USING MY
SUSTAINABLE
SEWERAGE
SYSTEM
Home owner’s manual
CONTENTS
USING THIS MANUAL
01
WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE SUSTAINABLE
SEWERAGE SYSTEM?
02
Why has my property become a serviced property?
02
What components make up the sustainable sewerage system?
02
What items must NOT be flushed down household drains?
02
INTERCEPTOR TANK
04
How does the interceptor tank work?
04
Who maintains the interceptor tank?
04
What should I do to help optimise the performance of the
interceptor tank?
05
Why can’t rainwater go into the interceptor tank?
06
Why must heavy weights be kept off the lid?
06
What happens if I want to extend the house or landscape the garden?
06
Extensions to the house
06
Bungalows or other dwellings on the property
06
Landscaping06
Garages, car parks, decking and garden sheds
What special precautions do I need to take when going on holidays?
07
What do I need to know about alarms?
07
CUSTOMER AGREEMENT
Connection to Sewerage System – Kinglake West
ii
06
08
08
USING THIS
MANUAL
This manual is a guide to the operation
and maintenance of the sustainable
sewerage system that is installed
on this property. It is necessary
that property owners and any new
occupiers (e.g. tenants) take a few
minutes to familiarise themselves
with how the system works.
The sustainable sewerage system
includes an interceptor tank. There
are some basic things to know about
the interceptor tank. These include:
Yarra Valley Water
is appreciative of
your support for
the Kinglake West
Sewerage Project,
which replaces your
septic systems with
a safer and more
environmentally
sustainable
sewerage solution.
→→ How to care for each component
→→ What happens if alarms sound
→→ What procedures need to be put
in place before you go away on
holiday.
HOME OWNER’S MANUAL
01
WHAT DO I NEED
TO KNOW ABOUT
THE SUSTAINABLE
SEWERAGE
SYSTEM?
→→ food waste
Why has my property become
a serviced property?
→→ flammable materials
Many of the properties in Kinglake
West have traditionally been serviced
by septic systems which cannot
adequately contain wastewater onsite
due to relatively small lot sizes, soil
types and steep slopes.
→→ fats, lubricating or cooking oils and/
or grease
The replacement of septic systems
with sewerage reticulation and
centralised treatment is a safer and
more environmentally sustainable
solution.
What components make up the
sustainable sewerage system?
The sewerage system on the property
is made up of an interceptor tank and
pump as shown in the diagram on this
page.
→→ nappies (or waste from nappies),
socks, rags or clothes
→→ plastic objects
→→ hair dye
→→ sanitary napkins or tampons
→→ kitty litter
→→ explosives
→→ toxic products
→→ large amounts of bath or body oils
→→ pharmaceuticals
→→ antibacterials/disinfectants
→→ chlorine bleach, chlorides, and pool
or spa products
→→ strong chemicals, including paints,
varnishes, thinners, photographic
solutions, pesticides, herbicides,
insecticides (including pet
flea wash), fertiliser and other
agricultural chemicals
→→ kerosene
→→ gasoline
It is very important that the following
items are NOT flushed down any
household drains (sinks, laundry,
toilets, showers, baths, etc.) and into
the sewerage system:
If the interceptor tank fails due to
any of the above items entering the
system, the property owner may be
responsible for meeting the cost of
any repairs.
→→ glass
If unsure about what items can go
into the sewerage system, please call
Yarra Valley Water on 13 2762.
→→ goldfish stones
KITCHEN
SINK AND
DISHWASHER
→→ household cleaners, especially
floor wax and rug cleaners
→→ diesoline
→→ seafood shells
WASHING MACHINE,
BATH/SHOWER AND
HANDBASIN
→→ water softener backwash
What items must NOT be
flushed down household drains?
→→ metal or metal filings
SEWERAGE
SYSTEM
COMPONENTS
→→ rainwater from gutters.
YARRA VALLEY WATER ASSETS
All assets shaded orange are paid
for by Yarra Valley Water. Yarra
Valley Water will own and maintain
these assets.
CUSTOMER ASSETS
All assets shaded dark green are
paid for by the customer. The
customer will own and maintain
these assets.
