We are regularly asked about the process required to install a new ‘septic’ system, however, what the homeowner is actually asking for is a house sewerage treatment plant. 

House sewerage treatment plants have been manufactured and installed in Australia for over 40 years, however, a bit like everyone refers to searching on the internet as “Googling” even if they are using Bing or Safari, most Australians think that any onsite sewage processing is done in a septic tank.

So what exactly is the difference between a septic system, and a house sewage treatment plant? 

A septic system uses gravity to separate solid and liquid waste, the solids sink to the bottom of the tank and the liquids are then dispersed via drainage fields underground within your yard. As the solids build up, you will be required to have your tank pumped out (generally this is required between 2-5 years for most systems and is dependent on use). Septic tanks don’t usually require any electricity, and they only treat your waste to a “primary” level using anaerobic bacteria, so it is only able to be disposed via underground drainage fields, and cannot be used to water your lawns or dispersed into or near a watercourse.

A house sewage treatment plant is essentially a more sophisticated septic tank. It uses electricity and simple mechanical components to introduce aerobic bacteria, or aeration using blowers (or a combination of these two) to break down your waste water to make it safe for above ground discharge and/or discharge within the vicinity of a watercourse. This allows you to recycle your wastewater and use it to water your garden, making it a great alternative if you are reliant on limited water resources (as we often are in Australia). 

While we always undertake a thorough assessment for each installation, we find that in the majority of cases, our recommendation for both the most cost effective and preferable solution for the homeowner is to install a house sewage treatment plant. 

If you are currently requiring a house sewage treatment solution for either a new build, or you have an ageing septic system that you would like checked and to discuss what your options are moving forward, please don’t hesitate to give us a call on 0439 648 390.