How does the sewage system work in NZ?

How does the sewage system work in NZ?

Wastewater, from the kitchen, laundry and bathroom, discharges into a septic tank buried on the property. The heavier solids settle to the bottom of the tank, while fats float to the top. The remaining liquid flows out of the tank and discharges into a soakage area (either a dispersal or evaporation field).

How big does a septic tank need to be NZ?

3000 litres
Your on-site sewage system needs to be big enough to deal with all of your house’s wastewater – an average New Zealander uses 160–250 litres of water a day. For a three-bedroom house, you’ll need a tank with at least 3000 litres’ capacity. Some councils require at least this size.

Where does toilet waste go NZ?

Each time you flush the toilet, pull the plug from a sink, or have a shower, the wastewater drains into a sewer pipe on your property. Wastewater pipes are well sealed and buried in the ground.

Where does our poop go NZ?

This waste flows through a sewerage network. Sewage is waste from all sinks, toilets, laundries, kitchens and bathrooms. This waste flows through a sewerage network of underground pipes and pumping stations to one of three treatment plants throughout the city.

What’s the difference between a septic tank and a septic field?

The septic tank is a buried, water-tight container usually made of concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene. The liquid wastewater (effluent) then exits the tank into the drainfield. The drainfield is a shallow, covered, excavation made in unsaturated soil.

How close can a septic tank be to a house NZ?

Our answer: We recommend a distance between the septic tank and the treatment unit of 1 metre in our instructions, in order to leave ample work space for installing the connections. Otherwise a depth of fill of 30 cm should be adhered to.

What is the difference between sewer and septic tank?

The main difference between a septic system and a sewer system is, a septic system treats your wastewater on site. Usually, it’s placed underground on the land your house is built on. Sewer systems take the wastewater away from your home and route it underground to a treatment plant typically operated by the city.

How can drainage NZ help with building a new home?

If your building a new home Drainage NZ can help you from concept stage. Considerations for sewer drainage systems need to be taken if your building site is unusual or demands the use of specialised drainage applications which will contribute to the increase of your all-round building cost

What are the best septic tank alternatives in New Zealand?

As an exceptional septic tank alternative, NaturalFlow is the wastewater solution for New Zealand’s rural homes and businesses. These robust, power-free sewage treatment systems in NZ have very little maintenance requirements and are cost-effective throughout their lifetime, making them good replacements for traditional septic tanks.

What is an on-site sewage treatment system?

Septic tanks are the most commonly used for on-site sewage treatment. There are various other systems as well, including single waterless toilets, or ‘aerobic’ or ‘secondary’ treatment systems. An on-site sewage system can deal with all your black and grey water (internal link to Blackwater and greywater).

Do you need a backflow of detention for stormwater in Auckland?

In many Auckland suburbs stormwater and sewer are still on a combined system, new homes will need to provide a backflow of detention solution to satisfy councils. Does the site have a public drain running through it?

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