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On-Site Wastewater Treatment

Off the Mains.Done Right.

Design, installation, maintenance and repair of septic tanks, AWTS, and greywater systems for rural and semi-rural properties across the Northern Rivers. Council-compliant, licensed, and locally experienced.

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Blocked DrainsHot Water Issues

Which system do you need?

Wastewater System Types

The right system depends on your lot size, soil type, council requirements, and budget. We'll assess your site and recommend the best option — or call us and we'll talk it through.

Most common

Septic Tank Systems

The traditional on-site wastewater solution. Wastewater flows into a buried tank where solids settle and liquids are dispersed to a drain field. Low maintenance, long lifespan, and suitable for most rural properties with adequate land area.

  • Low ongoing maintenance
  • Long lifespan (20–30 years)
  • Suitable for most soil types
  • Requires regular pump-outs
Higher treatment

Aerated Wastewater Treatment Systems (AWTS)

AWTS units treat effluent to a higher standard using aeration, making it suitable for surface irrigation. Required on many Northern Rivers properties where soil conditions or setback distances don't suit a standard septic drain field.

  • Treats effluent for irrigation reuse
  • Suitable for smaller lots
  • Required by many councils
  • Needs quarterly servicing
Water saving

Greywater Diversion Systems

Greywater systems divert wastewater from showers, baths, and laundries for subsurface garden irrigation — reducing your load on the main wastewater system and saving water. Simple, low-cost, and council-approvable.

  • Reduces wastewater load
  • Saves water for gardens
  • Simple installation
  • Council approval required

What we do

Full Wastewater Service

From initial design through to ongoing maintenance — we handle every stage of your on-site wastewater system.

System Design

We assess your site, soil type, and council requirements to design the right system for your property.

Council Approval

We prepare and submit the required documentation to your local council on your behalf.

New Installations

Full installation of septic tanks, AWTS units, and greywater systems — including earthworks and dispersal fields.

Repairs & Upgrades

Repairing failed systems, replacing aging tanks, and upgrading older septic systems to meet current standards.

Scheduled Servicing

Quarterly AWTS servicing contracts to keep your system compliant with council conditions of approval.

Pump-Outs

Septic tank pump-outs when solids build up. We coordinate with licensed liquid waste contractors.

Emergency Response

Septic backing up or overflowing? We respond fast to protect your property and health.

Compliance Inspections

Pre-purchase inspections and compliance reports for property sales and council audits.

Council requirements

NSW Compliance Made Simple

On-site wastewater systems in NSW are regulated under the Local Government (General) Regulation and the Plumbing Code of Australia. Every new system requires council approval before installation, and AWTS units require ongoing quarterly servicing to maintain compliance.

We handle the paperwork. From the initial site assessment and system design through to council submission and installation certification — we manage the process so you don't have to.

  • Site assessment and soil testing coordination
  • System design to council specifications
  • Council approval application and submission
  • Installation by licensed plumber
  • Compliance certificate on completion
  • Ongoing AWTS servicing contracts available

Is Your System Overdue?

Many rural Northern Rivers properties have aging septic systems that haven't been inspected or serviced in years. An overdue system can fail without warning — causing sewage to surface on your property and creating a serious health hazard.

If you're not sure when your system was last serviced, or if you've noticed any odours, wet patches, or slow drains, call us for an inspection.

Book an Inspection

Where we work

Rural & Hinterland Properties Across the Region

We service rural and semi-rural properties throughout the Northern Rivers and Clarence Valley — including remote acreage where other plumbers won't travel.

NimbinKyogleBonalboMullumbimbyLismoreCasinoByron Bay hinterlandAlstonvilleGrafton

Common questions

Wastewater FAQs

Do I need council approval for a new septic system?

Yes. In NSW, all on-site wastewater systems require council approval before installation. We handle the application documentation and liaise with your local council on your behalf.

How often does an AWTS need to be serviced?

Most councils require AWTS units to be serviced every 3 months. We offer scheduled servicing contracts to keep your system compliant and running efficiently.

What is the difference between a septic tank and an AWTS?

A septic tank is a passive system that separates solids and liquids, with effluent dispersed to a drain field. An AWTS uses aeration to treat effluent to a higher standard, allowing it to be reused for irrigation. AWTS systems are required on many Northern Rivers properties due to soil and setback conditions.

My septic is backing up — what should I do?

A backing-up septic is a health hazard. Don't use toilets or drains until it's resolved. Call us on 0487 810 593 — we'll assess whether the tank needs pumping, the drain field is blocked, or there's a more serious issue.

Ready to book?

Need a Wastewater System?

Call us or request a free quote. We'll assess your site and recommend the right system for your property and council requirements.

Licence No. 230095C · Rural & Hinterland Specialists · Northern Rivers NSW

What our customers say

On-Site Wastewater Reviews

5.0(1 reviews)
Verified

AWTS installation handled from council approval to commissioning

We needed a new AWTS for our rural property and Terry handled everything — the council application, the site assessment, installation and commissioning. He knew exactly what council required and the whole process was stress-free. System has been running perfectly for two months.

Problem

Rural property required a new AWTS to meet council requirements for subdivision approval

Solution

Full council application, site assessment, AWTS installation and commissioning handled end-to-end

Resolved in2 days (installation)
Satisfaction10/10

AWTS installed and commissioned, full council compliance achieved

Grafton

Ready to get the same result?

Call Terry now or send a quick quote request — we respond fast.