There are so many different modifications that you can make around your home. Renovate the kitchen, add a back deck, paint the exterior of your home, and yes, install a water tank. The popularity of water tanks in residential homes around the country is picking up. More and more people are getting on board with having their very own source of water at home. Even if you’ve never thought about underground water tanks before, have you ever thought of the following things?

 

You’d like to be more self-sufficient

Many of us have the dream one day of being completely self-sufficient, living a life off the grid. Going back to a way of life where you could provide for everything yourself. Your veggie patch, maybe some chickens, either a power wall or just a whole lot of solar panels, getting off the mains, man. While the entire deal might be a bit hard to achieve at once, there are small steps that you can take along the way that’ll help you to be (eventually) capable of being completely self-sufficient.

 

You think the cost of your water bills is too high

Every year, the same thing. Bills, bills, bills, and they keep rising. While many people are complaining about the cost of their internet bills (for slower than third world speeds), or their electricity bills (because they’re getting pretty ludicrous if we’re honest), how is your water bill going? Have you looked at the comparison panels? Are you chewing through way more water than you used to for some reason? Or perhaps you think that maybe the cost of the bills has simply risen too high to warrant your usage? These are clear signs that an inground water tank is a good home solution for you.

 

You want to do your bit for the environment

Many people who once didn’t give the environment a second thought are now sitting up and paying attention. We’re seeing plastic bags disappear from our supermarkets (thankfully), people interested in doing their bit to try and rectify global warming, governments making promises about carbon emissions dating out to many decades from now, and hey – everyone’s recycling. It’s easy to start doing your little bit for the environment all from the comfort of your own home. Try out composting, greywater solutions, choosing cleaning products that are safe for the environment and install an underground water tank in your backyard to collect the rainwater.

Sydney Water Tanks can help you with all your residential water tank needs. We can come and assess whether you’ll be able to install your very own water tank in your yard, and then set it all up and instruct you on usage. Contact us for more info!

Friday 9th Sep 2016

One of our technicians was attacked by dogs while perfomaning an on-site service call.

Our only priority today is the health and well-being of our technician, David.

There are numerous investigations being carried out from which we will have more information available on Monday.

 

— Cassie and Kylie, CK Recruitment

 — Bob Martin BioSeptic

Even though we are in the middle of winter, before the weather starts to get warmer it is important to consider how to best create your yard into a self-managing, thriving garden. Included in this, is ensuring that your garden is a water smart garden. Meaning you will spend less time maintaining your garden, save on your water bills and save water and ideally have a garden that looks after itself.

By following the below top tips, you will have a beautiful (and water smart) garden to enjoy all year round.

Plants

• Invest in Australian natives. These types of plants have adapted to the Australian climate, meaning that need little watering and also encourage birds and insects into your garden.
• Purchase plants that suit your home’s climate. For example if you live in a dry area, purchase plants from around the world that have similar habitats – again they will need little watering.
• Use mulch to keep moisture in your soil.
• If you have large trees, plant your garden under here – keeping them out of the sun and in the shade, preventing them from drying out.
• By grouping similar plants together, you will end up using less water – as you will not be spreading the water all over the garden; where it is not needed.

Water

• Use water crystals in your garden, they increase the amount of water dispersed to your plants.
• Invest in a rainwater tank for your garden, that way you are using fresh and free water on your garden; saving on your water bill!
• If you have an Aerated Wastewater Treatment system (AWTS) the recycled wastewater from your system can be used in your garden. You pay for your water once and use it twice!
• Using air temperature rainwater is best for your garden as it does not shock your plants.
• When washing your car, if possible, wash on the lawn, that way the run off goes straight into the earth.
• Plants don’t need to be watered every day. Minimise water usage by planning your watering times.
• Water your plants in the afternoon, that way it won’t evaporate and need to be done again

For more information contact us at Sydney Water Tanks on 1800 041 111 or email reception@sydneywatertanks.com.au/archive, or BioSeptic on 1300 658 111 or email reception@bioseptic.com.au

This article was first published on LivingGreener.gov.au and reposted on www.sydneywatertanks.com.au/archive and www.bioseptic.com.au

When it comes to tank vs town water we seem to believe that one is better than the other, however when living in suburbia or rural you don’t have much choice as to which you can use, it is pre-determined by your zoning. However, as a country where water can become scarce we have all seen the benefit of owning water tanks or rainwater tanks, regardless of where you live.

