For rural landowners needing to manage wastewater on their properties, septic tanks play an important role in ensuring the safe and efficient disposal of animal or human sewage. Regardless of whether you’re a private landowner, or managing public infrastructure for remote public access areas, high performance wastewater management is important.

When choosing a septic tank, you’ll want reassurance you are purchasing a durable, long lasting solution. A septic tank will need to withstand the rigours of natural weather events, be easy to maintain and safely installed in line with your local council regulations. This guide to concrete septic tanks will consider types of septic tanks, key features to consider and correct installation of your next septic tank purchase.   

Points to consider for your next septic tank purchase

If you’re unable to connect to your local sewerage system due to your location or inaccessibility, an onsite sewage system makes sense. A registered plumber can advise on design and size, and manage installation in line with your local council regulations. They should also be able to advise on ongoing maintenance which is crucial to your septic tank running at its best. 

• Size is important as it needs to be large enough for your needs (now and in the future) and not at risk of overflowing.
• Maintenance is important for ensuring the performance and longevity of your septic tank.
• The material the septic tank is made from is crucial to consider in the natural habitat of the tank, risks of natural weather events, and longevity expectations.

Installing a septic system

You may be replacing an old sewage system or adding a new septic tank to your property. Here are some key factors to consider when choosing your septic system.

1. Research your local council septic system regulations

Every New Zealand local and regional council has regulations on installing and maintaining onsite septic systems. Check your local council website for details on permits, building consents, clearance and safety inspections required. Building Code compliance is important for on-site sewage systems.

Regional councils have rules on the discharge of effluents, the treatment of wastewater with ozone or filtration methods, to ensure the safety of the surrounding soakage treatment area. This is important to understand in your initial planning phase.

2. Ground evaluation

Councils are likely to request a land and soil evaluation to understand the type of septic system you need for your unique environment. You may need to pay for a soil analysis report so that the council can help you determine tank placement, where the treated waste will be released and the size needed for your soakage area.

3. Septic tank location

Hilly areas and vegetation can be problematic for septic tank placement. The tanks themselves, plus their external pipes and leach fields need to be considered in the location.

Established trees can be an issue in the future if roots disrupt the tank or pipes, so landscaping advice is recommended as part of your overall project plan. 

4. Types of septic systems 

Pre-cast concrete septic tanks are the obvious choice for many landowners, over plastic, steel or fibreglass systems. Key benefits over other septic tank types include reliability, durability and cost effectiveness, with no ongoing operational costs. More on this below.

Size is also an important factor - your needs now, and in the future. If you are planning on selling your property in the near future, don’t let the size of your septic tank be the deal breaker.

5. Septic system costs

You’ll need to budget for the septic tank itself, plus engineer fees, council permit and consent fees, inspection fees and the cost of the initial installation. You may also want to price up the cost of ongoing maintenance and inspections.

If you are replacing an old septic tank, we recommend you get a quote for removal and ethical disposal and include this in your costs.

6. Septic tank maintenance

Periodic maintenance will be required. Your tank manufacturer or installer will be able to advise, and your local council may have regulations around this too.

Benefits of Concrete Septic Tanks

We believe that in most natural environments, pre-cast concrete septic tanks are often the best choice in sewage systems.

1. Durability and Longevity

Concrete is known for its robust long lasting properties. In environments where a septic tank and its pipes are exposed to the elements - wind, rain or sun, concrete is the obvious choice. High seismic activity areas are also a good choice for concrete septic tanks

2. Resistance to external forces of nature

Tree roots can be hugely damaging to infrastructure, but a concrete septic tank reduces this risk significantly. Ground movement risks from seismic activity or flooding and slips can be reduced with a pre-cast concrete septic tank solution.

3. Low Maintenance tanks

Concrete is less susceptible to deterioration, therefore generally needs less maintenance, inspections and repairs than other types of sewage systems.

4. Environmental Sustainability

Concrete is made from natural resources, and contributes to sustainable wastewater management planning. Its long lasting attributes mean landholders won’t need to replace their sewage systems as often as other types of septic tanks. 

5. Odour control

Concrete density helps to contain and minimise sewage odours that naturally occur as part of the wastewater treatment process. This is helpful for locations close to roadways, or publically accessible locations.

Concrete septic tanks can certainly offer private and public landholders a wide ranging array of benefits compared to other types of sewage solutions. Their durability and low maintenance are key reasons why our customers purchase from our range of pre-cast concrete septic tank solutions.

Importantly, the high performance of concrete septic tanks ensures that your environmental responsibilities are taken care of. They are a reliable and efficient choice for sustainable wastewater management.

Get in touch today to chat about your unique wastewater requirements.