FAQs

  • Yes! We work all over Victoria, so no matter where you are located, we’ve got you covered.

  • As no two plots of land and clients are the same, each system is tailored to the property and requirements. Therefore, it’s best to get in contact with us and we’ll find the best price and solution for you.

  • Properties not connected to the sewer require a primary or secondary wastewater treatment system for onsite wastewater management. A primary system usually consists of a septic tank and absorption trenches but is restricted in most areas, especially on land smaller than 1 hectare, due to poor effluent quality. A secondary system involves primary treatment plus additional treatment and disinfection. The most common secondary system in Victoria is the Aerated Wastewater Treatment System (AWTS).

  • The cost of a residential septic system service can vary depending on the property and type of system. The best option is to have a chat with us to find the best solution.

  • If your septic system is smelly, then it’s likely that it’s not working correctly. So get in touch if you notice a foul smell from your system.

    Whilst there are many reasons why a septic system can smell, a common reason is because it needs to be emptied. We recommend to get your septic tank emptied if it’s been more than 3 years since it was last done.

  • There are several materials which MUST NOT enter your system. These include the following:

    • Bleach

    • Antibacterial products

    • Unused medicines

    • Paint, petroleum products or other solvents, strong alkaline and acid

    • Storm water from downpipes or rainwater tank overflows

    • Backwash water from pools, spa pools or water softeners

    • Solid materials such as paper, plastic, sanitary napkins, tampons, condoms, nappies or baby wipes

    • Food scraps, fats and oils

    • Insecticides, herbicides, pesticides

    • Trade waste from commercial or industrial premises

  • Look for a large concrete lid(s). If you cannot locate the septic, we offer a service with a qualified plumber who can attend and locate the septic tank using a drain camera.

  • Rest assured we are equipped to get the job done no matter what access issues arise.

  • Sorry, only a licensed plumber or drainer can install a wastewater treatment system.

    • Use cleaning products that are labelled as ‘biodegradable’ or ‘septic-safe’

    • Ensure your system is properly maintained with regular servicing and pump outs

    • Use low-phosphorus or phosphorus-free detergents. Phosphorus is a major pollutant of waterways and contributes to the growth of algal blooms.

    • Use natural or alternative cleaners such as bicarbonate of soda, pure soap, borax, vinegar, lemon juice, cloudy ammonia, where possible

    • Use biodegradable toilet paper

    • Minimise your water usage as much as possible

    • Avoid shock loads of wastewater entering your system (e.g. several loads of washing in quick succession or a large number of people at a party)

    • Clean your irrigation filter (if applicable) each fortnight

    • Ensure your system is serviced regularly (every 3 months for homes and most businesses)

    • Ensure you system is pumped out regularly (typically every 3 years for most homes and each business will have different pump out requirements).

  • Donnelly’s Septics are equipped to repair and maintain all types of residential wastewater systems.

  • Lucky for you, we are certified for both. So no matter whether the issue turns out to be your septic system or not, we’ve got you covered to get the job done asap.

We service locations all across Victoria, including:

Gisborne, Kyneton, Daylesford, Trentham, Sunbury, Ballarat, Bendigo, Lancefield, Werribee and more!

Learn more