Rural and lifestyle septic systems - advice, design and problem solving - for the lower North Island from Taranaki, Palmerston North and Hawke's Bay to Wellington
Don’t let a faulty or cheap sewage system ruin your slice of paradise
If you live on a lifestyle block or rural property, your septic or sewage system is vital infrastructure — and when it fails, it can make life miserable. The wrong system can result in persistent smells, blocked filters, pump failures, expensive repairs, and even sewage surfacing in your yard.
Some months, up to 25% of Dave’s enquiries are from people with sewage systems that have failed — sometimes in less than three years. Many of these were sold as “state of the art” systems, often chosen based on a plumber’s recommendation or a flashy brochure.
Dave focuses on rural, residential and lifestyle block septic systems - his background includes decades of experience designing sewage solutions for a wide range of commercial sites and this depth of experience means he understands the challenges across all types of properties and brings that knowledge to every job he takes on.
How sewage systems work (when they work well!)
At their best, septic and sewage treatment systems are quiet, clean, and almost invisible — but that only happens when everything is working in balance. These systems rely on a natural process where waste is broken down by bacteria, treated over time within the system, and then released into the soil. The soil acts as the final stage of treatment, filtering and purifying the effluent before it re-enters the environment.
But for this to work properly, the entire system must be carefully matched to the site. That includes the soil type and drainage ability, the slope and location of the land, the number of people using the system, and the long-term maintenance requirements. If even one part of the equation is off, the whole system can tip out of balance — leading to bad smells, soggy patches, blocked filters, or premature system failure.
Good sewage systems don’t just manage waste - they protect your land, your investment, and your peace of mind. Read about how Dave has helped others with their septic system challenges here.
What happens when septic systems fail and what Dave can do
Even council-approved systems can fail if they’re mismatched to your site. Blocked emitters, noisy pumps, and repeated maintenance aren’t normal — they’re signs something isn’t working properly. Dave’s process includes:
- On-site soil testing and system assessment
- Identification of the best-suited system type
- Full written recommendations and estimated costs
- Advice on ongoing maintenance and efficiency
Dave’s septic tank and system advice is focused purely on getting you the best outcome — a system that works properly, lasts longer, and won’t come back to haunt you.
Cheap septic systems can end up costing you more
Regional council tests on over 300 systems show that 67% failed prematurely — and the cheaper the system, the more likely it was to fail. Some low-cost systems cost over $30,000 more over 20 years to operate and maintain than better-matched alternatives. The consequences are real:
- Repeated pump failures
- Filter blockages destroying landscaped gardens
- Expensive full replacements within a decade
Dave has designed modular, relocatable systems for properties at risk of sea-level rise, and worked with clients who needed low-disruption solutions for established gardens. His designs are practical, efficient, and built to last. Call Dave to find out more.
Finding a septic system that blends into the landscape - Which lid would you rather have?
When selecting a septic system it pays to get a quality one featuring low-profile or recessed lids that blend naturally into garden surroundings while still allowing easy maintenance access.
You can almost hide the lids with decorative plants, ornamental grasses, or pebbled gardens which camouflage the lids without disturbing functionality. Lids come in garden-friendly colors (green or black or even faux concrete) that are built for durability and secure fastening.
Talk to Dave before choosing a system as you don't want the above ground part of your septic tank to be your main garden feature!
This will largely depend on the site, soil type, and council rules. Septic tank systems can be considered where council or subdivision rules allow them, provided the soil and ground slope are suitable and there is sufficient land area to dispose of the effluent away from foot traffic and children’s play areas. Septic tanks are essentially liquid compost bins, achieving up to 30% of treatment within the tank. The resulting liquid run-off (effluent) is then dosed into trenches or a soakage bed, where soil organisms consume and treat it—much like cow pats breaking down in a paddock.
In some cases, sewage treatment systems are required by council or subdivision rules, particularly where soil type is unsuitable (such as heavy clay), where the slope does not allow for soakage, or where the effluent disposal area lies under lawns or children’s play areas. These mechanical treatment plants are designed to replicate the natural processes that occur in the ground, treating the effluent within the system before dispersal.
There are over 30 systems on the market. Some work well for many years while others begin to cause problems after only a few months. Do you know which one to choose? Council tests over 10 years on over 300 domestic sewage systems showed that 67% of systems failed prematurely and that the cheapest systems cause the most problems and fail more frequently.
With his engineering background and experience Dave can assess your site, work out which systems are most suitable and cost effective and provide a list of options with cost estimates. This will enable you to make an informed choice on which system to use and be happy with years down the track.
NO!! ...they do not. There is a wide range of performance of sewage treatment systems although their brochures tend to look similar. Obtaining independent advice before purchasing a sewage treatment system is most important as this is usually where sewage systems issues start. There are two adages that apply here. ‘You only get what you pay for’ applies here and if you don’t want sewage system problems don’t buy a cheap sewage system. If in doubt contact Dave today - it costs nothing to ask.
Yes, they do. They are essentially a mechanical system and have pumps and sometimes other items like blowers etc which require regular maintenance and replacement. This cost can rapidly chew up the so called ‘purchase price saving’ and end up costing up to $1,000 a year more to operate and maintain than an advanced system.