How does it work?
All household sewage passes through a conventional septic tank where solids and fats are retained or dissolved by natural bacteria under anaerobic conditions. The now partially treated effluent flows by gravity to the Septek aerobic filter where it is distributed over a bed of sand specially selected and screened so that it meets a formula fully approved by Local Authorities. As the effluent percolates downwards through the sand it is filtered and oxidised by the biological film that develops on the grains of sand due to natural ventilation. When the effluent reaches the bottom of the filter it is clear and odourless water. It is collected in a sump where it can be chlorinated as the bacteria have completed their task. The purified and disinfected water then continues on to the chosen irrigation area. If there is sufficient fall this can also be by gravity, otherwise a small pump is used.


click here to enlarge picture

click here to enlarge diagram of an aerobic filter system

Why does such a simple system work?
Because it does not depend on mechanical procedures but purely provides a habitat for natural bacteria to survive aerobically, that is, as nature intended.

How big is the filter?
It will depend on the number of persons intending to use the filter but the majority of the domestic filters are 6m x 3m.

How long will the sand last?
A properly operated filter will never need new sand. As far as we can foretell, the sand will last forever. Septek Wastewater Systems uses a stringent sand specification and meticulous construction techniques.

Is the system tried and proven?
Yes! The Septek Aerobic Sand Filter is a safe, reliable and low maintenance treatment method for septic tank effluent. It is based on principles first used in American and Canada 100 years ago. Aerobic sand filters have been constructed in Australia for over 50 years and we have evolved our own improved design over the last 15 years.

Is it expensive to operate?
A Septek System is by far the cheapest aerobic system to operate.It is not neccessary to use special detergents or cleaners but you should avoid the excessive use of harsh chemicals as they can kill the natural bacteria. Simply remember to have the septic tank emptied regularly.

What if I have an existing septic and soakage that is failing?
Unlike most other systems the Septek filter alone can be installed. This can be in place of soakage when the existing tank is adequate and site conditions permit.

What about holidays or visitors?
No special precautions need to be taken if your house is unoccupied for any length of time, be it weeks or years.
The natural biological purification process will quickly re-establish itself when effluent is re-applied to the filter . Likewise the system is sufficiently resilient to cope with reasonable overloads due to visitors.

How much water will be recycled to the garden?
This will depend on the amount used in the house. We calculate the water usage based upon the average person using 150 litres a day. Thus a family of 4 might expect to have 600 litres extra water for their garden every day.

Can the system cope with larger quantities of sewage?
Yes! there's a Septek system to suit almost every situation. Larger systems can be designed and installed to suit commercial applications or groups of houses.

Monitoring System
Supplied with the system is a compact and unobtrusive monitoring unit for installation in a convenient location on a wall in the house.

Inspection Lids
These lids are the only visible part of your Septek sewerage system.

Maintenance
The septic tank needs to be pumped out every three years and chlorine may be added to the facility in the sump. Otherwise occasional simple checks are all that is needed and are easily performed by the house holder.

Warranty
The Septek aerobic sand filter system is guaranteed against faulty materials or workmanship for a period of 5 years on the filter, and 12 months on the electrical, mechanical and irrigation equipment.

After sales service
Septek Wastewater Systems provides a 24 hr professional advice service and a 48 hr call out service. However problems are rare and parts supplied have mostly been needed due to accident, etc.

Product Improvement
Due to continual upgrading and improvement policy, Septek Wastewater Systems reserve the right to vary the specifications and plans of it's products without notice.

What about installation?
Septek Wastewater Systems are engineered to exacting standards and built on site under professionally trained supervision. A complete system, with or without a pump, can be constructed, by Septek Wastewater Systems, in the Adelaide Hills area or by one of it's fully trained installers in country areas. The work normally takes just around one full day.

The standard system fully installed includes:
1. Septic tank with inspection riser and cover. Also saddle and slab for easy location for emptying.
2. Connecting drain and distribution chamber with fibre glass lid.
3. A Septek filter unit consisting of PVC liner and Geotextile root barrier. Distribution pipes and collection pipe, sand, screenings, and top of sandy loam for garden cultivation.
4. A Septek collection sump with fibre glass lid.
The sump is fitted with discharge plumbing and a point for easy application of Chlorine tablets. If needed, a semi submersible pump, electric switch box and alarm float switch is also provided.
5. The new owner is given a kit of irrigation fittings and pipe, commissioning liquid, initial supply of chlorine, etc and a descriptive manual that is intended to answer any operating questions. If a pump is provided the kit will include a box of parts and a wiring diagram so that an electrician can install power to the pump and an alarm warning in case of pump failure.

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