02
USING MY SUSTAINABLE SEWERAGE SYSTEM
A small box mounted to the wall of your house containing
all the electrical controls for the pumping unit including the
audible and visual alarm systems.
A power cable will connect the pump to the control panel.
PROPERTY BOUNDARY
CONTROL PANEL
RETICULATION SEWERS
DISCHARGE LINE
TOILET
A 40 mm diameter pipe
which connects your pump
unit to the reticulation sewer.
INSPECTION SHAFT (27A)
The network of pipes
that receive sewage from
customers’ properties.
Wastewater from your
household is pumped into the
reticulation sewer in the street.
LID
POWER CABLE
INTERCEPTOR
TANK
WASTEWATER
PRESSURE
SEWER
PUMP
PROPERTY DRAIN
INLET STUB
INTERCEPTOR TANK
BOUNDARY VALVE KIT
Transfers wastewater from
your household to the pump
unit. As the owner of the
drain the property owner is
responsible for maintaining it.
Customer engages plumber
to connect your household
plumbing to the new sewerage
system here and fit inspection
shaft cover as per AS3500.
Provides primary wastewater
treatment before an
internal pump unit pumps
the wastewater into the
reticulation sewer on the street.
Prevents wastewater from
flowing back into your
property from the sewer pipe
in the street.
The unit is installed
underground so that only
the lid is visible.
Also used to isolate your
property from the system for
maintenance purposes.
HOME OWNER’S MANUAL
03
INTERCEPTOR
TANK
How does the interceptor
tank work?
The interceptor tank treats
wastewater before it is transferred
to the sewerage system in the street,
and then to the local treatment
facility. The interceptor tank is
installed underground so that only
the top of the storage tank (or lid) is
visible. The tank contains an effluent
filter, and a pump and discharge
assembly which is wired to a small
control panel and to power supply.
The control panel is mounted on
the side of the house close to the
interceptor tank. It contains all of the
electrical controls for the interceptor
tank pumping unit, including the
audible and visual alarm systems.
A small-diameter house service
pipeline will be installed on the
property to connect the interceptor
tank pumping unit to the sewerage
reticulation in the street. A boundary
valve kit, located on the house service
line, will ensure wastewater which is
already in the sewerage reticulation
cannot re-enter the property. The
boundary valve will also allow
maintenance staff to isolate the
property from the system in the event
of an emergency.
Who maintains the interceptor
tank?
Yarra Valley Water will own, operate
and maintain the interceptor tank
and pump on the property, as well
as the connecting pipework up to
and including the capped inspection
shaft (27A), control panel, electrical
switchboard, electrical cabling to the
pump unit, and the boundary valve kit.
Yarra Valley Water will arrange for
a septic tanker to pump out the
interceptor tank when this is required
(expected to be between 3 and 10
years of use).
It is the householder’s responsibility
to ensure that:
→→ They are familiar with the location
of the interceptor tank and its
associated equipment on the
property
→→ They do not allow any of the
products listed in this manual
to enter the sewerage system
(refer to What items must NOT be
flushed down household drains?)
→→ They respond to any alarms
associated with the interceptor
tank
→→ They provide easy access to the
interceptor tank and its associated
equipment
→→ They do not enter the interceptor
tank at any time
→→ They allow only qualified
maintenance officers employed
by Yarra Valley Water to conduct
inspections or works on the
interceptor tank and its associated
equipment.
Interceptor tank with effluent filter and
pump wired to a control panel
04
USING MY SUSTAINABLE SEWERAGE SYSTEM
What should I do to help
optimise the performance of
the interceptor tank?
Do not use special additives that
claim to enhance the performance
of the interceptor tank or sewerage
system as these can damage the
system. Natural micro-organisms
grow in the interceptor tank and these
generate their own enzymes that
are sufficient for breaking down and
digesting nutrients in the wastewater.
Household cleaners can interfere with
the treatment process if drained to
the interceptor tank. The following is
a list of common cleaners and their
suggested substitutes:
Unsuitable common household
cleaners
Suitable cleaning substitutes
Ammonia-based cleaners
Sprinkle baking soda on a damp sponge.
For windows, use a solution of 30 ml
white vinegar to 1 litre water. Use a
spray bottle to apply the mixture.
Disinfectants
Use borax – 100 grams in 4 litres of
water (this is also a deodoriser).
