Eco Septic – Leaders in Wastewater Technologies
If you live in a rural, remote, or semi-rural area in New South Wales (NSW) or anywhere in regional Australia, your home likely isn’t connected to the town sewage system. That means you’ll need a septic system or an Aerated Wastewater Treatment System (AWTS) to manage your household’s wastewater safely and efficiently.
But with so many options available—from basic septic tanks to advanced treatment systems—it can be overwhelming to know which is right for your property.
At Eco Septic, we’ve been guiding Australian homeowners, builders, developers, and councils for over 30 years with high-quality, Australian-made wastewater solutions. This guide is designed to help you confidently choose the right septic system for your needs by covering everything from system types to sizing, regulations, and maintenance.
What Is a Septic Tank and Why Do You Need One?
A septic tank is an underground system that treats wastewater from toilets, showers, laundry, and kitchen sinks. It allows solids to settle and break down in a primary chamber, while liquid effluent is dispersed into the soil through an absorption trench, leach field, or irrigation system.
Septic systems are necessary when:
- You’re building on land without access to town sewer
- You want a sustainable off-grid lifestyle
- Your property’s location is remote or rural
- Local councils require on-site wastewater management
Eco Septic offers a range of reliable, scalable septic tank solutions for domestic, commercial, and industrial use—whether you’re building a family home, a holiday retreat, or a commercial facility.
Types of Septic Systems in Australia
Not all septic systems are created equal. Choosing the right one depends on your block size, soil conditions, water usage, and council requirements.
Here are the main system types we offer at Eco Septic:
1. Conventional Septic Tank Systems
These systems rely on anaerobic bacteria to break down waste in a sealed underground tank. The clarified liquid then flows to a drain field or trench system where soil further treats the effluent.
Best for:
- Large blocks with good soil absorption
- Low- to medium-use households
- Areas with minimal environmental restrictions
Pros:
- Low maintenance
- No electrical parts
- Cost-effective installation
Cons:
- Requires more land area
- Not suitable for poor-draining soil
- Limited water reuse options
Eco Septic’s concrete tanks are built to Australian Standards and come in sizes from 2,800L to over 8,500L, suitable for both residential and rural use.
2. Aerated Wastewater Treatment Systems (AWTS)
AWTS systems offer a higher level of treatment than conventional septic tanks. They use aerobic bacteria (which need oxygen) to break down waste more effectively. The result is a cleaner effluent suitable for reuse in garden irrigation.
Best for:
- Smaller blocks
- High-usage households
- Environmentally sensitive areas
- Recycled water applications
Pros:
- Higher treatment quality
- Treated water can be reused
- Compact footprint
Cons:
- Requires quarterly servicing (mandated in NSW)
- More expensive to install and run
- Needs power to operate
At Eco Septic, our Australian-made AWTS units are certified and custom-built to suit homes, eco-villages, and commercial projects.
3. Commercial and Maxi Systems
If you manage a site like a holiday park, resort, school, mining camp, or farm, a larger, more advanced system is required.
Eco Septic’s Maxi Systems range from 15,000L to over 120,000L, designed for:
- Multiple dwellings
- Remote operations
- Caravan and tourist parks
- Eco-accommodation
- Large-scale rural businesses
We provide full support—from council submissions and engineering to delivery, installation, and servicing.
Key Considerations Before Buying a Septic System
Choosing a septic system isn’t just about buying a tank—it’s about investing in the long-term health of your property, your household, and the environment.
Here are the most important factors to consider:
1. Council Regulations and Approvals
Every local council in NSW and across Australia has its own onsite wastewater management policies. Some councils allow basic septic systems; others require secondary treatment systems like AWTS.
Eco Septic helps you navigate local regulations by providing:
- System design recommendations
- Soil percolation testing
- Application assistance
- Council-compliant documentation
2. Soil Type and Site Assessment
The type of soil on your property affects how wastewater is absorbed and treated. Sandy, loamy soils are ideal for trench systems, while clay soils or high water tables may require alternate solutions like mound systems or irrigation lines.
We offer soil testing and system design based on:
- Soil permeability
- Ground slope
- Flood risk
- Available land area
3. Household Size and Water Usage
Larger families or homes with high water usage (multiple bathrooms, spas, etc.) need a larger or more advanced treatment system.
Here’s a quick guide:
- 1–4 people: 3,000L–4,000L tank
- 4–6 people: 5,000L–6,000L
- 6–10 people or high usage: 7,000L–10,000L or AWTS
Eco Septic custom-sizes systems to match your needs, preventing overflow or system fatigue.
4. Tank Material: Concrete vs Poly
There are two primary tank material options—each with its advantages.
Concrete Tanks (Eco Septic Specialty):
- Extremely durable and long-lasting
- Resistant to movement and buoyancy
- Ideal for below-ground installation
- Made to AS/NZS standards
- Easily camouflaged in the garden
Poly Tanks:
- Lightweight and easy to transport
- Suitable for smaller properties
- Less durable over long periods
At Eco Septic, we specialise in reinforced concrete tanks, offering superior strength, durability, and aesthetic integration.
5. System Servicing and Maintenance
NSW Health regulations require AWTS systems to be serviced every 3 months by a licensed technician. Neglecting servicing can result in environmental harm, odours, and fines.
We offer:
- Scheduled servicing and maintenance plans
- Inspection reports for council compliance
- Spare parts and system upgrades
- Emergency repairs
For conventional systems, pumping out every 3–5 years is usually sufficient.
6. Environmental Impact and Water Reuse
Eco Septic systems are designed with sustainability in mind. Our AWTS systems allow safe reuse of treated water for:
- Lawn and garden irrigation
- Fruit trees
- Non-edible plants
This helps reduce mains water use and supports drought-resilient living.
7. Delivery and Installation Support
We service homes, farms, and commercial sites across NSW, offering:
- Delivery to rural and remote areas
- Site preparation advice
- Crane-assisted installation
- Commissioning and final inspection
Our team works with builders, owner-builders, developers, and councils to ensure smooth installation and full compliance.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Septic Tank
- Choosing the cheapest option – Cheap tanks often lead to expensive repairs or upgrades later.
- Ignoring council rules – Unapproved systems can delay your build or require replacement.
- Underestimating tank size – Oversized is always better than undersized.
- Skipping site testing – Soil type and drainage affect system performance.
- Not planning for future growth – Consider whether you’ll add bedrooms, granny flats, or workshops.
At Eco Septic, we help you plan ahead—so your system lasts for decades.
Why Choose Eco Septic?
With over 30 years of experience in septic systems, AWTS, rainwater tanks, and wastewater solutions, Eco Septic is a trusted name in the industry.
We’re proud to offer:
- Australian-made tanks built for local conditions
- Full service across NSW and neighbouring states
- Custom solutions for residential, commercial, and off-grid projects
- A complete start-to-finish experience
When you work with us, you’re choosing: ✅ Local knowledge
✅ Sustainable solutions
✅ Expert advice
✅ Council compliance
✅ Long-term value
Get Started Today
Whether you’re building a new home, replacing an outdated system, or managing a large-scale development, Eco Septic has the right solution for you.
📞 Call 1800 808 135
🌐 Visit www.ecoseptic.com.au
📧 Or request a quote or site assessment online
Let us help you choose the right septic system—one that protects your property, your family, and the planet.
