FNDC 5-Yearly Septic Tank Inspections
Got a letter from the Far North District Council saying your septic tank inspection is due? Northland Septic Tank Services is listed by FNDC as an approved septic tank contractor (as "Allen's Septic Tank (Northland Septic Tank Services Ltd)"), covering all of the Far North. We'll do your inspection and send the certificate to the council for you.
What the FNDC bylaw requires
The Far North District Council's On-site Wastewater Disposal Systems Bylaw says on-site wastewater systems must be regularly assessed by a suitably qualified person. How often depends on your system:
- Household septic tank (primary system): at least every five years.
- Mechanical and alternative systems (such as aerated systems and treatment plants): at least once a year, or as the manufacturer's manual says.
- Commercial or industrial properties: at least every three years, or as the manufacturer's manual says.
The inspection is arranged by the property owner or occupier, at their own expense. After the assessment:
- a copy of the assessment certificate must be given to the council within 28 days (we send it to the council for you)
- if the assessment finds any physical work is needed, it must be done within 28 days
If the council doesn't receive your certificate, it can send a notice asking for proof the work has been done. Full details are on the FNDC Onsite wastewater disposal (septic tanks) page.
Why use an FNDC-approved contractor?
FNDC keeps a list of approved septic tank contractors. Only approved contractors are authorised to dispose of septage at council treatment plants and to carry out maintenance and servicing of septic tanks and mechanical or aerated systems in the Far North. We're on that list, serving all of the Far North.
Booking your inspection
Got a council letter, or not sure when your tank was last done? Give us a call and talk to us about your inspection. We'll explain what's involved for your system and book a time that suits. It often makes sense to get your tank pumped out in the same visit. See septic tank cleaning.
Once the job's done, we send your assessment certificate to the Far North District Council for you, so you don't have to worry about the 28-day deadline.
Read how often should you clean your septic tank, and check 5 signs your septic tank needs cleaning.
Save on your inspection
- Group discounts: if your neighbours' inspections are due too, organise a group septic tank clean. The more tanks, the more you save.
- WINZ quotes: we're happy to provide quotes for Work and Income clients.
- Programmed regular servicing: helps you stay on top of council deadlines.
Septic inspection FAQs
How often does FNDC require a septic tank inspection? At least every five years for a household septic tank, and at least yearly for aerated and other mechanical systems. Commercial and industrial systems are at least every three years.
What happens if I don't get my septic tank inspected? The council can send you a notice requiring proof the work has been done within 28 working days. Leaving it also risks blockages and costly repairs. See the cost of neglecting your septic tank.
I have an aerated system. Is it different? Yes, those need checking every year. See treatment plant pump-outs.
Areas we service
Kerikeri, Kaikohe, Moerewa, Kawakawa, Russell, Hokianga, Okaihau, Bay of Islands, Kaeo, Ōhaeawai, Paihia and Horeke.
Inspection due? Call 0800 SMELLY (0800 763 559), Stu on 021 669 452, or book online.