Septic Tank Access Saddle

Our new septic tank access saddle makes it easy for septic tank owners, pump-out contractors and anyone requiring access to a septic tank to find, open and access septic tanks, to check on their operation and to periodically pump out the contents.

The Problem – Septic Tank Access

Septic tanks accumulate and process household sewage. The tanks breed anaerobic (septic) bacteria that digest (eat) and reduce sewage to a concentrated sludge. Over time the sludge builds up and there is not enough free space for the bacteria to treat and consume new sewage. This reduces the tank’s treatment efficiency.

If the septic tank does not function properly, untreated sewage will overflow into the disposal area causing it to fail. Failed disposal areas can create smelly, boggy areas in the garden. When a disposal area fails, it is expensive to fix, and usually must be replaced.

To function properly and prevent costly repairs, septic tanks require regular maintenance—including periodic de-sludging by a pump out truck.

Unfortunately, in South Australia, Victoria and Queensland, many septic tanks are completely buried underground, making access for maintenance difficult. Some house and landowners do not even know the location of their septic tank as a buried tank has no location marker at ground level. This can also be a breach of council requirements.

Nobody wants a choked septic tank threatening the health of their family, community and bank balance. Without good access, or knowledge of your septic tank’s location, regular maintenance is often not conducted and it is easy for your tank to allow untreated sewage into the disposal area.

Research, Development and Accreditation

BioSeptic developed the access saddle with Access Septic Products, an Adelaide-based septic product specialist company. Together, we have conducted extensive research and development—including 18 months of design and rigorous testing—to bring the access saddle to market.

On 29 January 2017, SAI Global provided accreditation for the saddle as an accessory to a horizontal axis septic tank, under the Australian Standard for septic tanks. To maintain our Product Certification for the saddle, we have in place a quality assurance scheme that is regularly audited by SAI Global.

The saddle is approved by SA Health with approval number WWP P0002.
Australian Standards

Our septic tank access saddles help you meet Australian Standard AS/NZS1546.1 (relating to the design, performance and testing of septic tanks), which requires that all septic tanks have access openings that allow for regular de-sludging of the tank.

The South Australian Government (SA Health) requires that all septic tanks are de-sludged every four years.

Why you need an access saddle

An access saddle allows you to:

• Bring your tank access position up to ground level for easy access and identification.
• Have a strong and durable cover for your septic tank.
• Prevent unauthorised septic tank access—our saddle is water-tight and triple bolted in position.
• Stop stock falling into your tank.
• Protect children from accessing your septic tank—our saddle is secure and unable to be removed without tools or by children.
• Save time and money through having easy access to your tank, for maintenance, monitoring and repair.
• Comply with Australian Standard AS/NZS1546.1 and SA Health regulations (South Australia).

Cars, machinery and appliances are serviced regularly to prolong their life and to keep them safe and reliable. Your septic tank is no different. It requires servicing (de-sludging) to keep it functioning correctly, to protect your family’s health.

Purchase and Installation

Contact us to find out more about our access saddle. A full set of instructions is provided with every saddle.

Simple and Easy Installation

Installation can be completed in 15 minutes and there is no need for trucks, excavators or cranes, as the saddle only weighs 22 kilograms.