Drain de-cloggers
Use a plunger or metal snake, or remove
and clean the drain trap.
Scouring cleaners and powders
Sprinkle baking soda on a damp sponge
or add 50 grams baking soda to 1 litre of
warm water.
Carpet/upholstery cleaners
Sprinkle dry cornstarch or baking soda,
and then vacuum. For tougher stains blot
with white vinegar in soapy water.
Toilet cleaners
Sprinkle baking soda, then scrub with a
toilet brush.
Furniture/floor polishes
To clean, use oil soap and warm water.
Dry with soft cloth. Polish with 1 part
lemon juice and 2 parts oil (any kind), or
use natural products with lemon oil or
beeswax in mineral oil.
Brass or copper cleaners
Scrub with a used half lemon dipped in
salt.
Stainless steel cleaners
Use scouring pad and soapy water.
Silver cleaners
Rub gently with toothpaste and soft wet
cloth.
HOME OWNER’S MANUAL
05
Why can’t rainwater go into
the interceptor tank?
Why must heavy weights be
kept off the lid?
The interceptor tanks are only
designed to accept household
wastewater, not stormwater or
rainwater. Rainwater must not be
directed into the interceptor tank for
the following reasons:
The lid of the interceptor tank is
not strong enough to withstand the
weight of very heavy objects. As a
guide, the following items should be
kept off the tank lid:
→→ It will increase pumping costs for
the household
→→ Ride-on lawn mowers.
→→ It can lead to alarms being
activated
→→ In extreme situations, the pumping
unit may overflow.
If the alarm regularly activates during
or after rainfall, please contact Yarra
Valley Water.
Conserving water will help save a
precious natural resource and ensure
that the interceptor tank does not
become overloaded. Most households
that utilise rainwater tanks for
domestic supply already have good
water-saving practices. Householders
may already be taking the following
recommended conservation
measures:
→→ Shorter showers or baths
→→ Not letting water run unnecessarily
whilst brushing teeth or washing
hands, food, dishes, etc.
→→ Washing dishes and clothes only
when there is a full load
→→ Using water-saving devices on taps
and showerheads
→→ Not leaving interior taps on during
cold weather to protect water
pipework from freezing
→→ Repairing leaking plumbing
fixtures.
06
USING MY SUSTAINABLE SEWERAGE SYSTEM
→→ Cars and other vehicles
If any part of the interceptor tank lid
or capped inspection shaft becomes
damaged, please call Yarra Valley
Water immediately on 13 2762 to
arrange repair.
What happens if I want to
extend the house or landscape
the garden?
Extensions to the house
If planning to extend the house,
please contact Yarra Valley Water
to seek advice on the suitability of
the existing interceptor tank before
beginning any construction activities.
The householder must be aware of
the location of the interceptor tank
and its associated equipment, and
ensure that the capped inspection
shaft remains above the ground
surface at all times to allow
maintenance.
Moving the interceptor tank will be
dependent on the layout of the land
as wastewater must be able to flow
into it under gravity.
If the interceptor tank needs to
be moved, the costs associated
with moving it and the associated
equipment will be the responsibility
of the property owner (a quotation
will be provided prior to any works
being carried out). Any changes to
the original installation need to be
clearly documented and submitted
to Yarra Valley Water to ensure that
in the event of an emergency, our
maintenance officers can locate the
key system components.
Bungalows or other dwellings on
the property
It may be possible for the interceptor
tank to service both the main and
additional dwellings on the property,
depending on the layout of the land.
Please contact Yarra Valley Water for
advice in relation to this matter.
Landscaping
The interceptor tank lid and capped
inspection shaft (and boundary
valve kit) must not be covered by
any landscaping works. Sufficient
space should be left around each
of these components to allow our
maintenance officers to access them
if required.
Easily removable items, such as
bird baths and picnic tables, may be
placed on top of the system.
Garages, car parks, decking and
garden sheds
Garages, car parks, decking and
garden sheds cannot be built over
the interceptor tank (or boundary
valve kit, once installed) in any
circumstances. If the property owner
wishes to construct any of these
structures, prior approval must be
sought from Yarra Valley Water. It is
likely we will recommend relocating
the house service line (once installed)
if possible.
