Frequently
Asked
Questions
With the latest equipment and a fleet of modern vacuum trucks, our team are trained to offer you with the best service available.
A septic tank is a holding tank made to receive sewage and it is mainly a liquid/solid diverting system which keeps the content for a period of time and then releases a clarified waste via an outlet to a soak away. An anaerobic bacterial ecosystem builds up in the tank which decomposes the waste materials in the tank. As the name septic implies, the sewage getting into the tank becomes septic. It’s possible that sometimes smells will be noticed from anywhere in the drainage system. Some septic tanks may have a power pump installed following the system to pump the effluent away.
Maintenance: Have the tank emptied frequently. Ensure that the outlet has a t-piece (dipper) installed to avoid solid debris heading down to the soak away and ultimately blocking it up. Do not connect any rain or surface water drainage into your tank. Have the pump (if installed) examined & cleaned frequently to ensure good performance.
A sewage treatment plant cleans and gets rid of contaminants from home sewage utilizing a mixture of physical and natural procedures. Typical applications for a treatment plant include isolated dwellings, small neighbourhoods or developments, refurbishments and other rural dwellings without any other mains drainage. Sewage treatment plants are usually installed underground and can have a power source. Sewage treatment plants require emptying and servicing on a frequent basis depending on the manufacturer’s instructions.
Maintenance: Have the system emptied and serviced according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Avoid excessive use of home detergents, bleaches or other chemicals that may irritated the natural process.
A pumping station can either have one or two pumps, depending on its application. They are often used for either pumping surface water or sewage. Single pump systems are usually for home dwellings and twin pump systems are generally for commercial applications such as a nursing home, a hotel or a company. The pumps move the sewage from the dwelling to the mains sewer. It is important that the systems are serviced frequently depending on the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Maintenance: Have the system serviced according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Don’t put the following down the sinks/drains: Grease, fat, oil, wipes, cotton buds, tooth picks, sanitary products etc. Don’t use your bathroom as a rubbish bin!
There could be odours, persistent damp areas and/or lush green development in areas around your system. Your toilets may not be flushing away properIy and perhaps making a gurgling sound. There may be leaking sewage from around a manhole cover. You could have tripping electric systems (pumping stations and sewage treatment plants).
Problems hardly ever occur if you have your system serviced and/or emptied frequently. However, should a problem arise, and you cannot locate or deal with it yourself, please call us on 1800 677 560.
If you can’t find the answer to your query here, please get in touch and we’ll be pleased to help you.
Phone: 1800 677 560
Other Frequently Asked Questions
Service & Maintenance
How often should I pump out my septic tank?
In accordance with Australian Standards and local council health regulations, most septic tanks should be pumped out every 3 to 5 years. This frequency depends on the size of your tank and the number of people in your household or business.
How do I know if my septic tank is full?
Common indicators that your tank requires servicing include:
- Slow-draining sinks, tubs, or toilets.
- Gurgling sounds in the plumbing system.
- Persistent sewage odours.
- Patches of unusually lush, green grass or pooling water near the absorption trenches.
What happens if I leave the tank too long without a pump-out?
If sludge is left to accumulate, it can overflow into your absorption trenches (soakage area). This leads to soil clogging, system failure, and potential environmental contamination. Repairing or replacing a failed absorption area can cost thousands of dollars, whereas regular pumping is a fraction of that cost.
Should I avoid using water before or after the service?
You do not need to stop using water before we arrive. Once the pump-out is complete, you can resume normal water usage immediately.
How can I extend the life of my septic system?
To maintain a healthy system:
- Avoid flushing “flushable” wipes, feminine hygiene products, or paper towels.
- Limit the use of harsh bleach or chemical cleaners that kill beneficial bacteria.
- Keep heavy vehicles or livestock off the absorption area to prevent soil compaction and pipe damage.
Pricing & Logistics
How much does a septic pump-out cost?
The cost is determined by the volume of waste (measured in litres) and your location. Because disposal fees vary by council and waste type, we provide obligation-free quotes to ensure you receive a fair and accurate price.
What factors affect the price of the service?
The primary factors include:
- Tank Capacity: Larger tanks take longer to pump and incur higher disposal fees.
- Location: Travel distance to your property and the nearest licensed disposal facility.
- Access: If the tank is located a significant distance from where our truck can safely park, additional hose lengths may be required.
Are there extra fees for difficult access or emergencies?
Yes. Emergency after-hours call-outs or sites requiring more than 50 metres of hose may incur additional charges. We recommend discussing your site layout with our team when booking.
Do I need to be at the premises for the service?
No, you do not need to be there as long as our operators have clear, unobstructed access to the tank and any gates are unlocked.
Do I need to locate or uncover the tank beforehand?
Yes. To keep service costs down, we ask that you locate and uncover the tank lid before we arrive. If you are unable to find the lid, our operators can assist in locating it using specialised equipment for an additional fee.
Technical & Environmental
What happens during a pump-out?
Our vacuum truck operator inserts a high-suction hose into the tank to extract the accumulated sludge, scum, and liquid effluent. We ensure the tank is thoroughly emptied and then securely replace the lid.
Do you inspect the tank or check for damage?
While the tank is empty, our operators perform a basic visual inspection. We look for obvious signs of structural damage, such as cracks in the concrete or damaged baffles, and will notify you if we identify any issues that require attention.
Is the waste disposed of safely and legally?
Absolutely. Enwaste is fully licenced by the Department of Environment and Science (DES). All waste is transported and discharged at EPA-approved treatment facilities where it is processed according to strict environmental guidelines.
Can heavy rain or flooding affect my septic system?
Yes. During periods of heavy rain, the soil in your absorption trenches can become saturated, preventing the tank from draining. This can cause your system to back up even if the tank is not full of solid waste.
Is my septic system failing?
If you have recently had a pump-out but are still experiencing slow drains or sewage smells, your absorption trenches may have failed. Our team can help diagnose whether the issue is a simple blockage or a more serious system failure.
Emergency Situations
Can you do urgent or same-day pump-outs?
We maintain a fleet of trucks across South East Queensland and prioritise emergency requests where there is a risk of environmental contamination or property damage.
What should I do if sewage is backing up into the house?
- Stop using all water immediately (do not flush toilets or run taps).
- Check if the overflow relief gully (ORG) outside is clear.
- Call Enwaste immediately to arrange an emergency pump-out to prevent further internal damage.