FAQs

If you septic system is working properly it shouldn’t have foul odours.

For correct functioning, wastewater treatment systems need to operate under alkaline conditions. Some factors which can cause acid conditions and odour problems include:

• Excessive use of cleaning products
• Use of the wrong type of cleaning chemicals
• Shock volumes of incoming water (e.g. from several loads of washing in quick succession or a large number of people at a party)
• Lack of use of the system while the house has been vacant (e.g. unused holiday homes)

The normal (good) bacteria may die off under acidic conditions resulting in offensive odours.

Please contact SSA if you are experiencing bad odours.

Most wastewater treatment systems have a warning alarm function. These can consist of audible and/or flashing lights and are NOT to be ignored.

The alarm function is alerting you to a system fault, which needs to be attended to as soon as possible.

Please contact SSA as soon as you are alerted to your system alarming.

Yes! SSA can be contacted, and can attend to emergency call outs, 24/7, seven days a week.

If you have an emergency, call SSA on 1800 800 333.

Altering your existing septic system, includes:

• Moving or changing the envelope of your existing septic system component (eg tanks or dispersal field)
• Changing the type of effluent dispersal onsite
• Installing additional absorption trenches or irrigation lines
• Adding extra plumbing fixtures to your home
• Changes to your home that may increase or change the potential daily wastewater flow rate e.g. adding an additional bedroom.
• Minor alterations to your septic system may include changes to internal plumbing e.g. relocation of a fixture

If you are considering altering your septic system, you MUST obtain a Permit To Alter (PTA) through the health department of your local council.

We can help with this. Call us on 1800 800 333 for assistance.

An effluent disposal field is a system to safely dispose of the treated effluent from your wastewater treatment system.

This nearly always occurs on the same property where the wastewater is generated.

There are several different types of dispersal fields, but two of the key types are:

• absorption trenches – underground trenches where the water soaks into the ground and typically used for Primary Treatment systems
• subsurface irrigation – where the treated effluent from the wastewater system is drained to underground (subsurface) irrigation systems, where the wastewater can be reused to water grass and small shrubs, etc in the garden. This type of effluent field can ONLY be installed for Secondary Treatment systems.

The type of effluent system for your property is determined by many factors, including the land and soil type, the climate, among other factors.

SSA can help to guide you through this process.

It’s important to plant the right types of plants around your wastewater treatment system as larger trees and shrubs with high moisture may cause damage to the treatment plant through their roots.

Smaller shrubs and ground cover such as grass are most suitable for the area around your wastewater treatment system, but ideally, should be planted with a setback of two metres from the treatment plant.

Grass is the most suitable type of vegetation for subsurface irrigation.

If in doubt, please consult with your local nursery.

The installation of all wastewater treatment systems must be performed by a licensed plumber or drainer.

Yes. SSA can undertake commercial installations across Victoria.

Pre Installation

Step 1: Contact SSA to arrange a site inspection and quote

Step 2: Obtain a “Permit to Install” from your local council Health Department (SSA can organise this on your behalf)

During Installation

Step 3: Council inspects the installation of the wastewater treatment system (as part of Permit Condition)

Post Installation

Step 4: Provide all necessary Certificates (such as Plumbing Certificate and Commissioning Certificate) to your local council

Step 5: Obtain a “Permit to Use” from your local council Health Department before first use of system

Step 6: Ensure you comply with the conditions of your “Permit to Use” for the lifecycle of your system

Important: The Health Department operates independently from the Building Department. If you are building a new house or renovating, you will need a “Permit to Install” the wastewater treatment system to be able to secure your Building Permit and you will need a “Permit to Use” your wastewater treatment system to obtain your Certificate of Occupancy. So it is important to plan ahead and incorporate the installation of your wastewater treatment system into your building schedule.

SSA can take care of all the necessary documentation for you, including council permits.

All properties not connected to the sewer network require either a ‘primary’ or ‘secondary’ wastewater treatment system, which treats and contains all wastewater from the household onsite.

A ‘primary’ wastewater treatment system is typically a standard septic tank and absorption trenches. These are not typically allowed to be installed in the majority of shires and blocks of land smaller than 1 hectare, due to the poor effluent quality that they discharge onto the land.

A ‘secondary’ wastewater treatment system typically contains primary treatment, with the addition of a further treatment and disinfection process.

While there are several secondary wastewater treatment systems on the market, the most common ‘secondary’ system in Victoria is the Aerated Wastewater Treatment Systems (AWTS). (For more information on AWTS, refer to our Resources section).

Wastewater treatment systems and irrigation requirements are different for all councils due to the diverse land and soil types, as well as proximity to water tables. It is important to realise that there are pros and cons of all types of systems.

SSA can guide you through these options and recommend the most suitable solution for you.