Orion Bloo Septic Tank User manual

Maintenance Manual for Bloo Septic and
Underground Holding Tank systems
Contents
1. How does a Bloo Septic tank work?
2. Composition of a healthy Bloo Septic tank system
3. Owner’s Responsibilities
4. Maintaining your Bloo Septic tank and septic system in Top Health
5. Checking and Troubleshooting your Bloo Septic tank and septic system
1) How does a Bloo Septic Tank Work?
Bloo Septic tanks are typically used in unsewered areas and are an effective component for systems
designed to process domestic wastewater. A Bloo septic tank is an underground, watertight
receptacle, constructed of Linear Low Density Polyethylene. The Bloo septic tank receives
wastewater from your home and separates any solids from liquids, and the liquid portion (effluent)
flows out of the tank after approximately 24 hours.
There are three functions of a Bloo Septic tank:
1. It serves as a settlement chamber for solids.
2. It allows some bacterial breakdown of organic solids to occur (anaerobic breakdown).
3. It stores undigested solids which must be periodically removed (about every 3-5 years).
2) Composition of a Healthy Bloo Septic Tank System
There are three layers to a healthy Bloo Septic tank:
1. A layer of fats, called scum, which floats to the surface.
2. A clear layer, called effluent.
3. A layer of solids, called sludge or bio-solids, which sinks to the bottom.
In most septic systems, treated effluent flows out of the tank through an outlet pipe as the new
wastewater enters. During this process the scum layer helps prevent odours from escaping and air
from entering. The effluent is discharged from the septic tank into further processing systems, or
directly into absorption trenches and/or fields by drainage pipes and trenches.

3) Owner’s Responsibilities
As an owner of a Bloo Septic tank, you are responsible for making sure your septic system is safe and
in good working order. Not only is a failing septic system a health risk, it can also harm the
environment. Your responsibilities include:
•Complying with all council requirements and paying any fees associated with installation,
maintenance and operation.
•Keeping your system well maintained and getting it checked regularly.
•Maintaining and protecting the absorption field.
•Making sure the house drains and tank don’t leak.
•Getting the tank pumped (de-sludged) before it becomes too full, i.e., so it can adequately
and properly process the flow going into it, generally 3-5 years.
•Getting things fixed by a licensed plumber if they are not working properly.
Please note that the installation of a new Bloo Septic tank or any alterations to an existing system
must be carried out by a licensed plumbing contractor. Your septic system must be installed
according to all local and state government regulations. This includes any alterations or changes to
an existing system.
When doing any work around your Bloo Septic tank or septic system, please
note the following:
•Septic tank systems can be hazardous, so plan carefully and take proper safety precautions.
•Do not open the main tank lid yourself. Opening the main lid and pumping out or otherwise
servicing the actual tank itself is a job for a specialist with the correct training.
•Always wear gloves and safety glasses, and wash your hands immediately after checking the
system.
•Beware of flammable and toxic gases and ensure the site is well ventilated.
•Never smoke or use any exposed flame near an open septic tank.
•Have a second person available to watch you and to call for assistance if necessary.
•Let your doctor know if you suffer any injuries during checking.
If you have any concerns or doubts, contact a plumber or septic system specialist in your area.

4) Maintaining Your Bloo Septic Tank and Septic System in
Top Health
A properly planned and installed septic system can substantially reduce your maintenance costs. The
following tips will help you conserve resources, reduce expenses and limit pollution:
Use household detergents and bleaches sensibly. Only put bio-degradable
products into your tank.
•If possible, use low-phosphorus or phosphorus-free detergents. Instead, use baking soda,
vinegar, a mild soap solution or green-safe/septic-safe cleaning products. If you have
questions about the safety of any household product, consult the product manufacturer.
•Install a lint filter on your washing machine (this can simply be a stocking over the outlet
hose). This will extend the life of your trench and avoid blockages.
•Do not dispose of chemicals, pesticides or other dangerous or non-natural items in your
system. These products can cause the tank to malfunction and can pollute groundwater.
•Do not pour fats or oils down the sink. These can solidify, block the system and build up in
the tank. Instead, put small amounts in the compost or into a separate container with the
rubbish.
•Use a sink strainer to prevent food particles from getting into the septic system. Food scraps
can slow down the digestion process and make solids build up more quickly (meaning more
frequent pump-outs).
•If you need to clean a pipe or drain, instead of caustic soda or drain cleaners, use boiling
water or a drain eel to clear a blocked line.
•Do not flush things down the toilet that could clog the system, such as personal hygiene
items, paper towels, grease, plastics or cat litter.
Reduce and monitor the amount of water entering the system –the slower
the through-flow of wastewater, the greater the treatment activity within
the tank.
•Divert roof water away from the effluent disposal area and make sure that water from roof
downpipes does not enter the septic treatment system.
•Check plumbing fixtures regularly for leaks and immediately repair any problems.
•Avoid large flows of water into the system at once, for example operate your dishwasher
and washing machine at different times and spread large washing loads over several days.
•Install water-saving devices such as low-flow shower heads and dual flush toilet cisterns.
•Don’t leave taps running unnecessarily (e.g., when cleaning teeth)
•If the terrain slopes down to your absorption trench, install a stormwater diversion trench to
ensure that surface water is diverted around the soakage area.
Protect your septic tank and disposal area from damage
•Prevent vehicles driving over the tank and soakage area, which could cause damage and
result in expensive repairs. Do not install tanks in driveways or other areas where vehicles
operate, unless the system has been specifically engineered to handle the vehicular
loadings.
•Avoid digging, harrowing, or other soil disturbances in the absorption field area.

