When considering servicing Septic Tanks and Treatment plants are regarded differently.
Septic Tanks
Septic tanks are not regarded a treatment system, they are a basic settling process. Therefore septic tanks do not require a regular service by a qualified professional. Septic tanks do require sucking out when the sludge in the tank approaches a third of the volume (some councils stipulate a suck period of 3-5 years). At this point it is the homeowners responsibility to arrange a sucker truck to suck out the system and dispose of the waste.
Some councils require the suck out reports to be submitted, so you cannot empty it yourself and tip it down the bank! It is both illegal and ecologically harmful.
Treatment Systems
Treatment systems included Aerated systems, Secondary Vermiculture systems, Textile Filters and any other type of treatment that treats to a secondary level.
All treatment systems in NZ need to be serviced, though the service frequency can vary depending on manufacturers recommendations or council regulation.
The most common service frequency is New Zealand is 12 months; this is for a domestic treatment system. Some councils, such as Auckland, require that the system is serviced every 6 months; some systems have a 6 monthly service recommendation from the manufacturer.
Commercial wastewater systems, or systems requiring a resource consent often have a 6 monthly service requirement.
In normal circumstances the Econotreat, Naturalflow and Biolytix wastewater systems have a 12 monthly service requirement; aside from those installed in Auckland where the council stipulates 6 months.
