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Helpful dos and don’ts for your wastewater system

November 22, 2020

Water NZ has helpfully shared some fantastic dos and don’ts around wastewater system use — we could be (happily!) doing ourselves out of a job here because many of the things listed below are the reasons we get called out to help with failures or emergencies! 

Have a read of the below and get in touch if you have any questions or concerns — we’re happy to share our knowledge.  

Do not overload the system.

  • The system has been designed for a maximum daily wastewater volume. Ensure that this is not exceeded. 
  • Avoid overloading the system with high short duration loads by spacing out water use as evenly as possible. For example: do not do all the washing on one day, and do not run the washing machine and dishwasher at the same time. 

Reduce solids input to the treatment unit by: 

  • scraping all dishes to remove fats, grease, and so on before washing 
  • keeping all possible solids out of the system 
  • shake all the dirt and sand off your clothes before washing them 
  • not using a food waste disposal unit (insinkerator) 
  • not putting sanitary napkins and other hygiene products into the system

What can go down the drain: 

  • all that has been first eaten by you 
  • biodegradable soaps and low phosphorus detergents 
  • septic-safe disinfectants, bleaches and toilet cleaners in small dilute amounts 
  • washing machine and dishwasher wastewater
  • shower and bath wastewater 
  • toilet wastewater 
  • milk and drinks

Minimise discharging the following substances: 

  • some cold wash laundry agents are aggressively alkaline and can cause septic tank and treatment unit failure 
  • bleaches, whiteners, nappy soakers, stain removers, disinfectants 
  • sanitary pads, tampons, disposable nappies, condoms and excessive quantities of paper
  • excessive fats, cooking oils and greases 
  • antiseptics liquids. 

Do not discharge the following into the wastewater system: 

  • DON’T USE flushable wipes. They can block the system 
  • portable cassette toilet waste (use approved dump stations) • excessive volumes of bleaches and chlorine products 
  • alkaline detergents such as caustic soda 
  • acids, pesticides, herbicides, chemicals 
  • paints, solvents, varnishes and paint thinners 
  • antibiotics and medicines 
  • drugs and pharmaceuticals 
  • motor oil 
  • toys, clothing, plastic bags and other non-biodegradable products 
  • storm/roof water 
  • pool or spa waste

To support the living ecology in the treatment tank and in the land application area: 

  • use biodegradable soaps 
  • use a low-phosphorus detergent 
  • use a low-sodium detergent in dispersive soil areas 
  • use detergents in the recommended quantities.

Got questions? Reach out to our friendly team — we’re happy to help! Contact Us

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West & South Auckland

P : 0800 493 768 (option 1)
E : service@hydrovac.co.nz

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P : 03 366 9187
E : chchservice@hydrovac.co.nz

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