CBOS Tasmania Approved Septic Tanks - ' Why does it matter?

Your questions aren’t new. And yes, it seems like a lot of fuss and bother for something that’s under the lawn, but unfortunately, there are some strict rules and regs around septic systems.

At Orion Australia, we’ve got our heads around the paperwork side of it, and to make it easier for you, we’ll explain it here:

As a consumer and user of a septic wastewater system, it is important that you’re familiar with the legality surrounding the installation and use of septic tanks in Tasmania. This is particularly important when installing a new septic tank because who wants to have to re-do their installation! It’s a miserable and costly job to have to go out and replace a septic tank!

If yours is a new installation, your septic tank or wastewater treatment system will generally be specified by the Wastewater Designer – a professional who is trained to design and supervise the installation of a wastewater treatment system.

It’s important that your system is properly designed and commissioned – the consequences of an inadequately designed or constructed system can be nasty – soggy patches of putrid waste discharging in unwanted places, foul smells etc. etc.

Well, let’s get back to basics!

What is CBOS and What do they Do?

CBOS Tasmania (Consumer, Building & Occupational Services) are the Tasmanian state government department that certify septic tanks as suitable for installation in Tasmania.

Among the many areas of management, CBOS are the local government department that are responsible for:

• Gas Standards and Safety
• Electrical Standards and Safety
• Building Standards and Regulation
• Plumbing Standards and Regulation

In this role they assess and ensure that products and services that are offered to the Tasmanian people are of acceptable standard and are suitable for use in the modern community in which we live.

So, while this might seem restrictive at first glance, its these ‘background checks’ that ensure that dodgy products and services are kept out of our community, and that you’re not the innocent victim of unscrupulous vendors or behavior.

Getting back to the septic tank issue, there are several approved suppliers of septic tanks to the Tasmanian market, and they’re all Australian companies. To be able to be listed on the CBOS website list of Authorized Septic Tanks , a submission must be made to CBOS, the tank that is used as a septic tank must comply with Australian standard 1546.1:2008, and be certified as compliant by an independent and approved certification body. This is particularly important to ensure the longevity of the tank and your septic system – if the tank construction is faulty, flawed or is not up to standard you may end up with a collapsed and/or damaged tank which will need replacement.

Types of Septic Tanks

There are many different shapes and sizes of septic tanks available. In this article we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the various shapes.

Normally a septic tank will be supplied and installed by a registered plumber - almost all are well versed with the approved septic tanks in Tasmania. If you’re sourcing your own septic tank, click here to see the list of approved suppliers and models of tank.

If you’re unsure about what type of tank will suit you best you can always ask – the team at your local plumbing supply shop will give a fair and unbiased assessment as to what would be best for you!

Once you have chosen the right type of septic tank for your application, it’s important that the tank is installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. As we noted previously, this is normally done by a registered plumber. If you’re doing the job yourself, you’ll need to contact a plumber and have them provide written certification that the tank has been correctly installed and is suitable for use.

We trust that this article has been useful and that you have enough information to decide what sort of septic tank is the best one for you!