What special precautions do
I need to take when going on
holidays?
No special precautions need to be
taken when going on holidays. Do not
turn off the main circuit breaker to the
interceptor tank pump when going on
holidays. If there is any inflow into the
system, the pump will still need to
operate.
Symptom
Action
How to do it
Alarm sounds
Turn off the
audible alarm
(sounds like a
smoke alarm)
→→ Press the lighted red indicator button
located directly above the ‘Push
to silence’ label on the front of the
electrical control panel. The red light
will remain on.
→→ Contact Yarra Valley Water
Power outage
Wait one hour
before reporting
What do I need to know about
alarms?
→→ If the alarm activates following a
power outage, please wait for one
hour before contacting us.
→→ The alarm may sound when the
power is restored as the wastewater
level in the tank may have built up to
above the alarm level.
There are a number of reasons the
interceptor tank alarm may sound
and/or flash. Yarra Valley Water is
responsible for the maintenance of
the interceptor tank system, including
responding to alarms. Please call
Yarra Valley Water on 13 2762 to
report any alarms.
→→ Once power is restored, the pump will
begin pumping again but may take up
to an hour for the wastewater level
in the tank to drop below the alarm
level (this is due to a number of other
tanks trying to empty their tanks at
the same time).
→→ Try to minimise producing
wastewater during power outages to
reduce the amount that wastewater
levels in the tank rise.
Power outage
for longer than
24 hours
Minimise
wastewater
generation and
advise us
→→ The tank has a reserve storage
capacity of 24-48 hours.
→→ In the event of an extended power
outage, take steps to minimise the
wastewater generation from kitchen
and bathroom.
→→ Advise Yarra Valley Water of extended
power outages, particularly if it
appears the duration may exceed
24 hours (excluding time when the
household is asleep).
→→ In the event of extended power
outage events, we may need to
organise for the interceptor tank to be
pumped out.
If my neighbour’s
alarm sounds
Contact us
→→ If you suspect that your neighbour is
not home, please contact Yarra Valley
Water to arrange for the property to
be inspected.
Officer attends
Create clear
access
→→ Ensure our officer has access to and
from the interceptor tank.
HOME OWNER’S MANUAL
07
CUSTOMER
AGREEMENT
Connection to Sewerage
System – Kinglake West
This Customer Agreement explains
in more detail the conditions of
connection to the sewerage system,
and the responsibilities of Yarra Valley
Water and the Customer in relation to
the new system.
1.Preliminary
In these conditions:
you and your refer to the owner of
the property to be connected to the
new sewerage system.
we, us and our refer to Yarra Valley
Water (YVW).
Our customer charter for residential
customers is incorporated with these
conditions. Any of your obligations
set out in our Home Owner’s
Manual are also incorporated with
these conditions. If there is any
inconsistency with either of them,
these conditions prevail.
2. Interceptor Tank and Pump
We will install an Interceptor Tank
and Pump at each property where
required, including connection to
power. Installation will occur at a time
to be negotiated with you for access
to your property. If there is an existing
septic tank that is no longer needed,
we will decommission this.
We will own, operate and maintain
the Interceptor Tank and Pump,
associated boundary valve kit,
connecting pipework up to and
including the capped inspection shaft
(27A), the control panel, and the
electrical cabling to the pump unit
and electrical switchboard.
You must provide us with access to
your property for maintenance of the
Interceptor Tank and Pump system at
times nominated by us, given 7 days
written notice or your prior consent.
You must also ensure that the capped
inspection shaft (27A) always remains
at surface level (that is, not buried)
to enable maintenance access as
required.
08
USING MY SUSTAINABLE SEWERAGE SYSTEM
You will be responsible for
the purchase, installation and
maintenance of the home’s internal
plumbing and the property drain,
up to but not including the capped
inspection shaft (27A) on the inlet of
the Interceptor Tank.
The Interceptor Tank and Pump
will consume power which will be
billed in accordance with the usual
arrangements of the power provider
at the property. We will not be
responsible for these power charges.
3.Charges
Charges will comprise our Sewerage
System Charge for the current
year as stated on our website, and
our average residential customer’s
Sewer Disposal Charges. Pension
or concession card holders may be
eligible for a concession on their
account. If eligible, please call 1300
304 688 with your details.