By installing rainwater tanks in your home (particularly a suburban home), you are giving yourself an additional source of water to use in your home all year round. By owning a Sydney Water Tank you can save roughly 50% of your domestic town water use by easily connecting and supplying your toilet cisterns and outdoor taps with rainwater. Not only are you now sustainable with your rainwater tanks, you are also saving on your town water bill.

If you decide to install rainwater tanks into your home, you can use the water for the following:

• Toilet cisterns/flushing toilets
• Outdoor taps
• Washing your car
• Watering lawns and garden
• In some cases, in your laundry use
• Topping up swimming pool or spa

If you install rainwater tanks into your suburban home, a great addition to your water tank is having a Rain Switch installed. The Rain Switch controls the water supply from the rainwater tanks and your town water system to your home. The great thing about using a Rain Switch is that it automatically selects rainwater to be used (if it’s available) in the nominated outlets. The Rain Switch also detects when the rainwater is low and switches back to the mains without need for manual input and then switches back to rainwater when it is available. A Rain Switch can be used with most rainwater tanks.

If you are interested in setting up a water tank, rainwater tank or installing a Rain Switch into your home, contact the team at Sydney Water Tanks on 1800 041 111 or visit http://www.sydneywatertanks.com.au/archive for further information regarding Rain Switch.

Share this article today to spread the benefits of having a rainwater tank in your home.

To ensure longevity of your water tanks, tank maintenance is the key. Keeping your water tanks maintained means you will get the most out of your rainwater tanks all year round and maintenance will also help in maximising the amount of water you can save and harvest. If you have an untidy, dirty water tank, you cannot harvest as much water due to debris being in the way.

There are many things you can do to ensure easy maintenance of your water tanks. In maintaining your water tanks, you increase your amount of water harvested and also avoid costly repairs. See the following maintenance tips for each type of water tank.

Rainwater tanks:

• Keep gutters free of debris –including leaves, twigs, and vermin. Regularly clean them out.
• Fit leaf guards in the gutter to keep leaves out
• Engage a professional gutter cleaner to clean out your gutters with a powerful vacuum cleaner

Concrete water tanks:

• Keep gutters free of debris –including leaves, twigs, and vermin. Regularly clean them out.
• Fit leaf guards in the gutter to keep leaves out
• Engage a professional gutter cleaner to clean out your gutters with a powerful vacuum cleaner
• Make sure your tank is aerated so the water will not become stagnant
• Clean the inside of your tank every few years, as sediment will accumulate
• Check your water inlet cover is cleaned out every so often
• Monitor tree and root growth around your tank that may lead to concrete damage
• Check your man holes are sealed securely

Underground water tanks:

• Keep gutters free of debris –including leaves, twigs, and vermin. Regularly clean them out.
• Fit leaf guards in the gutter to keep leaves out
• Engage a professional gutter cleaner to clean out your gutters with a powerful vacuum cleaner
• Make sure your tank is aerated so the water will not become stagnant
• Check your water inlet cover is cleaned out every so often
• Check your man holes are sealed securely
• Ensure the overflow for your tank is clear

Water tanks generally need little maintenance so by following these quick and easy steps, it will help you in maximising your water saved but also help to harvest water that is ready to use around your home.

Share and save this article today, to prevent you, your family and friends needing to invest in repair work on rainwater tanks. For further information on how to best carry out certain maintenance tips or even to install a new rainwater tank in your home, contact the team at Sydney Water Tanks on 1800 041 111.

1. What do I get from your free onsite consultation?

A member of our sales team will contact you directly to organise a suitable time to meet with you at the site of the job.

They will assess your site and discuss what systems would be suitable for you. They will also be able to explain how our tanks and systems work and answer any questions that you have.

If you would like to take the next step after your consultation, they will develop and send you a quote for the tank or system discussed with you.

2. I have my house plans and I need a water tank, now what do I need to do?

By emailing an electronic copy of your house plans, we can help determine the best location and tank model that will best suit your site as well as provide a drainage profile and site plan if they are required by your builder, plumber or local council. Also, one of our team is able to visit your property and advise you further on the best tank model and tank location to satisfy the site requirements.

3. Do you install my water tank or BioSeptic system?

BioSeptic and Sydney Water Tanks are manufacturing and servicing companies and do not prepare sites for installation i.e. excavation, drainage and electrical services. These preparations and services must be carried out by licensed plumbers and electricians. If required, we can assist you with contractors familiar with AWTS and/or water tanks installations.

