General information only, not plumbing or council advice.
How often should a septic tank be pumped out?
Toowoomba Regional Council says septic tanks should generally be desludged every 3 to 5 years by a licensed liquid waste contractor. Pump-out guide →
How often does an AWTS need servicing?
Council says treatment plants are commonly serviced every 3 months, and sand filters every 12 months. The owner must engage a service agent and keep the contract in place. AWTS servicing →
Can I switch my AWTS off to save power?
No. Council's guidance says not to switch the system off to save power. AWTS servicing →
Do I need approval to install or change a system?
Yes. Council says installing or altering an on-site sewerage facility needs plumbing approval, including a site and soil evaluation, system design and drainage design. Council approvals →
How long does council take to assess an application?
Council says unsewered plumbing applications may take up to 10 business days to assess. Council approvals →
Can any treatment plant be installed in Queensland?
No. Business Queensland says a treatment plant needs a current Queensland treatment plant approval. Septic-only primary systems don't need one. New systems →
Who pays for pump-outs on a CED scheme?
Council says CED properties in Crows Nest and parts of Cambooya still pay for their own tank pump-outs. Cambooya →
Where can treated effluent go?
Council says effluent must stay within your property boundary, and sprinklers must stay in the approved area. Septic problems →
What does a pump-out cost?
Public Queensland guides put a typical pump-out at about $350 to $750, more for large tanks or hard access. These are not our prices or Toowoomba quotes. Cost guide →
Do you do the work?
No. We are a free referral service. Independent licensed providers quote and do the work, and you deal with them directly. About us →
Sources: Toowoomba Regional Council on-site sewerage facilities, Business Queensland, QBCC.
