Why “house rules” matter (especially for rentals, Airbnbs and big families)
In owner-occupied homes, people learn what their system tolerates. In short-stay rentals, shared houses or busy family homes, new users arrive every week—and one enthusiastic “flushable wipes” fan can undo months of good habits. House rules and simple signage prevent misuse, protect your investment, and reduce emergency call-outs.
The universal septic rule: If it didn’t come out of you or it isn’t toilet paper—bin it.
Toilet no-list: wipes, paper towels, tissues, nappies/pads/tampons, condoms, cotton buds, floss, hair, cat litter.
Sink/shower/laundry no-list: fats, oils, grease (FOG), coffee grounds, rice/pasta, fibrous peels, harsh chemicals (drain/openers, solvents, thinners, paint wash-out), pesticides, pool/spa backwash, grout/cement slurry, microbeads, glitter.
Exactly how to communicate this (steal these)
Bathroom door/behind toilet sign:
Protect the EcoSeptic system
Toilet paper only. No wipes (even “flushable”), no pads/tampons, nappies, cotton buds, floss or hair.
Use the bin provided. Thank you!
Kitchen splashback magnet:
Keep drains clear
Wipe pans before washing. No fats/oils/grease down the sink. Use strainers. Bin scraps & coffee grounds.
Laundry shelf card:
Septic-friendly laundry
Use septic-safe detergents. Dose per label. No dye baths or solvent-based spot removers in the drain.
Setup the house so the right choice is the easy choice
Place lidded bins in every bathroom and under the kitchen bench (with spare liners).
Keep mesh strainers in sinks and showers.
Add ring dishes near sinks to encourage removing jewellery.
Store septic-friendly cleaners in obvious spots and phase out harsh chemicals.
Provide a short “Welcome & House Rules” card for guests and tenants (QR link to your property guide).
Symptoms that warn you early (and what to do)
Gurgling / slow drains: Check strainers; stop water use if multiple fixtures slow down; call a plumber if it persists.
Odours indoors or near irrigation: Likely input or treatment issue—log it and book service.
Irrigation weak/sputtering: Clean sprinkler filters; check for FOG/wipes history; schedule service.
AWTS alarm: Follow your system’s alarm silence instructions; minimise water use and call service.
Routines for managers and busy families
Weekly (5 minutes): Empty strainers; check bins have liners; wipe greasy pans before washing; quick bathroom wipe-down (no shock bleach dosing).
Monthly: Walk the irrigation area; clean sprinkler filters; ensure lids/risers are safe and labelled.
Quarterly: Review supplies (liners, strainers, septic-safe cleaners); refresh signage if worn.
Annually: Book your EcoSeptic service (often council-mandated for AWTS); ask for a written report and sludge/baffle/irrigation checks.
What about cleaning and hygiene standards?
You can absolutely maintain a spotless home without nuking your system biology. Use:
Oxygen/enzyme-based cleaners and sprays
Microfibre cloths with hot water and mild detergent
Targeted bleach use for mould—small, frequent doses (never “shock” quantities)
Tenant welcome note (copy/paste)
Welcome! This home uses an EcoSeptic wastewater system. To keep it healthy:
• Toilet paper only in the toilet—everything else goes in the bin provided.
• No fats/oils/grease down the sink; wipe pans first and use strainers.
• Use septic-friendly cleaners; avoid strong chemicals or “shock” bleach.
If you notice slow drains or odours, please let us know immediately.
Quick manager toolkit (keep on site)
Plunger, flexible claw tool, disposable gloves, towels, small torch
Spare trap washers (for sinks), cable ties, bucket
Mesh strainers (spares), bin liners
Contact list for licensed plumbers and EcoSeptic service
FAQs for busy homes & rentals
Q: Guests keep using wipes—what else can we do?
A: Provide small lidded bins with liners, clear signage, and a friendly reminder in the welcome message. Replace bins if lids break—people use what’s convenient.
Q: Are “septic-safe wipes” OK?
A: No. They do not disperse like paper and still block pumps and lines.
Q: How often should we pump out?
A: It depends on occupancy and inputs. With good habits, intervals extend significantly. Your EcoSeptic service can advise based on sludge measurements.
Q: Can we pour old cooking oil down with hot water?
A: It re-solidifies downstream and binds with wipes/hair. Let it cool, jar it, and bin it.
When to call Eco Septic (don’t wait)
Multiple slow fixtures / recurring gurgling
Alarms, odours, soggy irrigation zones
After known misuse (party with wipes, big cook-ups with FOG)
Eco Septic — Leaders in Australian-Made Wastewater Technologies and Rainwater Harvesting Solutions.
Call: 1800 808 135 • Web: ecoseptic.com.au
