If You Own A Septic Tank, This Guide Is For You.

If your property isn’t connected to mains sewer, you’re relying on either a conventional septic tank or an Aerated Wastewater Treatment System (AWTS) — and the two have very different servicing schedules. Get it wrong and you’re not just risking a smelly backyard; for AWTS owners, it’s actually a legal requirement.

Here’s how often each system needs attention, what a service actually involves, and what happens if you let it slide.

Two Different Systems, Two Different Schedules

Conventional septic tanks are passive — wastewater flows in, solids settle out, and the rest disperses through a trench or absorption area. There’s nothing mechanical to maintain day to day, so servicing is mostly about pumping out sludge before it builds up too far.

AWTS units are a different story. They use pumps, blowers, filters and disinfection to actively treat wastewater to a much higher standard before it’s irrigated back onto your land — which means there are moving parts that need regular checking, adjusting and cleaning to keep working properly.

Conventional Septic Tanks: Every 3–5 Years

Most households with a standard septic tank need a full pump-out somewhere between every 3 and 5 years. The exact interval depends on:

• Household size — more people means more wastewater and faster sludge build-up
• Tank size — smaller tanks fill up sooner
• Water usage habits — long showers, frequent laundry loads and dishwasher use all add pressure
• What goes down the drain — fats, oils, wet wipes and harsh chemicals speed up problems

Between pump-outs, it’s worth having the tank and drainage area inspected every year or two to catch early signs of trouble, such as root intrusion or a cracked baffle, before they turn into an expensive repair.

Note: Born Plumbing specialises in AWTS servicing rather than conventional septic tank pump-outs — if you’re not sure which system you have, it’s worth checking your council approval paperwork, or ask us and we can point you in the right direction.

AWTS: Servicing Is Required Every 3 Months, By Law

If you own an AWTS, the answer isn’t really a range — it’s fixed. Under the NSW Local Government Act 1993 and NSW Health accreditation conditions, AWTS units must be serviced by an accredited technician at least once every three months. Your specific council approval will confirm the exact interval, but quarterly is the standard across the region.

This isn’t just a manufacturer recommendation. Each service report is sent to your local council, which keeps a register of AWTS systems in its area — and failing to maintain your system, or provide evidence of servicing, is an offence that can carry a penalty infringement notice.

What’s Included in a Quarterly AWTS Service

A proper AWTS service isn’t a quick glance at the tank. Each visit typically covers:

• Checking pH levels
• Measuring sludge levels
• Measuring clarity of the treated water
• Topping up chlorine and measuring residual chlorine
• Cleaning the aeration blower filter
• Adjusting aeration if required
• Cleaning filters where needed
• Inspecting the irrigation field
• Assessing odour
• Confirming the irrigation pump is operating properly
• Checking the aerator is set to the required back pressure

This keeps the outgoing treated water at a safe pH level and stops it becoming a health risk to your household, your neighbours, or the environment.

Signs Your System Needs Attention Sooner Than Scheduled

Don’t wait for your next quarterly visit if you notice:

• An alarm light or warning tone on the control panel
• Unusual odour around the tank or irrigation area
• Wet or soggy patches near the disposal field
• Gurgling drains or slow-draining fixtures inside the house
• Discoloured or cloudy water in the treatment chamber

An active alarm usually points to a pump, blower, water level or power issue, and it’s worth getting looked at before your next scheduled service rather than after.

AWTS Servicing Around Canberra’s Regional Areas

AWTS systems are almost exclusively found on rural and semi-rural properties, since most in-town Canberra homes are connected to mains sewer. Born Plumbing services AWTS units across the region within roughly 80km of Canberra, including properties throughout the Queanbeyan-Palerang, Yass Valley, Goulburn Mulwaree and Upper Lachlan Shire council areas — think Bungendore, Braidwood, Murrumbateman, Yass, Gunning, Collector and surrounding rural blocks.

Brands We Service

Born Plumbing services most major AWTS brands, including AquaNova, AquaAdvanced, EnviroCycle, Ultra Clear, BioSeptic, EconoCycle, BioCycle, Clearwater, Taylex, Garden Master, OzzieClean, Fuji Clean, BioTreat and SuperTreat.

What Happens If You Miss a Service

Skipping or delaying an AWTS service isn’t just a compliance risk — it’s a practical one too. Without regular chlorine top-ups and pH checks, treated water can fall out of spec and pose a genuine health risk to your household and the environment. Mechanical parts like blowers and pumps also tend to fail without warning if they’re not checked quarterly, which usually means a more expensive breakdown call-out instead of a routine service.

Book Your Quarterly AWTS Service

If it’s been more than three months since your last AWTS maintenance services, or you’ve just moved into a property with an AWTS and aren’t sure of its history, Born Plumbing can get you back on a compliant schedule. Give Ethan a call to book a service or ask any questions about your system.