Septic systems and treatment plants in the Lockyer Valley

Lockyer Valley Septic is a local enquiry and referral service operated by Winly Group Pty Ltd. We don't install or service systems ourselves. Tell us about your property and we'll aim to connect you with one licensed local plumber and drainer who does on-site sewerage work. If we can, we pass your enquiry to them; they contact you, inspect the site and quote. You deal with them directly.

It's free for you. If we connect you with a tradesperson, they pay us a referral fee. If we can't match your job with a licensed plumber who covers your area, we'll tell you and won't pass your details on.

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Is your property on sewer?

Not every Lockyer Valley property needs an on-site system. Urban Utilities is the water and sewerage provider for the Lockyer Valley (Urban Utilities (opens in a new tab)). The Gatton Sewage Treatment Plant is operated by Urban Utilities (Queensland WetlandInfo (opens in a new tab)), and Plainland's sewage is now pumped to Laidley (project summary (opens in a new tab)). Check with Urban Utilities whether sewer is available to your lot. A property that can't connect needs an approved on-site sewerage facility.

How it works in the Lockyer Valley

Installing or replacing an on-site sewerage facility in Queensland isn't a DIY job, and it isn't something a plumber can start the day after quoting. In broad terms:

1. Site and soil evaluation. A qualified designer or site evaluator assesses your soil and block and designs the system and its land application area (the trench, bed or irrigation area where treated water goes).
2. Permit application to council. Lockyer Valley Regional Council regulates plumbing under state law. Applications use the state's Form 1 – Permit work application for plumbing, drainage and on-site sewerage work. Council has opted out of fast-track applications.
3. Approved equipment only. If you're installing a treatment plant, the model must hold a current Queensland treatment plant approval. A septic-only (primary) system doesn't need one. The state keeps the list of approved plants.
4. Licensed installation and inspections. A QBCC-licensed plumber and drainer installs the system. Council inspects, and a compliance certificate is issued.
5. Ongoing obligations. Treatment plants must be serviced on a schedule set by their approval, typically every three months, by a licensed person. As the owner, you're responsible for making sure that happens.

Sources: Business Queensland – Installing on-site sewage facilities (opens in a new tab); Lockyer Valley Regional Council – Forms and Fees (opens in a new tab); QBCC Home Owners Guide to Plumbing Matters (opens in a new tab).

What affects the cost

We don't set prices, and every quote should come from a site inspection. The main factors are:

• System type: a conventional septic tank with absorption trenches versus a treatment plant with irrigation.
• Soil and site: the site and soil evaluation decides how big the land application area must be and what kind is allowed.
• Access and excavation: slope, rock, distance from the house and machinery access.
• Approvals and design: the evaluation, design and council permit fees.
• Electrical connection: treatment plants need power for their aerator and pumps.
• Removal of an old system: decommissioning an existing tank adds work.

Ask for an itemised quote that separates the design, permit fees, equipment, installation and electrical work, so you can compare like with like.

Before you hire anyone

• Check the plumber's licence on the QBCC licence register.
• Ask who does the site and soil evaluation and the design, and whether that's in the quote.
• Ask whether the quote includes the council permit fees, electrical connection and commissioning.
• For a treatment plant, ask which model they propose and confirm it has a current Queensland treatment plant approval.
• Ask who will service it afterwards and what that costs per visit.