Wastewater Pricing Breakdown

No one system will suit every block! At Express, we are not aligned with any one system and we pride ourselves on matching the right system with the right person. This can end up saving you up to and over $15,000. The first step is to book a design consultation. We can conduct a soil test and work out what the best and most cost-effective system is for your property. Whether it’s a polymer or concrete system, absorption trenches or a treatment plant, we can take care of it all. Below is some information about some of the common onsite sewage options and why to choose one over the other.

Old style septic tank and trenches

‍What is a conventional septic system how does it work?

Conventional septic systems have been around longer than any other treatment option in Australia. The wastewater from your house flows into a septic tank and is broken down to a liquid. The effluent is then distributed into the ground through a series of absorption trenches. The effluent can flow from the septic to the absorption trenches by gravity or can also be pumped. These systems are generally the cheapest and least hassle long term option to dispose of effluent, especially in a gravity-based system. 

• Why choose this option – save money on servicing ($320 per year, power $300 per year) and the cost and hassle of costly breakdowns. (savings estimated approximately $1000 per year)
• Limitations of this option – this option is reliant on permeable soil, separation from water table, distance to creeks, dams bore ect. and depth of soil over an impermeable barrier.
• Approximate cost range – 
  

Breakdown of running costs:

Gravity System 

• A pump out your septic tank is required every 5-10 years depending on the usage and size of the septic tank. $200 - $400 ($40 per year)

Pumped System

• Power consumption to run the pump is ($30 - $40 per year, depending on usage)
• Pumps will last, on average, 5 years. Pump replacement and installation costs about $600, this will depend on the type and size of pump. ($120 per year)
  

Aerated wastewater treatment plant

(also commonly known as Biocycle, HSTP)

What is an aerated wastewater treatment plant (AWTP) and how does it work?

An aerated wastewater treatment plant uses an air blower to promote the growth or aerobic bacteria that helps treat the effluent. The last stage of treatment is disinfection. This allows the effluent to be able safely irrigated. This disinfection is normally achieved by chlorination. This method of treating effluent is probably the most versatile option and is generally fairly cost effective in terms of the cost of installation. The versatility of this system means that you can disperse your effluent via surface or subsurface irrigation.

• Why choose this option – versatility, reuse water for irrigation, generally low install cost
• Limitations of this option – AWTPs require quarterly servicing, usespower, and incorporates mechanical parts that may break down
• Approximate cost range – 

Breakdown of running cost’s 

• Servicing cost $300 - $320 per year, the first year of servicing is free
• Pump out every 5-10 years, a liquid waste removalist will need to be contracted and a service agent will be required onsite. A water carrier is necessary to refill system to operating level. $900 approximately.
• Power to run pump and aerator. $300
• Pump and aerator will last on average 5 years each. Pump/aerator replacement and installation costs about $600, this will depend on the type and size of pump/aerator. Failure of the pump may cause the system to flood and may require a pump out from a liquid waste removalist. $240 per year

Sand filter

What is a sand filter and how does it work?

Sand filter wastewater systems come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The basic principle is using bacteria living in the sand to passively clean the water. Depending on the brand of system, the water will either filter through the sand and then soak into the ground like trenches or filter through the sand then collect into a second tank to be irrigation by the use of a pump.

• Why choose this option – save money on servicing depending on the system between $70 and $320 saving, less or no power usage. 
• Limitations of this option – options that don’t need servicing are reliant on permeable soil, separation from water table (although there are options around this). Sand filters can block up through improper use, high install cost.
• Approximate cost range – 

Breakdown of running costs:

Gravity System 

• A pump out your septic tank is required every 5-10 years depending on the usage and size of the septic tank. $200 - $400 ($40 per year)
• Servicing, if required, is generally between $170 and $250/year

Pumped System

• Power consumption to run the pump is ($30 - $40 per year, depending on usage)
• Pumps will last, on average, 5 years. Pump replacement and installation costs about $600, this will depend on the type and size of pump. ($120 per year)
• Servicing, if required, is generally between $170 and $250/year