FAQs

The cost of servicing commercial systems will depend on the type, size, location and other special requirements, please contact SSA to discuss specific requirements.

Yes. SSA specialises in the installation of commercial systems of all sizes. Please contact SSA to discuss your requirements now!

Some materials simply MUST NOT enter your system, as they will kill off the good bugs that digest the organic matter in the wastewater of your treatment system. These include:

• Bleaching agents
• Antibacterial products and unused medicines^
• Paint, petroleum products or other solvents, strong alkaline and acid
• Storm water from downpipes or rainwater tank overflows
• Backwash water from pools, spa pools or water softeners
• Solid materials such as paper, plastic, sanitary napkins, tampons, condoms, nappies or baby wipes
• Food scraps, fats and oils
• Insecticides, herbicides, pesticides
• Trade waste from commercial or industrial premises

^ Some strong medications, such as blood pressure tablets, chemotherapy and antibiotics, can destroy the natural processes of a wastewater treatment system. These systems may require more regular pump outs and/or maintenance.

If any of the materials listed above enter your system, please contact SSA for advice on what action you may be required to take.

All modern wastewater treatment systems are designed to treat both the grey and black water from your home or business.

To enhance the performance of your system, to maximise its service life and to save money on repairs, please find a guide below on how to best care for your system.

• Ensure your system is properly maintained with regular servicing and pump outs
• Use all cleaning products in moderation
• Use cleaning products that are labelled as ‘biodegradable’ or ‘septic-safe’
• Use low-phosphorus or phosphorus-free detergents. Phosphorus is a major pollutant of waterways and contributes to the growth of algal blooms.
• Use natural or alternative cleaners such as bicarbonate of soda, pure soap, borax, vinegar, lemon juice, cloudy ammonia, where possible
• Use biodegradable toilet paper
• Minimise your water usage as much as possible
• Avoid shock loads of wastewater entering your system (e.g. several loads of washing in quick succession or a large number of people at a party)
• Clean your irrigation filter (if applicable) each fortnight
• Ensure your system is serviced regularly (every 3 months for homes and most businesses)
• Ensure you system is pumped out regularly (typically every 3 years for most homes and each business will have different pump out requirements).

If you are unsure, call SSA now on 1800 800 333.

Details on the general performance of the system; and Recommendations on what the home owner can do to improve the function of the system, including pump out/desludge requirements. What do I need to do in between services to care for my system? There are important things you MUST do to care for your system in between services. These include:

• Clean your irrigation filter (as per manufacturer’s recommendations): This ensures the system is able to discharge the effluent to your irrigation system. It also prolongs the life of your submersible pump.
• Be careful about what household cleaning products you use as these can really affect the performance of your system. For more information, refer to the following questions.

There are three key reasons why your wastewater treatment plant requires regular servicing:

1. All wastewater treatment systems are expensive assets. Regular servicing helps protect your asset and reduce the severity of system faults and the cost of repairs.
2. Regular servicing helps to protect the health of you, your people and the local waterways.
3. State and local government regulations demand that all AWTS are serviced quarterly by an accredited service technician

SSA specialises in the repairs and maintenance of all types of residential and commercial wastewater treatment systems.

If you septic system is working properly it shouldn’t have foul odours.

For correct functioning, wastewater treatment systems need to operate under alkaline conditions. Some factors which can cause acid conditions and odour problems include:

• Excessive use of cleaning products
• Use of the wrong type of cleaning chemicals
• Shock volumes of incoming water (e.g. from several loads of washing in quick succession or a large number of people at a party)
• Lack of use of the system while the house has been vacant (e.g. unused holiday homes)

The normal (good) bacteria may die off under acidic conditions resulting in offensive odours.

Please contact SSA if you are experiencing bad odours.

Yes! SSA can be contacted, and can attend to emergency call outs, 24/7, seven days a week.

If you have an emergency, call SSA on 1800 800 333.