4. What happens when my water tank gets installed?

We make the installation process simple. We offer comprehensive instructions and technical support to builders, plumbers and electricians at every stage.

1. Sydney Water Tanks can provide a site plan and drainage profile determining the best tank model and location on the site.
2. Once plans are approved by the client and Council, the site is excavated according to the drawings and the tank is delivered.
3. The drainer/plumber installs the tank, mounts the Rain Switch and connects the pipes.
4. The electrician connects power to the Rain Switch, and the system is ready to be used.

5. What happens when my BioSeptic system gets installed?

1. The house plumber or supervisor phones the Distribution Manager to arrange a delivery date and time. An Installation Manual is mailed, faxed or emailed to the plumber. This contains excavation instructions and site requirements for the delivery.
2. If the plumber has not installed a BioSeptic before, he may receive a phone call from the service manager to discuss the installation procedure, if necessary a BioSeptic representative can be onsite to assist with the first delivery.
3. The complete BioSeptic system is delivered and installed.
4. Your plumber connects the system to the house.
5. Your electrician provides a rough in or connection to the system. Wiring diagrams are delivered with every system.

6. How often do I need to get my BioSeptic AWTS serviced?

The NSW Department of Health requires all systems to be serviced by a suitable technician every three months to monitor and maintain its high quality of operation and provide a report to you and your local council. The first year’s servicing by BioSeptic’s technicians is included in the price. At the end of the first year BioSeptic’s service team will automatically provide a service agreement for the next year. BioSeptic’s service technicians are employees, not sub-contractors. This provides a better level of service to ensure your system is maintained to the accreditation performance standard.

If you are, then look no further! We sell high quality stock troughs right here at Sydney Water Tanks and BioSeptic.

High quality stock troughs:

• Made from 40mpa steel fibre reinforced concrete to ensure strength and durability
• Are low maintenance and easy to clean with an easy drain channel
• Concrete keeps the water in the stock troughs cool
• Each stock trough includes a 4 x 1.3 tonne lifters and a 25mm brass threaded inlet

Stock trough dimensions:

• 1500L capacity
• Approximately 1100kgs
• Width: 1935mm
• Height: 700mm
• Thickness: 70mm walls, 80mm base

Contact us 1800 041 111 or 1300 658 111 to find out more about our stock troughs.

With the cooler months upon us, one of the most important things is to keep your home and your family warm. Taking action to stop cold air entering your home, and to stop warm air leaving, is one of the key ways to save energy and money. Living Greener has provided some helpful ideas that will help you have the greatest impact.

1. Draught proof your home

Draught-proofing your home is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to keep your home warm and comfy as well as save energy and money. In fact, draught-proofing your home can save you up to a quarter of your heating bills.
Draughts can occur anywhere where there are gaps in the construction of your home, letting cold air in or warm air escape. Look for gaps around your doors, windows, architraves, along skirting boards, and between floorboards. Here are some draught-proofing activities you can do yourself:

• To fill the gap between windows and frames, you can buy adhesive foam strips. You can select from a range of options at the hardware store. Another option is metal or plastic strips with brushes or wipers attached. These cost a little more but will last longer. Make sure you measure the gap between the window and the frame so the strip is the right width to do the job properly. If you have sliding sash windows, it’s best to fit brush strips or consult a professional.
• Block the gap at the bottom of doors to the outside with a brush or hinged flap draught-stopper and fill the gaps around doors with the foam strips available from the hardware store. For the inside, you can use a sand-filled or fabric ‘sausage’ draught-stopper. Choose from colourful designs available in gift shops or make your own from fabric that you may already have at home.
• For some areas, such as chimneys or around electrical fittings, you may need to seek expert advice.
• Be careful in areas which need good ventilation such as rooms with open fires or unflued gas heaters, or rooms where lots of moisture is produced, like kitchens and bathrooms. Ventilation keeps air in your home fresh, dry and healthy so don’t block air vents and fans in these rooms.

2. Make sure your home is insulated

If you haven’t already insulated your home, now is the time to think about it having it installed. Not only will it make your home a lot more comfortable to live in, insulation can make some really dramatic savings in heating costs. Up to half the energy we use to heat our homes in winter can simply leak out through ceilings, walls and floors. Lots of Australians are sitting in rooms that are colder than they need to be.

