What the heck is a wastewater service anyway?
Like dental appointments, car services and mole checks, it’s really important that you regularly service your wastewater system. With all of these things, it can be tempting to ignore them because they’re out of sight/out of mind… but the problem is you don’t know what is festering beneath the surface, until it becomes a problem. The longer you leave it, the bigger the potential problem!
Here are the answers to a few commonly asked questions about wastewater treatment services:
Why do I need to do it?
Have you heard the saying, when the s*!t hits the fan? Well when you don’t service your system, things can indeed turn to custard, in a big way! Here are the main reasons why it’s important to service your system regularly:
- To protect the health of your family by keeping things sanitary and hygienic
- To look after your wastewater system so it lasts longer
- To make sure your pump and air blower or aerator are running properly and energy efficiently ie not contributing to soaring power bills!
- To ensure you’re looking after the environment, both within and beyond your property by having the field checked regularly
- To prevent problems before they blow out and become expensive!
In fact, it’s so important that the Auckland Council has launched a new Water Quality Compliance Programme which will see them ask property owners to provide their inspection and maintenance records to council. It’s their aim to make property owners understand their responsibilities related to onsite wastewater systems and to increase their awareness of their potential impact on water quality.
What does a service entail, exactly?
- Our expert technicians check inlet and outlet pipes are clear.
- They look at the internal sludge-return pipework to ensure there are no blockages.
- They check the electrical compartment to ensure there’s no corrosion or damage of componentry.
- The alarms are tested and are visible or audible.
- The aerator/air blower operation is checked to ensure the good bacteria has aeration – very important for keeping odours at bay!
- The crust and sludge levels in chambers are checked. This helps us see when a system empty may be required (usually 5-8 years).
- The solids filter and irrigation filter are removed and cleaned.
- The submersible pump operation is checked, the pump is removed and the shroud/impellers are cleaned.
- The disposal field lines are flushed and if they’re above ground and easy to locate, we check for leaks.
- Sometimes we’ll need to pump out chambers, especially if the system has overflowed. This may incur an additional time-onsite cost.
- For every service we will provide a service report as well as the work notes on the invoice.
What does your report tell us?
The Hydrovac Wastewater Service report will list all the actions the technicians take and indicate an overall assessment of the system. If there is any remedial work to be done, or they notice anything that is of concern, we will let you. This will be done via the tech talking to you on-site, a phone call from our Customer Service team or a notation on your service report or invoice.
How often should I service my wastewater system?
The council recommends 6 monthly. In some areas this can be pushed out to 9 or 12 months but usage will determine what works for your system. Please call us to discuss if you are unsure: 09 973 4866.