I used Steve’s Takeaways recently to sort out my septic tank and was delighted with the whole process from start to finish. No noise, neat and efficient….and the big one…I can now drink my coffee on the deck without the smell!!!
I also liked the way they took care of the required paperwork with our local council, so thumbs up. Awesome.
Jon B.
Thanks for the prompt and efficient service. Really appreciate it and of course the advice provided re the tank lid cover.
Bruce and Vee L.
Good work by staff, professional and well mannered.
Robert S.
Thank you for fitting us in so promptly. What a great service! thanks.
Doug & Anne G.
Thank you for a job well done Maureen. Very impressed with the efficiency with which you did your work. Can you lock me into your forward schedule please.
Vanessa and Mike B.
Exceptional service went above and beyond. Reliable, professional, and well-priced. Look forward to staying on your future schedule.
Barbs W.
I used Steve’s Takeaways recently to sort out my septic tank and was delighted with the whole process from start to finish. No noise, neat and efficient….and the big one…I can now drink my coffee on the deck without the smell!!!
I also liked the way they took care of the required paperwork with our local council, so thumbs up. Awesome.
Jon B.
Thanks for the prompt and efficient service. Really appreciate it and of course the advice provided re the tank lid cover.
Bruce and Vee L.
Prompt, Friendly, Efficient Servicing of Septic Tanks, Grease Traps, Portaloos and Long Drops
Steve's Takeaways is a Far North District Council preferred OSD (On-site Domestic Wastewater) Contractor.
About Us
Steve's Takeaways is based in Mangonui and is well placed to service tanks throughout the region.
We are contracted by homeowners, businesses and facilities management organisations to service onsite wastewater disposal systems in accordance with Far North District Council bylaws.
Our team is experienced and can provide lots of advice on how to improve your onsite wastewater systems.
Whether you need sewage waste removed, drains emptied or grease traps cleaned, we're here to help.
Domestic Wastewater Treatment Systems
Many properties in Northland aren't connected to town wastewater schemes and have their own on-site disposal systems. There are two main types of on-site treatment units commonly used for household sewage – septic tanks and aerated wastewater treatment systems (AWTS), which have a tank or chamber and function like septic tanks.
How Septic Tanks Work
Wastewater from the kitchen, bathroom and laundry discharges into a septic tank buried beneath the ground. These tanks have either one or two chambers.
The heavier solids (sludge) settle to the bottom of the tank or first chamber, while suspended solids float to the top. The liquid in the middle flows out of the tank via an outlet pipe to a disposal field where natural processes treat the wastewater further.
Some outlet pipes have filters which can be removed and cleaned.
How AWTS Are Different
Aerated Wastewater Treatment Systems, or AWTS, generally have several chambers that process the effluent in different ways and require a pump to move effluent from one chamber to another.
Maintenance
If properly installed and maintained, septic tanks and AWTS are effective ways of dealing with domestic wastewater.
Poorly maintained systems can pollute the environment, put people’s health at risk and can be very expensive to fix.
In the Far North district council area, septic tanks and AWTS are required to be cleaned or pumped out every 5 years or more often.
Warning Signs
Here are some indications of a failing septic system.
- Slow draining sinks, baths, or toilets
- Gurgling sounds in the plumbing system
- Effluent overflows at gully traps and vents.
- Odours or surfacing sewage near the septic tank or drainage field
- Ponding of water in the soakage field or around the tank lid
- Plumbing or septic tank backups
We believe that preventative maintenance is always the best course of action. You can prevent blockages by:
- not flushing toilet wipes/feminine hygiene products
- Disposing of fat via rubbish, not down the sink