Septic Tanks
Septic Tanks
If your property is either not connected to a Council sewerage scheme or is in a community where Council has no such system, you will have an on-site wastewater system. There are a number of different systems available and the type of system you needs depends on a number of factors.
If you need to install or replace an on-site wastewater disposal system, you will need to engage a suitably qualified person (on the Approved TP58 writers list) to write such a report that determines what system will be used based on the site, size of disposal area available, soil category and a number of other factors. A copy of the Approved TP8 Writers List and the Design On-Site Effluent Disposal Systems TP58 form are available from the forms and pamphlets list under Building Consents.
The prices of both setup and on-going maintenance costs will vary between different systems.
Once the system has been in and operational, Councils’ On-site Wastewater Disposal Bylaw will apply.
Why do we have to clean septic tanks every three years?
This is the time frame that is recommended in publications by both Australia/NZ Standards and The Auckland Regional Council Technical Publication 58 (TP58). There is also a proposal from the Ministry of Environment to introduce a similar rule nationwide.
How do you deal with aerated systems or hotel/motels etc?
These systems are recorded in the Councils database. Aerated systems will also have maintenance agreements which indicate when they should be emptied. If they have certified differing maintenance frequencies, this will be dealt with on a case by case basis.
What evidence do you have that there is a problem?
Sanitary surveys have shown that badly maintained on-site effluent systems are causing a problem.
Is it a problem in rural areas where there is ample land for disposal?
Yes. There are identified problems in the rural areas, and although it is often quoted that the property is large in size, all septic tanks are usually within a few meters of the house.
Why should I clean as often as someone with more people in a house?
All on-site disposal publications agree that irrespective of the occupancy of a dwelling, no two types of occupancy will result in similar maintenance needs. The way the systems are used differs from property to property but the Council has adopted a period which will cover most households.
Why not just sort out the irresponsible people that are polluting?
Unless individual properties are assessed (as part of the maintenance program) we would be unable to identify the irresponsible from the responsible until a pollution problem has been identified. The purpose of the bylaw is protect the health of the public and the environment by taking a proactive management approach. For further information please contact us.
What are my responsibilities?
Every property owner with a wastewater disposal system must ensure the system operates to a safe and satisfactory standard. Nuisances such as offensive odours, wastewater seepage and other forms of environmental pollution caused by system failure must be stopped. It is the responsibility of the owner to upgrade or replace the system and ensure the nuisance stops.
Where should a septic tank be located?
Your septic tank should be located, as high in the ground as possible, or a manhole should be provided to bring it up to the surface. This eliminates ground water getting into the septic tank and also makes pump-outs easier.
Do I need to maintain my septic tank?
New hi-tech wastewater disposal systems should have an annual maintenance agreement with the supplier. This ensures the system operates efficiently and is serviced regularly. Council recommends installing an wastewater filter in the septic tank to prevent solids moving into the disposal field and causing blockages. Regular checks of the septic tank system should be undertaken to ensure the system is in good working order, and to identify problems.
How do I know if something is wrong with my septic tank?
Wastewater systems generally give warning that they are about to breakdown or fail completely. Tell-tale signs that your system needs attention include:
- Effluent or wastewater on the ground around the septic tank and disposal field area.
- Strong odour coming from the septic tank or disposal field.
- Slow running drains or toilets.
What do I do if any of the telltale warning signs occur?
Seek advice and engage a drain layer or consulting engineer who is familiar with septic tanks to give advice. This will be at the home owners expense.
Septic Tank Contractors
| Septic Tank Contractor | Contact Person | Contact Number | Areas Serviced |
| Speedy Septic Tank | Wayne Henwood | 09 405 0418 | All of Far North District and Whangarei |
| E Court Septic Tank Cleaning Services | Edward Taki Court | 09 401 1276 | Kawakawa, Karetu, Taumarere, Moerewa, Otiria, Pokapu, Matawaia, Tautoro, Awarua, Picadilly Road, Te Iringa, Mataraua, Waimate Nui Area, Waimate North, Te Ahuahu, Ohaeawai, Ngawha, Ngawha Springs, Okaihau, Umawera, Horeke, Utakura Valley, Rahiri |
| BOI Septic Tank Cleaners | Simon Taylor | 0274991123 or 09-4037730 | Russell-Jacks Bay, Dick's Bay,Parekura Bay, Te Uenga Bay,Rawhiti,Taupiri,Bland Bay,Ngaiotonga,Waikare Valley, Karetu,Kawakawa,Taumere,Moerewa,Maromaku,Motatau, Towai,Waikino,Opua,Paihia,Puketona,Waitangi,Haruru Falls,Ohaeawai,Waimate North |
| Allens Septic Tank Cleaning Service | Graham Cumming | 09 407 8137 | Kerikeri, Matauri/Te Ngaere, Puketona, Paihia, Kawakawa, Moerewa, Okaihau, Kaikohe, Ohaeawai |
| Northland Septic Tank Services Ltd | Stuart & Rachel Guthrie | 0800 763 559 or 09-405 3033 | Kerikeri, Waipapa, Okaihau, Moerewa, Ohaeawai, Kawakawa, Kaikohe, Paihia, Kohukohu |
| Reihana Paniora Sewerage Contractor | Reihana Paniora | 09 405 4899 | South Hokianga, Waipoua, Katuea |
| Ahipara Septic Tank Cleaners | G Butler | 09 409 4739 | Service from Hihi,Kohukohu, Rangipoint,Panguru,Pawarenga,Mitimiti and all North to the Cape |
| Steve's Take Aways - Septic Tank Cleaning | Steve Webster | 0274 570399 or 0800 000306 | All of Far North District |
| STY LTD | Michael Young | 021 1268725 or 09-4067107 | From the Cape to Kohukohu, Rawene, Panguru, Mitimiti, Herekino, Pawarenga, Taipa, East Coast, Hihi, Ahipara |
| Suckit Limited | Michelle Shepherd | 09 408- 0154 | All of Far North District and Whangarei |
| Rossmore Tanks Ltd | Steve & Karla Tyler-Whiteman | 09-4337113 | Towai/ Hikurangi Area |
Page created/updated: 5 October 2009 at 3:58 pm
