Septic and treatment plant servicing

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Treatment plants: scheduled servicing

• How often: as set by the plant's approval, typically every three months for aerated plants (QBCC (opens in a new tab)). Some systems have different intervals, so check your plant's approval or ask your service agent.
• Who: a plumber and drainer with an on-site sewerage facility endorsement, a drainer with that endorsement, or a restricted on-site sewerage licence with a "maintain" condition (Bundaberg Regional Council (opens in a new tab)).
• Reports: the service report goes to you and to council within 10 business days (Fraser Coast Regional Council, citing the Plumbing and Drainage Regulation 2019 (opens in a new tab)).
• Your responsibility: the owner must make sure the plant is serviced. Councils can take enforcement action if it isn't.

Septic tanks: periodic checks and desludging

Septic tanks don't need routine servicing like a treatment plant, but they do need attention. Council guidance from the region is to desludge every three to five years using a licensed liquid waste contractor, keep the disposal area mown and clear, and watch for signs of failure (Toowoomba Regional Council (opens in a new tab)).

Faults worth a prompt call

• a treatment plant alarm (don't just silence it)
• sewage odours, or effluent pooling on the surface
• irrigation sprinklers not working or spraying where they shouldn't
• slow drains throughout the house

Council guidance also says to avoid contact with effluent and irrigation sprays, and to keep tank lids sealed against mosquitoes and vermin (Toowoomba Regional Council (opens in a new tab)).

Questions to ask a service agent

1. Is your licence endorsed for on-site sewerage facilities? What's the number?
2. Do you lodge the service report with Lockyer Valley council for me?
3. What does a standard service include, and what's charged extra (parts, call-outs)?
4. Do you offer a service agreement with reminders?