A photo of a flooded lawn, the result of a failed septic system

Septic Failure

Failing septic systems can have dire health and environmental consequences, exposing your family and pets to dangerous pathogens and in severe cases contaminating local water sources, making them unfit for consumption and damaging the health of the wider ecosystem.

Taylex wastewater treatment systems are created with ‘monolithic’, single piece moulding technology, resulting in superior structural integrity and longevity, Taylex systems are built to last. Not only are Taylex systems built stronger and more resilient than traditional septic tanks, but they also treat wastewater to much higher levels with bacterial disinfection rates of 99.99%, minimising health risks and contributing to a healthy and sustainable water cycle.

You may have a failing septic system, without even realising.
Common signs include:

• Foul odour coming from your system or parts of your yard.
• Constant wet or spongy patches in the yard (that are not due to rain or other water source).
• Gurgling/strange noises after using plumbing appliances i.e toilets.
• Unexplained slow drainage from sinks, showers, baths, etc.

Step One

Design

Complete a Wastewater Report

The first step is to have a Wastewater Report completed by a certified professional. Taylex or your local Wastewater Specialist will help you to get the correct report and then submit it to your council. The report will tell us the location of the septic tank, how large the irrigation areas need to be, where they will go and whether they will be above or below ground irrigation systems.

Soil Report

In order to have the Wastewater Report completed, you will need a Soil Report if available.

Discuss preferred location

Discuss your preferences for the location of your new Taylex system with your installer. If they don’t have this information the system may be installed in a location that you may want to utilise for other purposes in the future.

Reviewing setback distances

Taylex and your designer will work with you to ensure the system and the irrigation areas are as close to your preferred locations as Council will allow.

* The irrigation diagrams do not form an exhaustive list of setback distances. Set back distances will vary in different Local Council areas and are dependent on-site topography. Be sure to discuss set back distances and the positioning of your system and irrigation area with your designer.

Setback Distances

Select Irrigation Type

Below Ground Minimum Setback Distances
House	2m
Play Areas	4m
Dam	10m
Water Course	10m
Domestic Bore/Well	10m
Pool	6m
Sheds	2m
In-ground Water Tanks	2m
Driveway	2m
Boundary	2m

Above Ground Minimum Setback Distances
House	10m
Play Areas	10m
Dam	10m
Water Course	10m
Domestic Bore/Well	10m
Pool	6m
Sheds	2m
In-ground Water Tanks	2m
Driveway	2m
Boundary	2m

Set back distances vary between Local Council Areas. Be sure to check your set back distances with your Wastewater Designer or Specialist.

Step Two

Pre-Installation

Apply for a Plumbing Application & Local Council Approval

A plumbing application and local council approval must be applied for at this point. Your plumber or Taylex representative will take care of that. In most cases, it will take at least two weeks for your local council to approve your application.

Send documents to Taylex or your installer

When you receive approval from your local council, send your Council Approval to Taylex or your Local Wastewater Specialist. We will now have all the information that we need to complete a formal quote.

Installer to assess your property

Your installer will assess access for the truck to the site, a level pad for the crane where the tank will be installed and any potential overhead obstructions. They will also asses the slope of the site and irrigation area.

Review quote

Once you have received the quote from your Specialist, read through the quote carefully. If you have any questions regarding the quote or the system itself, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. We’re here to make this process as easy as possible and are happy to explain anything in further detail.

Step Three

Installation & Commisioning

Check designated irrigation area

Check that the designated irrigation area has been cleared and prepared. It should be free of any building materials, cut down trees, stockpiled soils or anything else that might get in the way of installing your irrigation system.

Installation Day

Whenever possible, your Wastewater Specialist will aim to complete the decommissioning of your old septic and the installation of your new Taylex on the same day. Installation and commissioning of your new Taylex System will include the installation of the irrigation field and the first service to your system.

A Taylex tank is lowered into the ground to be installed

Step Four

Decommissioning

Options for removal of Septic System

Your old septic system will need to be pumped out before it can be either crushed and buried OR dug out and removed. Your installer will discuss these options with you, to help you decide what is best for your home.

Supply documentation for certified work

This is licensed work that needs to be carried out by a suitably certified person. Your local council will require you to supply documentation to show that this work has been carried out in accordance with their standards.

Step Five

Servicing

Free 12 months servicing

While we’re commissioning your system, we’ll also conduct your first official service. Welcome to Taylex Servicing!

Taylex and our Accredited include the first 12 months of servicing with each new system.

Servicing requirements

All Taylex treatment systems are required to be serviced quarterly and may only be serviced by licensed wastewater service personnel.

Complete Taylex Servicing Form

You will receive a Welcome Pack from Taylex Servicing which will include a form for you to complete. Please make sure that all of your contact details are up to date, noting the best way to arrange access to your Taylex system. Once complete, please return your form to servicing@taylex.com.au

For more information about the benefits of servicing with a Taylex accredited service agent click here

A Taylex servicing van parked outside a house

Septic Upgrade FAQs

Do I need to upgrade my septic tank?

You might need to upgrade your septic tank if you experience frequent repairs, overflows, foul odours, or increased household size. Aging systems (20-30 years old) or property changes can also necessitate a septic upgrade.

What is the most expensive part of a septic system?

The leach field, also known as the drain field, is the most expensive part of a septic system. Its construction or replacement can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000, and for very large systems, up to $20,000.

How much does it cost to replace a septic tank and drainfield?

Generally, replacing a septic tank and drainfield costs between $7,000 and $15,000. The total cost varies based on the size of the field and the type of septic system installed. Factors such as site conditions and system complexity also influence the final price.

What is the life expectancy of a septic drainfield?

The life expectancy of a septic drainfield ranges from 15 to 40 years. Several factors influence this lifespan, including construction materials, soil acidity, water table level, and maintenance practices. Proper care and regular maintenance can significantly extend the drainfield’s life.

Septic Upgrade