Everything you need to know about septic tanks, sizing, installation, maintenance and wastewater solutions in South Africa.
Septic tanks are underground wastewater treatment systems designed to collect and treat household or commercial wastewater on-site. They are ideal for properties without access to a municipal sewer system.
Our septic tanks are manufactured from high-quality polyethylene, making them strong, durable, corrosion-resistant and built to withstand South African conditions for long-lasting performance and reliability.
A properly installed septic tank system helps manage wastewater safely, protects the environment and provides a dependable solution for homes, farms, smallholdings and commercial properties. With a range of sizes available, septic tanks can be tailored to suit different property requirements and wastewater volumes.
A septic tank is an underground wastewater treatment system that collects and partially treats sewage from homes, farms, lodges, schools, and businesses that are not connected to municipal sewer systems.
The correct size depends on:
Most residential properties require tanks ranging from 2,500L to 10,000L.
Wastewater flows into the tank where solids settle to the bottom, oils float to the top, and partially treated liquid exits to a soakaway or drainage field for further filtration.
A quality polyethylene septic tank can last 20–50 years when installed correctly and maintained properly.
Most septic tanks should be pumped every 3–5 years, depending on household size and usage
Only:
Avoid:
These can damage the system.
A properly installed and maintained septic tank should not produce strong odours. Persistent smells usually indicate a blockage, damaged venting, or maintenance issue.
A soakaway is a drainage area that disperses treated wastewater into the soil after it leaves the septic tank.
Traditional gravity-fed septic tanks do not require electricity. Some advanced treatment systems may use pumps or aerators.
Installation requirements vary by municipality. Professional installation is recommended to ensure compliance and correct operation.
The depth depends on site conditions, inlet levels, soil type, and local regulations.
Yes. Additional design considerations may be required for the soakaway and drainage system.
Local regulations vary, but septic tanks are typically installed several metres away from buildings, boreholes, and water sources.
Yes. Tree roots can invade pipes and drainage fields, causing blockages and system failure.
Common causes include:
Lack of maintenance
Excessive water usage
Flushing inappropriate items
Blocked soakaways
Poor installation
Tree root intrusion
Signs include:
A septic tank partially treats wastewater before discharge to a soakaway. A conservancy tank simply stores wastewater and requires regular emptying.
No. Stormwater should never enter a septic system as it can overload the tank and soakaway.
When properly installed and maintained, septic tanks provide an effective and environmentally responsible wastewater treatment solution.
Costs vary depending on:
Yes. Rototank provides installation instructions and resources to help ensure proper setup.
