guidance on permits, compliance, and ongoing responsibilities to keep your system in good standing. The Approval Process: Permits and Inspections Before installing a septic system, council approval is mandatory. Approval requirements vary by site and build, typically needing local council approval, but jobs outside standard rules may also require regional council resource consent. Here's what you need to know: Start Early with a Designer Engage a qualified onsite wastewater system designer early in your project. They’ll help you choose the right system, determine its location, and prepare a PS1 (producer statement) for your design. This document is required for your building consent application. Allow enough time for this process, especially if you also need a resource consent. Timing of Installation Septic systems are typically installed toward the end of a build to prevent accidental damage to the tank or field and ensure alignment with the house’s drainage system. There are some instances where the system needs to be installed first, this is common where the house will block access to the tank location. Post-Installation Steps After installation, the drainlayer will provide a PS3 (producer statement for construction) and ‘as built’ drawings. These must match the approved PS1 design to receive your Code Compliance Certificate (CCC). Additionally, a building inspector may inspect the system to ensure it was installed as planned. Activating Resource Consent If your project required a resource consent, notify your regional council when the system becomes operational. Compliance Requirements for Septic Systems Operating a septic system comes with ongoing responsibilities to meet legal standards. These requirements depend on whether you hold a resource consent or are operating under council-permitted activity rules. Understanding Your Responsibilities Resource consents come with specific conditions, and your PS1 design often incorporates council regulations. Additionally, manufacturers provide advice and warranty requirements to follow. If you're new to these systems, it can feel overwhelming. If you're unsure, reach out to your designer or system supplier—they're usually more than happy to guide you through the requirements. Routine Servicing and Maintenance Regular servicing is crucial to ensure your system operates efficiently and remains compliant. Service intervals vary based on system type: Aerated systems: Every 6 months Septic tanks: Every 12 months Your consent conditions will state the required service intervals and it is important to adhere to these to avoid becoming in breach of your discharge consent. Maintaining Legal Compliance Keeping your system compliant is usually a simple task, routine servicing and fixing any issues in a timely manner will generally keep things on track. Monitor Warning Signs Watch for issues like odours or ponding, and address them promptly. A reliable service agent will help identify and resolve problems before they escalate. Account for Property Changes Your system is designed to handle a specific number of bedrooms or a maximum daily flow rate. Adding rooms or buildings—even unconsented ones—could overload your system’s capacity and breach your conditions. Always check before making significant property changes. Ongoing Maintenance Routine servicing and timely repairs are essential to avoid compliance issues. Early intervention can prevent minor issues from turning into major problems. Partner with Experts Navigating septic system regulations doesn’t have to be stressful. At Austin Bluewater, we specialise in everything from system design to servicing. If you need advice or support with your project, feel free to contact our experienced team.

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.

Most rural properties and many small townships in NZ rely on onsite treatment for their wastewater where no council connection is available. Approximately 18% of NZ’s population relies on this method. Onsite treatment, or septic tanks as they are more commonly known, come in many different forms with a varying level of technology. Over time, both technology and regulations have evolved so a brand-new system could be very different to what you may have had growing up. A general guide to septic systems in NZ Most people don’t give much thought to wastewater and leave it to the last minute, or give it no thought at all and only realise it is needed when council return the building consent. We understand it’s not the most exciting topic but it is essential to being able to live comfortably on your property All new and replacement septic systems must comply with AS/NZS1547:2012 and be approved by local and/or regional councils before being installed. Different councils have differing rules and expectations for these systems so it important to work with a professional who understands the local rules and requirements. The soil and site characteristics of your property play a large part in the type of system that can be installed. Poorly draining clay soils require a higher level of treatment and a larger outfield area, this is to avoid over-saturating the ground. A well-drained site can offer more options but any system must still comply with local regulations. Expectation vs reality: We’ve lost count of how many times we are asked for something that takes up no space, uses no power, doesn’t require servicing, is cheap and can be delivered yesterday. To avoid falling into this trap, do your homework early on and engage a designer so you can work your wastewater system in with the rest of your property layout. It doesn’t always have to be a burden, a well-designed system can have benefits like free irrigation to planted areas. How do septic systems work? Systems can be thought of in two halves, the treatment tank and the drainage area (also commonly known as a field drain, driplines, sand trench, outfield among other terms). Most of the treatment happens in the tank but there is also some treatment that occurs in the ground afterwards. Wastewater from the house drains should fall by gravity into the treatment tank so the tank is usually located near the dwelling, but most modern systems feature a pump so the discharge field can be placed further away. The pump also allows for even distribution over the entire field resulting in an increased field service life. Generally speaking, most systems fall into either primary or secondary treatment categories. Primary systems like our B52 utilise the age old settling principle of allowing solids to fall to the bottom and fats and oils to float to the top leaving a clear section in the middle which is then taken for dispersal to land. Modern systems commonly include filters and pumps to increase performance. These systems require well drained soil and an engineered disposal area. It is worth noting that this level of treatment is not always considered enough for some regions and councils. Secondary treatment such as our ABS2000 begins in the same way as primary but then adds an aerobic stage where air is introduced into the system. This allows the formation of aerobic bacteria which treats the wastewater to a much higher standard. Most secondary systems also include some recirculation within the tank which reduces total nitrogen, further reducing the impact on the receiving environment. The importance of septic systems for rural homes Aside from the obvious need to dispose wastewater, councils will want to see a detailed plan for wastewater before granting consent to build. Engaging a wastewater professional early in your project will save a lot of stress and surprises later on. A properly designed, installed and maintained wastewater system will reduce the risk of illness, contamination, ponding and last but not least: the risk of compliance action! Environmental benefits of proper septic system management The importance of ongoing maintenance and servicing cannot be understated. There are of course the regulatory requirements to do so but there are many benefits to gain from these services. Think of it like getting your car serviced, it will increase service life, detect any issues and keep things running as the should be.  Rural properties do not pay a wastewater rate to their council when this service is not provided, this saving can be put to good use by engaging a service contractor. A well maintained system reduces the risk of overflow, premature component failure, poorly treated effluent and the associated risks to groundwater, waterways and human health. Well designed and maintained systems may also be beneficial to the environment by providing irrigation and nutrients to planted areas. Onsite wastewater treatment can be a daunting process, feel free to reach out to us for help and advice on your new project. As a company that designs, manufactures, manages installation and provides a commissioning, servicing and callout service we are well placed to answer your questions.

