Key Takeaways
- Septic systems are typically needed in rural areas of Queensland, where you cannot access the local area’s sewage system
- Council approval is needed for your septic system before it is installed, and you must follow specific regulations regarding its distance from buildings and how it is covered
- Primary septic systems offer a simple design, but are not as popular as composting aerated wastewater treatment systems
Are you looking to build property in land, especially in a rural area, and want to know more about installing a septic system? You have come to the right place. Installing septic systems in Queensland can be tricky, with many regulations you need to consider and different types of septic systems available to you. Using our detailed guide today, we can help you decide on the right septic system and ensure your property gets approval for a new septic system.
Who needs a septic system in Queensland?
Septic systems are typically recommended when you don’t have access to your local council's sewage system. In these situations, you must install your own system to handle sewage and wastewater.
Installing a septic system isn’t usually required in urban areas, as you will likely have access to your local area's sewage system. In these cases, your sewage and wastewater pipes will be connected to the local system without needing an additional system to be installed. However, in rural areas, access is not always guaranteed, and you will need to invest in a septic system for your property. When purchasing land, we recommend checking whether you will need to install a septic system or not to ensure you can budget appropriately for it.
How close can you build to a septic tank?
Typically, you will need to build your septic tank three meters away from your home and other buildings. In Queensland, it should also be seven meters away from water sources, including streams, rivers, lakes, or wells. The regulations of where you can build your septic tank can vary depending on your local council, too, so we recommend speaking to them directly before you proceed.
When you work with an experienced builder in Queensland, they will usually have an understanding of regulations for septic tanks and can offer you guidance on the correct location to install them.
Popular septic system options in QLD
You have several options to choose from when installing a septic system on your property in Queensland. Popular options include a primary and secondary system, with the choice of sand filter or composting systems. To help you decide which is the right option for you, we have detailed the popular septic system options below:
Primary System
Primary systems are the simplest and most affordable option. You will usually find older systems are primary systems, but they aren’t usually approved these days. Primary systems aren’t the most environmentally friendly, so it is unlikely that you would get approval to install one on your property. However, if there is a primary system currently on your land, you may be able to continue using it without many updates to the system.
Secondary Systems
Secondary systems are available in three different options: sand filter, composting, and aerated wastewater systems. Each type is detailed below:
Sand filter systems
These systems are for a larger site, as you’ll need more space. The system consists of a septic tank, sand filter, subsurface irrigation and absorption trenches. They need to be serviced annually and de-sludged every 3-5 years to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
Composting system – worm farm
An eco-friendly option that is simple to set up. The system pumps site sewage directly into a worm colony that’ll eat through the bacteria. You’ll need to service your system six months after installation and then every two years or so after.
Aerated wastewater treatment systems
This is the most popular system in Australia, due to its versatility. It can be used on narrow lots and sloping blocks, which is great news for anyone with a challenging lot. The system consists of multiple tanks or a large tank with multiple chambers, including an aeration chamber. In terms of maintenance, you will need to service an AWTS quarterly and have someone de-sludge the tank every 3-5 years for optimal performance.
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Do I need approval for a septic system in Queensland?
Before you install a septic system on your land, you will need approval from your local council. You need to obtain local government approval in accordance with the Plumbing and Drainage Act 2018, ensuring that your septic system is in accordance with the Environment Protection (Water) Policy 1997 and the Environment Protection Act 1994.
A government official will inspect your septic system proposal and possibly visit your property to ensure that it is the right choice and that your system complies with any regulations. Although the regulations can vary depending on your local council, you typically need to meet the following regulations for your septic system:
- The components are all accessible and not covered by concrete, asphalt, or any other material
- The neighbouring ground slopes away from your tank to prevent water from entering from the top
- The tank will not be exposed to ground movements, weather conditions, external, or internal loads that could cause sewer leakages
- The treatment method meets the necessary criteria for wastewater
- The tank is the right size and can handle hydraulic and organic matter, meeting the needs of the property
You also need to keep in mind that it is illegal to dispose of or empty water from a septic tank into a roadside gutter, watercourse, stormwater drain, or anywhere that could impact public health. This is why it is imperative that you pick the right size septic system for your property to avoid needing to empty any of the water.
How you maintain your system varies slightly depending on the type of septic tank that you choose, but typically, you will need to do the following:
- Pump your septic tank every three to five years to prevent sludge build-up and overflow into your disposal trenches
- Pump your grease trap every three months
- Pump out grey water every six to twelve months
- Keep the power constantly running to your system
- Only hire authorised persons or licensed professionals to service and carry out work on your septic system
- Keep disposal outlets free from concrete or asphalt, using grass instead
- Keep pets, children, and other living things away from the wastewater
Quick tips to ensure you remain compliant
- Make sure to get council approval to install your septic tank.
- Check any septic tank regulations in your area. This includes any rules when it comes to disposing of greywater.
- Before purchasing a vacant lot, talk to a builder about what the installation costs will likely be.
- Installing a septic tank is too big for a DIY project, so hire a professional unless you’ve got some qualifications.
Find your experienced builder in Queensland to install your septic tank
When installing a septic tank and system on your property, it is essential that you have an experienced builder to carry out the work for you. Unsure of the septic system regulations or where to find a builder? Let us match you with an experienced builder in your area who can help you install a septic system on your new land.