There are many types of insulation available and their suitability depends on where you live, the type of roof, and whether you need to keep winter heat in or summer heat out or both. Start by doing some research about insulation and installation options; then talk to an expert to find out what’s best for your home, climate and individual circumstances.

It’s important to have insulation installed safely according to Australian standards and by someone with expert knowledge.

3. Keep in the heat

Windows can let as much as 40 per cent of your winter warmth sneak out of your home, but there are ways to improve window efficiency. Here are a few tips to help window treatments keep in the heat.

• Curtains and blinds can make a surprising difference in keeping your home warm, as well as giving you privacy and looking great. Look for fabrics that insulate well, for example heavy fabrics or curtains with thermal lining or layers. Choose the best quality you can afford to give you the best thermal results.
• Fitted pelmets above new or existing curtains are important in reducing heat loss. If pelmets don’t fit with your interior design, choose window fittings such as blinds that attach to the wall and trap air flow or install curtains that reach to the ceiling. For a simple do-it-yourself and low cost option, try fitting a strip of light wood across the curtain rail above the curtain to stop heat leaking away.
• Installing glazing on windows or skylights is another option which will increase energy efficiency by trapping a layer of air and helping to keep the cold air at bay. It also reduces outside noise.
• Double glazing can be expensive to retrofit but there are cheaper commercial alternatives as well as secondary glazing products that involve a thin plastic coating you can affix to windows yourself at a low cost. Check out what’s available in your hardware store.

4. Use energy efficient lighting

As the days begin to get shorter and cooler, we tend to spend more hours inside and have the lights burning longer each day. If you haven’t already done so, consider switching to energy-efficient lighting options. Did you know that most homes could halve the amount of energy used for lighting by making smarter lighting choices and using more efficient technologies? That can add up to a lot of dollar savings throughout the year.

Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) can easily replace any inefficient incandescent lights you may have in your home. While CFLs cost a little more up front, they last a lot longer than the older style globes, are much cheaper to run, and now come in a range of shapes, colours and sizes. Tubular lamps (florescent tubes) are another good option for kitchens, garages and workshops. Try solar powered lights along your driveway or for garden lighting. Light emitting diodes (LEDs) are a new highly efficient if you are building or renovating as they can last up to 50,000 hours. As the technology improves and demand increases, costs will come down.

5. Maintain your heating systems

Keeping your heating system properly maintained will help it operate more efficiently and last longer. Check your instruction manual for guidance or contact your supplier or manufacturer for advice.

Share this article with your friends to make sure they are keeping their home warm this winter.

This article was first published on LivingGreener.gov.au and reposted on https://www.sydneywatertanks.com.au/industry-updates/ and www.bioseptic.com.au

 

We all know that along with the cold weather we often see higher electricity bills. You will be happy to know that there are a few smart (and free) energy choices you can make around your home which will help you save energy and money around your home. Not only will these choices reduce power bills, you are also helping the environment.

10 free things you can do now

Living Greener lists the top ten things households can adopt to reduce power bills.

1. Dress for the season

One of the easiest ways to save money in winter is to turn down the heater and put on some warmer clothes. This doesn’t mean dressing for the Antarctic – it means putting on a jumper before you crank up the temperature.

Reaching for a jumper instead of the thermostat is important when you realise that each additional degree adds between 5 and 10 per cent to your energy use. So the savings from pulling on another warm layer can add up to big cash savings this winter.

While you’re at it, dress your bed for the season too by putting on an additional blanket.

2. Shut the door on wasted energy

Trying to heat the whole house can waste a lot of money. Shut the door to areas you aren’t using (like bathrooms and the laundry) and only heat the rooms you’re using.

3. Turn it off

Turn off your heaters before going to bed and when you’re leaving the house – it’s cheaper and it’s safer too.

House fires are more common in winter, so why not consider doing a quick online fire safety audit to reduce your risks.

4. Let the sun shine in

Solar panels may not be suitable for every home and budget but you could still be using the free power from the sun. Open your curtains when the sun is shining on them and close the curtains when the sun moves away. Using the sun’s energy will help boost the temperature for free.

5. Don’t use the shower to warm up

Hot water accounts for a large chunk of your power bill – about one quarter of the average bill – so try to avoid the temptation of using the shower to get warm.

Staying in the shower uses up to 20 times as much energy as getting out and standing under two heat lamps instead. Even a few extra minutes in the shower will add to your power bill.