Planning on living the dream in a tiny home on a rural block? Many lifestyle block owners with tiny homes face a big question: septic systems. Can you piggyback off an existing system, or do you need a whole new setup? For temporary tiny homes, finding the most affordable and hassle-free option can be tricky. Luckily, there are several efficient and eco-friendly wastewater solutions suitable for tiny homes that can help you maintain your minimalist lifestyle without compromising on functionality. Why a Tiny Home Might Need its Own Septic System Wanting to live large in a tiny home? Fantastic! But before you settle in completely, there's one crucial piece to consider: your wastewater system. Just like a granny flat or secondary dwelling, your tiny home needs a proper way to handle, well, the not-so-glamorous stuff. After all, comfort and convenience are key parts of the tiny home dream, and that includes a wastewater system that works seamlessly. Your existing septic system may be working fine, but it can only handle so much. Adding your tiny home's wastewater to the mix might be too much for it to tackle. This can lead to backups, sluggish drains, and a hefty repair bill. Don't assume your existing system can accommodate another dwelling. Talk to a professional to see if it can handle the extra load. They can help you avoid a messy situation (literally) down the line! What to Consider When Installing a Tiny Home Septic System Living in the country gives you the freedom to design your dream lifestyle, but when it comes to wastewater, there are a few options to consider:  Composting toilets take some dedication and shovelling and might not be right for you.  Greywater systems need regular filter cleaning to keep working smoothly. Also contrary to popular belief, most councils have strict rules around greywater so in most instances it can’t be used to water your veggie garden.  Lastly, holding tanks, well, let's just say they can be a pain (and an expense) to empty regularly.  A proper all waste septic system can save time and money in the long run and allow you to enjoy your new lifestyle. And here's the thing many people miss: any changes to your wastewater system, new or existing, also needs council consent. How to Choose a Septic System for your Tiny Home When it comes to septic systems, the real question isn't how many showers or toilets you have, but how many people might be using them in a day. We often get asked for our ‘smallest system’ for tiny homes but it’s important to size the system correctly and to many (but not all) extents, bigger is often better. Why? Flow is calculated by the ‘potential’ number of occupants, not the number of fixtures. Even if you live alone, having a two-bedroom tiny home means it needs a system sized for potential guests.  Thinking about hooking your new tiny home up to your existing septic system? It might be an option, but there's some detective work to do first. We can help you assess if your current tank can handle the extra load, or if a brand new system is the better choice. Here's what we'll consider: Fall. Is there enough natural downhill flow from your tiny home to reach the existing septic tank? If not, a pump station might be needed (and that's not necessarily a cheap option!). Current state. Age and condition matter. An older system might not be up to the task, or might not even meet today's standards. Compliance. Upgrading or adding to your septic system usually requires council approval. We can help you navigate that too! Upgrading your existing system could be cost-effective, but sometimes a brand new system might be a better long-term solution. Either way, we'll help you find the most suitable option for your tiny home dream! The Importance of a consultation  Choosing a septic system for your tiny home can feel like deciphering a secret code. There are regulations and practicalities to consider, the environment to think about, and even some biological factors at play. Let's face it, your wastewater system isn't exactly dinner party conversation, but it's important to get it right! That's where we come in. We've been navigating the world of septic systems for years, and because we're qualified onsite wastewater management system designers, we can give you all the expert advice you need for your specific project, ensuring your tiny home dream doesn't turn into a plumbing nightmare. Don't let confusion turn into costly fines and messy remediation! Here's the good news: getting our expert advice beforehand is completely free. Why take a gamble? Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your tiny home septic needs.