Prevent mosquito breeding
•Fit all system vents with mosquito-proof mesh and make sure all access openings are sealed
properly.
Regularly remove accumulated sludge from the tank.
•Built-up solids can affect the performance of your system. Household pipes may back up
with sewage and your subsoil trench system may become clogged, causing effluent to come
to the surface, pool and smell. This can endanger the environment and is a public health risk.
•Accumulated solids in septic tanks need cleaning or pumping out usually once every 3-5
years. This is a job for a specialist with the correct pumping equipment, not something that
is done by the homeowner. Call a plumber or septic system specialist to find out who offers
these services in your area.
Be sure the system is easy to access for maintenance
•If your tank is difficult to access you will need to install an approved access shaft to minimise
future maintenance difficulties.
•Do not construct driveways, buildings or paved areas over the septic and soakage area,
unless this is part of the original design and the design has allowed for the extra loadings and
requirements.
Plan landscaping and irrigation carefully.
•Only plant grass near the absorption field (roots from larger plants such as trees and shrubs
may damage the trench) and mow the area regularly. Choose nutrient-tolerant plants for
drain fields and irrigation areas.
•Contact your council environment health officer before installing an irrigation system or
doing landscaping around your trench area.

5) Checking and Troubleshooting your Septic Tank system
Septic tanks use bacteria to help digest waste, therefore they are a living ecosystem. Like any
ecosystem, they are impacted by internal and external changes, and will benefit from regular health
checks to maintain their peak performance. There are things you can do yourself, to maintain your
tank and system in good condition, and stop septic problems before they get out of hand. Make sure
you do the following at least once a year:
•Make sure all drains and toilets are working properly. If drains and toilets are slow to empty,
the system may be full, the pipes may be blocked, or the system or the trenches may be
clogged or exhausted. Call a plumber or septic system specialist if there is any issues.
•Check the fluid level near the outlet end of the septic tank. Carefully open the small
inspection cover and then stand clear. After 10 minutes, check the fluid level near the
outlet, using a torch if necessary. The fluid should not be higher than the outlet pipe at the
wall of the tank (there should only be floating ‘scum’ above this level). Reminder – wear
protective gloves and safety glasses, and wash hands afterwards. Keep any open flames well
away from the tank.
•Make sure your effluent filter is working, if you have one. If the filter is clogged, rinse it
clean with a hose so the drainage goes back into the septic tank. If this doesn’t remove the
clog, replace the filter. Reminder –wear protective gloves and safety glasses, and wash
hands afterwards.
•If your system has absorption trenches, check the area carefully. It should not be soaked or
smelly and there shouldn’t be abundant grass growth. Mow grass regularly and remove
cuttings. If the area is soggy, smelly or overgrown, there may be too much water flowing
into your septic system or the trenches may be exhausted. Call a plumber or septic system
specialist for a more thorough analysis.
The most common cause of problems is not de-sludging the tank regularly –be sure to get it
pumped out every 3-5 years.
Excess water, harsh chemicals or a lack of care can quickly make your septic tank unhealthy and
smelly. If you notice any of the following, your septic system may need attention:
•The toilet or household drains are slow to drain, or they back up.
•You notice the air around the tank smells of rotten eggs.
•You see dark green grass growing on or around the absorption area.
•Lots of weeds begin to grow downhill from the absorption area, in nearby drainage channels
or alongside a nearby waterway.
•The ground around it becomes soggy, or small pools form downhill.
•The tank has not been checked in over 12 months.
What to do if you notice something odd…
If you are concerned, it is important to act quickly so that any system or environmental damage
doesn’t get any worse. Please contact a plumber or septic system specialist immediately for advice.
Bloo Septic Tanks and Underground Holding Tanks are manufactured by Orion Australia P/L. Please
visit www.orionaustralia.com.au for more information, or call our friendly team on 1800 752 784 –
we’ll always be glad to hear from you!!