CASE STUDIES
The right type of sewage system makes all the difference - these case studies show how Dave Miller helps fix existing systems and prevents failure. Dave can also advise on installing new septic systems.
With owners choosing systems off the web or accepting plumbers ‘advice’ and installing fragile, low cost systems which only last a few years, Dave is receiving more and more urgent ‘help’ enquiries from owners whose consent applications have been declined or their systems have failed. Some months up to 25% of enquiries are ‘help’ requests which require specialist and urgent attention.
CASE STUDY 1
House and garden at Aokautere - Palmerston North
When the owners built their dream home on the banks of the Manawatū River they wanted a sewage treatment system that would fully treat the sewage, not have any smells and not detract from the enjoyment of their lifestyle section. Dave was recommended by their architect and designed a natural Packed Bed Reactor (PBR) which blends in with the landscaping.
The treatment plant is incorporated into the lawn and can be mowed over with the ride-on mower without problem. The treated effluent was of such good quality it was able to be irrigated, out of site, around the swimming pool and surrounding gardens. This house has also featured in NZ House and Garden magazine.
CASE STUDY 2
Sewage system failure and rebuild
The Lomas's house is on an elevated section with spectacular views. The existing sewage system had failed, with sewage effluent bubbling up in the lawn area. The sewage system agent wanted to convert the front lawn into an effluent soakage pit and had no idea of how to fix the failed sewage system.
Dave made representations to the manufacturer and negotiated a ‘system rebuild’ and designed a new effluent disposal area within the existing garden with no need to ruin the lawn.
"Getting Dave Miller to redesign our failing septic field was the best outcome we could have for our failing system. Having someone local to visit and really evaluate our site was extremely valuable, especially when dealing with mature landscaped gardens - and not having to bring in the digger to wipe it all out just to establish a new septic dispersal bed.
Dave really knew his stuff when it came to soils and topography and constricted site size. He has also been immensely helpful - and gone out of his way in establishing contacts and finding information to aid us in renovating our existing septic unit. Steve and I highly recommend Dave for any of your wastewater needs."
- Jen Lomas
CASE STUDY 3
Failing sewage system threatens enjoyment of retirement paradise - Hawkes Bay
After working hard all their lives this couple simply wanted to enjoy their days and visits from their children and grandchildren. However when the old septic tank packed up they were faced with an expensive packaged sewage treatment system as a replacement. Having seen and heard of horror stories from others in the community who had gone down this path, and being pressured by council and system agents that ‘their system was the best’, they contacted Dave who is totally independent and can offer practical advice.
Dave analysed the council requirements and the soil type and reviewed the system quotations the couple had received. He pointed out deficiencies in the proposals and designed a practical system that met the council requirements, didn’t cost the earth and quietly coped with the extra loading when the extended family came to visit.
CASE STUDY 4
Successful septic tank upgrade for existing house - Taranaki
The septic tank serving this house began to block up and a new system was required. The council rules, the site conditions and land area were suitable for a septic tank upgrade and a complete treatment system replacement was not required.
The existing septic tank was able to be retained and upgraded with the effluent being pumped into a series of specifically designed Low Pressure Effluent Dosing (LPED) trenches in an adjoining paddock. The only disruption to the house section and lawn area was a narrow pump line trench, installed with a chain trencher, which was grassed over and virtually unnoticeable after a few weeks.
The upgraded system was considerably cheaper than a new sewage treatment system which the local plumber had recommended.
CASE STUDY 5
Small section, restricted area - Bay of Plenty
This idyllic seaside property overlooks the bay with an oyster farm just off shore. The property has two dwellings, garaging, driveway and carparks and very little area for outdoor living and effluent disposal.
During the holidays the place overflows with people and the septic tank system simply could not cope. Effluent spills out onto the ground and puts a damper on everyone's enjoyment, not to mention the health of the oysters in the bay. There appeared to be no solution to the problem.
The home stay next door had experienced similar problems and had installed an expensive aerated system which didn’t cope with the holiday loads either. The owner heard about Dave’s reputation as a sewage system expert and engaged him to visit the site and advise on a solution. Dave quickly assessed the situation and designed a treatment system that incorporated the existing septic tank and house drainage and also took care of the peak holiday loads.
CASE STUDY 6
House extension required system upgrade, Horowhenua
The owners built a 2 bedroom cottage for their elderly parents and the additional wastewater volume exceeded the existing system capacity. The owners were facing the prospect of having to install a separate system for the cottage. Dave designed an upgrade for the system which treated the additional loading which saved considerable expense.
CASE STUDY 7
Aokautere Church sewage system design, Palmerston North
The Aokautere community raised money to transport a quaint little church to their neighbourhood and this required a sewage system. Dave did this job pro-bono as a community service and designed a simple, low cost, low maintenance system which adequately serviced the wastewater from services and weddings.
CASE STUDY 8
Council rejection of sewage system design, Taranaki
When a weekend 2 bedroom batch on a small seaside section was converted to a 5 bedroom house with double garage, driveway, decking and entertainment area - where does the effluent go? When the council rejected the plumber's design, the owner contacted Dave for help.
Dave assessed the site, retained the existing septic tank (which was situated behind the house and inaccessible for machinery) and designed a Packed Bed Reactor sewage treatment system which could be assembled on-site. Effluent disposal was effectively achieved under the small front lawn area by specific timer dosing the effluent into the soil at a rate that the soil could absorb. No smells, no fuss, no bother. The council readily accepted the design, much to the owners' relief.
CASE STUDY 9
House sale stalled due to sewage odours, Manawatu
This modern rural house and lifestyle block was expected to sell quickly however the prospective buyers noticed a sewage odour and threatened to pull out of the house sale unless the odour issue was remedied. Fearing that the sale would fall though the owner contacted me for urgent advice.
A lower cost ‘off the shelf’ sewage system had been installed on the advice of the plumber who was an agent of the system brand installed. I advised what work was required, which was carried out and the sale went ahead. It always pays for an owner, builder or architect to get independent sewage or septic tank advice to avoid these types of issues and the subsequent costs.
