Proof of maintenance
In July 2022, we sent letters to property owners to request their proof of maintenance.
This letter explains:
- the type of proof we need to see
- how long you have to submit your records.
Failure to maintain your system may result in a fine or penalty.
Who can service your onsite wastewater system
There are many companies in Auckland who service, pump-out and repair onsite wastewater systems.
The companies listed in the table use our standard form for servicing. They provide this form directly to us on your behalf.
A-Rated Wastewater
kath@aratedwastewater.co.nz
027 418 2969
|
North, west, south |
Primary, secondary.
Service, drainlaying.
|
Cleartech
david@cleartechinstallations.co.nz
021 628 847
|
North, west |
Primary, secondary.
Service, drainlaying.
|
The Drain Company
info@thedraincompany.co.nz
0800 247 862
|
North, west, south, Waiheke |
Primary, secondary. Service, pump-out, drainlaying. |
Drain Ninjas
admin@drainninjas.co.nz
0800 464 652
|
Auckland-wide, including islands |
All systems
Service, pump-out, drainlaying.
|
Echo Drainage
doug@echodrainage.co.nz
021 416 420
|
North, west |
Primary, secondary.
Service, pump-out, drainlaying.
|
Emcole
peter@emcole.co.nz
09 666 0037
|
Auckland-wide, including Islands |
All systems.
Service and drainlaying.
|
Hydrovac
wastewater@hydrovac.co.nz
0800 493 768
|
North, west, south, Waiheke. |
All systems.
Service, pump-out
|
Laser Plumbing Warkworth
warkworth@laserplumbing.co.nz
09 422 9051
|
North |
All systems.
Service and drainlaying.
|
Macjimray
sarah@macjimray.co.nz
09 423 7014
|
North |
Primary, secondary.
Service, pump-out
|
Stoney Ridge
info@stoneyridge.co.nz
09 372 6520
|
Waiheke |
All systems.
Service and pump-out.
|
Wai Water
todd.jolly@hotmail.com
09 818 1659
|
North, west, south |
Primary. Service.
|
Waiuku Waste Disposal
info@waiukuwastedisposal.co.nz
09 235 9066
|
South |
Primary, secondary.
Pump-out.
|
Waterflow
operations@waterflow.co.nz
09 431 0042
|
Auckland-wide, including Islands |
All systems.
Service.
|
We do not guarantee the work carried out by any service provider.
We recommend using a company approved by your system manufacturer.
Rules for onsite wastewater systems
The rules for inspecting and maintaining onsite wastewater systems are set by the Auckland Unitary Plan (PDF 65.8KB).
At minimum:
- a primary system needs to be inspected every three years
- a secondary or tertiary system needs to be inspected every six months.
Maintenance involves inspecting your system and cleaning or repairing any parts that might be blocked, damaged or worn.
The sludge and scum needs to be pumped out when it fills half the volume of the tank. This work should always be done by a trained professional.
Faulty onsite wastewater systems
Without proper maintenance, your system can stop treating your wastewater.
Faulty onsite wastewater systems can harm human health and the environment.
It is important to manage offensive odours, effluent seepage and other forms of pollution caused by faulty onsite wastewater systems.
Your system needs maintenance if you notice:
- a blockage or overflow of sewage waste
- broken tank lids
- murky or smelly puddles on your property
- scum and sludge build-up in your septic tank.
Where you can, avoid:
- overloading your system with too much water
- letting rain into your system
- putting harsh cleaning products, other chemicals, food waste or rubbish into your system.
If you don't maintain your system properly, you can be fined for each day the faulty system is used.
Upgrade your onsite wastewater system
The design of your onsite wastewater system needs to suit the way it is used. Review your onsite wastewater system if:
- you are renovating your house
- more people will live on your property
- your summer holiday home becomes your permanent residence
- you start to host a lot of visitors.
The above changes mean more water will flow through your system, putting more strain on how well your tanks and disposal field can treat your sewage and wastewater.
If you upgrade your onsite wastewater system or build a new one, you will need to apply for a building consent and may need a resource consent.
See Install or alter an onsite wastewater system.
Waitākere pump-out programme
We pump out standard septic tanks, long drops, greywater tanks and grease traps every three years for properties in the former Waitakere City Council area.
If you own property in this area, you pay a targeted rate for this service, but you still need to arrange your own inspections with a private company every three years.
This pump-out programme does not cover secondary or tertiary systems, which need maintenance every six months.
More information
Contact
septic.tank@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz for more information about the Waitākere pump-out programme.
Email
healthywaterways@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz for information about maintenance and water quality concerns.
Useful wastewater documents