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Septic Tanks

Our septic tanks feature an inner chamber for cleaner effluent discharge and better soak-away performance. Paired with infiltration chambers, they offer cost-effective, efficient on-site sanitation.

The purpose of a septic tank

A septic tank’s purpose is to collect wastewater, and then separate and partially decompose as much heavy organic material as possible. The settled sewage can then be discharged into the sub-soil through a soakaway system or undergo further biological treatment for non-potable applications.

The main components

A tank

Installed underground, the tank collects sewage and allows bacterial activity to decompose it. A septic tank typically removes around 40% of the wastewater's organic load.

A soakaway drainage system

After solids settle in the tank, effluent is discharged to a soakaway drainage system for further treatment.

The soil

The soil surrounding the soakaway provides the final treatment and disposal of the effluent.

How it works

First chamber

Sewage enters the primary settlement chamber, where the heavier organic materials separate from the liquids. The heavier organic material settles to the bottom as sludge which is then partially decomposed by anaerobic bacteria over time.

Lighter materials like fats, oils, and grease accumulate as a scum layer on the water surface. This natural separation within a septic tank process allows a relatively solid-free effluent to form in the mid-section water column.

Note: Sizing the septic tank correctly is crucial to ensure a minimum retention period of 24 hours.

Second chamber

This chamber or inner baffle is designed to extract water from the clearest, most solid free zone of the primary settlement tank.

Septic tank drainage

A soakaway (French drain or leach field) is essential for allowing treated wastewater to percolate into the soil, further purifying it before reaching groundwater or surface waters such as rivers, lakes, and estuaries.

Important

Types of soakaways

Maintenance

It is recommended to desludge a septic tank annually (at the very least) to ensure that the hydraulic retention in the septic tank is not being compromised by accumulating volumes of sludge and/or scum. The services of a mobile tanker is needed to transport this material to a wastewater treatment plant.

Ideal applications

Areas with no connection to a sewer line.

Locations with normal or sandy soil suitable for effluent absorption.

Areas with a low groundwater level to protect groundwater sources.

Key differentiators

Certified quality

The only SABS-certified septic tanks in Africa.

Scalability

Our septic tank solutions are available in modular units for increased capacity.

Engineered to last

Our plastic septic tanks are specifically designed to cope with stressors of severe underground conditions.

Adaptability

Can be paired with our infiltration chambers for a less-invasive, more cost-effective alternative than conventional French drains.

Want to know more about our septic tanks?

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