6. Rug up

During winter’s coldest months, many of us chill out indoors watching TV, playing our gaming consoles or cooking a hearty meal. Staying in has an energy price tag – adding to our home energy bills.

There are heaps of ways to have fun ‘unplugged’ – break out the board games and don’t forget to turn off your entertainment gadgets when you’re not using them.

To reduce the overall energy you use while watching TV, use a blanket before turning up the heat.

7. Be active and become a ‘swapper’

Swapping car trips for walking or cycling is a great way to save money and keep fit during the winter months. Join in and become a swapper family.

It makes good sense to walk instead of using your car for short journeys. Cars cost a lot of money to run, especially when you’re paying for petrol, maintenance and the upfront cost of buying a car (or a second car).

People powered transport is good for the environment, good for your health and good for your wallet too!

8. Use a solar clothes dryer

Clothes dryers are very convenient – but remember you are paying for this convenience. Rather than automatically putting your clothes into the dryer, use free energy from the sun and the wind to dry your clothes whenever you can.

You can put clothes racks out in the sun and fresh air on verandahs or dry clothes indoors on a rack when the heater is already on.

9. Turn off gadgets and appliances

Did you know that home entertainment systems and electronic gadgets are quietly adding to your power bills? Up to 10 per cent of the electricity used in your home is used on gadgets that are plugged in on standby. TVs, DVD and video players, game consoles, mobile phone chargers, microwave ovens, MP3 docks and stereos are some of the biggest culprits. You may not realise that your phone charger is still using energy even when your phone is not plugged in.

Check that you’re using appliances efficiently and turn off unused appliances at the wall. Unplugging these gadgets can save you quite a bit of money on your energy bill all year round.

10. Waste not, Want not

Worldwide, 30 per cent of our food goes to waste. In New South Wales that means the average family throws out more than $1,000 in wasted food every year.

As well as costing you money, this food ends up in our garbage bins and in our tips where it produces methane – a harmful greenhouse gas that’s 21 times stronger than the emissions from your car.

Much of the food waste in our kitchens comes from poor planning or from buying too much food so use shopping lists and check your pantry and fridge regularly to ensure you use up what’s there.

Why not share this article with someone who you think would like to live greener this winter.

This article was first published on LivingGreener.gov.au and reposted on www.sydneywatertanks.com.au/archive and www.bioseptic.com.au

Image from: http://www.livinggreener.gov.au/lifestyle-guides/winter#ten_free_things_you_can_do_now

 

Now that the weather is getting cooler and winter is approaching, it is important to start thinking about what you can do to ensure that you can maximise your rainwater for when the warmer seasons come back around. It is important to remember that rainwater can be used instead of mains drinking water for a number of activities in the home, including your toilet cisterns and outdoor taps.

By installing a rainwater tank in your home, you could start saving around 50% of your domestic town water. For example, a toilet can use up to 12L per flush so installing a rainwater tank to toilet system can lead to major water savings.

There are many things you can do around your home all year around to make sure you get the most out of your rainwater tank and continue to save money. Consider some of the following tips to help you maximise rainwater harvesting:

• One of the main uses for your rainwater tank is in your garden. During the rainy seasons when the garden doesn’t need as much watering, your rainwater tank can be connected to the house and used for toilet flushing and in some cases in the laundry as well. This can save you money all year round. You can also use it to wash your car.
• Keep up the general maintenance of your rainwater tank:
  • Prevent debris entering the storm water system draining into the rainwater tank by:
    • Keeping gutters free of debris such as leaves and twigs and vermin
    • Fitting proprietary leaf guards in the gutter to keep leaves out of the gutter
    • Fitting a leaf guard rain head to each downpipe will stop roof debris entering the stormwater system. These can be fitted about two metres from the ground on two storey houses to make them easier to clean
    • Engaging a professional gutter cleaning company to clean gutters with a powerful vacuum cleaner is the easiest way
• Lead-based paint and flashing, or tar-based coatings found on some roofs affect
• water quality. Make sure your roof material is non-toxic.
• Make sure tank water is aerated, so it will not become stagnant.
• Clean the inside of the tank every few years, as sediment will accumulate.

Rainwater tanks generally require little maintenance, however following these small steps will help you maximise the water usage from your rainwater tank.

For more information on rainwater tanks, contact Sydney Water Tanks on 1800 041 111 today.

Source: www.savewater.com.au