Treatment Plant & Aerated System Pump-Outs and Servicing
Many Far North homes run an aerated wastewater treatment system (AWTS) or a home treatment plant instead of a plain septic tank. These systems do a great job, but they still build up sludge and need regular pumping out and servicing. Northland Septic Tank Services does pump-outs and the yearly service on most aerated and treatment plant systems across the mid and far north, and we're listed by the Far North District Council as an approved septic tank contractor.
Why treatment plants need pumping out
A treatment plant has several chambers. Solids settle in the first chamber, and the wastewater is then aerated and clarified before it goes out to your irrigation lines. If sludge builds up too far, it can carry over into the later chambers and block your pumps, filters and irrigation lines. That's when you get alarms, smells and wastewater pooling on the ground.
Regular pump-outs help:
- keep your system running efficiently and prevent blockages
- protect your irrigation field, property and local waterways
- keep you on the right side of council rules
What the Far North District Council requires
Under the FNDC On-site Wastewater Disposal Systems Bylaw, mechanical and alternative systems (which includes most aerated systems and treatment plants) must be assessed and maintained by a suitably qualified person at least once a year, in line with the manufacturer's maintenance manual. That's more often than the five-yearly check for a standard septic tank. More on this on our FNDC septic tank inspections page.
We can do both jobs for you: the pump-out and the yearly service. Give us a call and we'll book you in on the right schedule for your system.
What to expect
For a pump-out, we empty the primary chamber and any other chambers that need it, then take the waste away to an approved council facility. For your yearly service, talk to us about what your system's manual calls for. Some systems need extra water to refill after a pump-out. If you don't have water to spare or don't want us using your tank water, let us know when you book. Our trucks need to get within 45 metres of the system. See our important information page before we arrive.
Want it sorted without thinking about it? We offer programmed regular servicing, so you're booked in on schedule.
Helpful reading
- The complete guide to septic tank maintenance
- 5 signs your septic tank needs cleaning
- Septic system dos and don'ts
Standard septic tank? See septic tank cleaning and pump-outs.
Treatment plant FAQs
How often does an aerated system need servicing? FNDC requires mechanical and alternative systems to be assessed at least once a year. How often it needs pumping out depends on the system and how many people use it, and we can advise when we're on site.
My treatment plant alarm is going off. Can you help? A high-level alarm can mean the system is full or something isn't working as it should. Call us on 0800 763 559, any time, and we'll talk you through it.
Do you work on all brands of treatment plant? We pump out and service most aerated and treatment plant systems. Call us with your system's make and we'll let you know.
Areas we service
Kerikeri, Kaikohe, Moerewa, Kawakawa, Russell, Hokianga, Okaihau, Bay of Islands, Kaeo, Ōhaeawai, Paihia and Horeke.
Book your treatment plant pump-out or yearly service: call 0800 SMELLY (0800 763 559), Stu on 021 669 452, or contact us online.