Who pumps out my septic tank and when does it happen?
GMB Water's contractor, Veolia, will pump out your septic tank every five years. The cost of this service is incorporated into the annual effluent charge included on the rates notice. If the septic tank is not emptied as scheduled, the property owner may be required to engage a contractor at their own cost to empty the tank or repair any blocked drains between scheduled services.
What do I need to do?
The contractor will need access to this to pump it out. Hatch lids are approximately 800mm x 600mm and will require a minimum clearance of 150mm from the edge (refer diagram). Do not remove the hatch lid. If you are unable to expose the hatch lid, please mentioned contact Veolia to discuss. Where tanks are substantially below ground level, property owners are encouraged to install an approved access shaft and top cover lid to assist in future pump outs.
What if I have an ageing septic tank?
Some septic tanks will have shafts with lids on top, some will be at ground level. They may be covered with plants or mulch and hidden from sight.
Some will be a full septic system with adjoining soakage tanks, and some with just be a single tank attached to Council's community wastewater system (CWMS).
Some of these tanks and lids have been in service for many years and they start to wear out and the concrete weakens and crumbles.
Properties that are serviced by a septic tank can expect to have minor to major issues reported due to their age over the coming years. Most of these tanks are either approaching or have exceeded their 50 year life and will require repairs/replacement or bypassing if a sewer service for the property is available.
In most cases the contractor who pumps the tank will notify Council of any issues with the septic tank, and this information is passed on to Council's Environmental Health team to confirm the issues and advise the owners of their options. If the property is able to connect to a sewer system, the property owners will be advised that this is one of their options. Bypassed tanks should be made safe to avoid danger of collapse.
If your tank is getting older, have a quick look to see if your tank lids are safe and in good condition.
Please complete the form for any septic tank enquiries. Alternatively, you can contact Veolia direct on (08) 8398 2484.
What we do
With a strong focus on customers, we deliver efficient and affordable services, including wastewater collection, wastewater treatment, bore water supply, and recycled water treatment and distribution. These efforts continue to support the people and businesses of Mount Barker and its surrounds, while working towards the community’s shared vision for environmental sustainability.
Manage your service
Looking after your wastewater or recycled water service doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re using a septic tank, need to report a problem, or want to find out information regarding service charges and payments, we’re here to help make things easy. Our goal is to keep everything running smoothly while giving you clear info and support whenever you need it.
Septic tanks and desludging
The Septic Tank Desludge Program is the periodical cleaning or desludging of all septic tanks connected to GMB Water's Community Wastewater Management System (CWMS). This is essential to prevent plumbing maintenance costs associated with blocked drains, both on your property and to GMB Water's infrastructure.
