How to Care for Your System and Field

If you live in a rural area, you probably have an onsite septic or aerated waste water system, instead of a sewer connection.

Put these tips to use for a clean, odourless and trouble-free septic system.

At Waterflow NZ Ltd we never advertise or teach that any wastewater treatment system is a ‘set and forget’ – a culture of neglect is no culture at all!

Rather – Waterflow has developed a system that is very robust in terms of shock loading and capacity, has the ability to deal to a garbage grinder, and will deliver consistent results even under pressure.

Do’s & Dont’s

Do…

• Check faucets and toilets for leaks; make repairs if necessary
• Use low flush toilets where possible
• Use a ‘displacer’ to reduce the amount of water needed to flush older toilets
• Use aerators on faucets and flow reducer nozzles on showers to help lower water consumption.
• Reduce water levels for small loads of laundry.
• Wait until the dishwasher is full to run it.
• Densely plant your field to maximise transpiration. Plant only recommended wetland plants over and near your septic system and check regularly for even wastewater distribution and even plant growth
• Perform regular monthly visual checks of your system and field
• Grass should be mowed or trimmed regularly to optimize growth and prevent the grass from becoming rank
• Use planting, low chain, signage and/or fences to discourage access in public areas. If public access ways are near the disposal area, you will need to fence the disposal area off
• Use signs, fences and plantings to prevent any vehicle or stock access
• Keep records of all maintenance undertaken on the wastewater systems
• Monitor and care for your Wastewater System as per instructions in the home owner’s manual

Don’t…

• Use chlorine based disinfectant & cleaning products (Cleaners high in chlorine, phosphorous or ammonia must not be used) in the toilets or kitchen sink.
• Overuse of heavy cleaners kills beneficial bacteria in the septic system
• Pour any toxic/strong chemicals (paint, oil, grease, paint thinners or pesticides) down any drains
• Flush down your toilet – Dental floss, feminine hygiene products, diapers, cotton swabs, cigarette butts, coffee grounds, cat litter, and other kitchen and bathroom items
• Discard any drugs down the sink or toilet
• Empty rubbish bags into Wormorator
• Add dog faeces to the wormorator, they contain unwanted bacteria.
• Dispose of vinegar or brine down the kitchen sink or toilet, the acid is harmful to the worms.
• Alter or add any part of your system without Waterflow NZ LTD’s approval

Further helpful hints:

Your NaturalFlow system is a living organism and some cleaning products have the ability to kill these organisms. When purchasing products such as cleaners and detergents etc, be sure to check the label to see if the product is either biodegradable or safe to use in sewage systems. Adding bread to the Wormorator helps worms to multiply.
Note: You are welcome to install a Garbage Grinder in your kitchen sink.  The worms love it!!