4.General
4.1Emergencies
In the event of a power failure or if
you encounter any difficulties with
the operation of the Interceptor Tank/
Pump (e.g. red flashing light on the
control panel) or associated electrical
cables, you must notify us promptly.
You must provide us with access
to your property in the event of an
emergency.
4.2Damage
If we, or someone for whom we are
responsible, damage your land or
anything on it while carrying out work
on site, the legislation under which we
operate requires us to either rectify
the damage or compensate you for it.
If you, or someone else for whom
we are not responsible damages
the interceptor tank or pump or
its associated boundary valve kit,
connecting pipework, control panel
or electrical switchboard or the
urine storage tank, we will arrange
for repairs to be made. You will be
required to reimburse us for the cost
of any such repairs.
4.3Change of property ownership
When we provide any information
statements about your property (for
example, to a potential purchaser)
it will state that the property is in a
STEP system area and that special
conditions of connection apply to it.
4.4Pools and Spas
If you have a pool or spa which
discharges water at more than 0.5
litres per second when it is emptied or
the filter is backwashed (this should
be specified in your pool or spa user
manual), you should notify YVW to
assess whether an additional holding
tank or flow limiting valve is required.
You must meet the cost of
purchasing, installing and maintaining
the holding tank or flow limiting valve.
4.5Home Owner’s Manual
This Home Owner’s Manual details
the maintenance required to keep
all appliances operating in their best
condition.
The occupant of the house must
ensure that they follow maintenance
instructions contained in the Home
Owner’s Manual. This includes
instructions in the case of faults
or emergencies (including power
failure), in which instance we advise
restricting the amount of water
used within your household as much
as possible. This will reduce the
amount of wastewater generated
from your property while the fault
persists, thereby helping to avoid any
overflows from the Interceptor Tank.
You can obtain further copies of the
Home Owner’s Manual from our
website at www.yvw.com.au.
You must ensure that a copy of the
Home Owner’s Manual is kept at
the property at all times, even if the
property is leased or rented.
4.6Access to Property
In order for us to collect samples for
research purposes, you must provide
us with access to your property at
times nominated by us, given 7 days
written notice or your prior consent. In
the event of an emergency, you must
provide us with immediate access to
your property.
5. Your Obligations during
House Construction
You must ensure that you and your
contractors comply with the following
requirements to enable us to provide
you with a sewer connection:
5.1 Drainage Works
Ensure the Plumber lays the 100 mm
UPVC sewer property drain to the
nominated location on your YVW
approved pressure sewer plan with an
invert level no deeper than 975 mm
from the finished surface level.
Failure to terminate the property
drain at this location will result in the
property drain not being connected to
the Interceptor Tank by YVW, and your
Plumber will need to return to
complete the extension.
panel on the YVW approved pressure
sewer plan terminating outside of the
dwelling at 1400 mm above finished
surface level. YVW’s Electrician will fit
off the cable including connection to
supply and fit the correct size breaker.
5.3Fit Off & Final Landscaping
Ensure you contact YVW with 21 days
notice to arrange installation of the
Interceptor Tank and Pump and
associated works prior to any site
clean up or landscaping taking place
on your property.
Ensure that during landscaping works
and final fit out of your property that
no contaminants are introduced into
the sewer drain, for example rocks,
building material, paints or solvents.
You must ensure that your
contractors are aware of the presence
and location of the Interceptor Tank
and Pump, pipework and cables so
that they are not damaged by earth
moving equipment.
5.4Occupancy
Prior to occupying your property,
ensure that YVW’s Interceptor Tank
and Pump installation contractor has
given you clearance that your new
Interceptor Tank and Pump unit are
ready to operate.
5.2Rough In
Ensure the Electrician installs a
dedicated circuit for the new sewer
pump which requires a minimum
4 mmsq size cable. This cable is to
be installed from the main fuse board
to the location of the pump control
HOME OWNER’S MANUAL
09
YARRA VALLEY WATER
Tel: 1300 304 688
Email: [email protected]
Lucknow Street, Mitcham Victoria 3132
www.yvw.com.au
Printed on 100% recycled Carbon Neutral paper