The Times Australia
Fisher and Paykel Appliances
The Times Magazine

.

Holding tanks: what to know before you install



Home and business owners are always mixing up the terms holding tank and septic tank. And, although both provide sanitation solutions, there are numerous differences between the two systems.

Yes, they both collect wastewater - no one’s arguing with that! However, they handle said waste in separate ways, and require first class holding tank treatment to work at full capacity.

Let’s take a look at the difference between the two and what you need to know before you install:

  1. They are different from their septic counterpart

The septic version is a massive vessel that accrues household wastewater through an inlet pipe. It then goes on to treat the effluent with a bio-action solution before expelling the treated water into a location where the water undergoes a period of underground percolation.

The other option, conversely, accrue the wastewater from a property through a portal. However, it does not expel the wastewater from the ground through a particular drainfield, instead temporarily maintaining the effluent for expulsion and transportation to a specific facility.

  1. They require regular pumping

Professionals recommend pumping these containers frequently as they are temporary storage containers, so you may be required to pump it and undergo holding tank treatment every few weeks.

They typically come with a specific alarm that will tell you when it is time to pump the full container. The interval at which the alarm will go off largely depends on factors including how many people use the container and its size.

If you don’t pump the container frequently it might undergo a process of sewage overflow, which can create serious problems for your property or business. To ensure that the container has a long lifespan, you should avoid leaving the wrong products including grease and food particles in the drain, which can also affect the grease trap pump out cost brisbane. You might want to use paper made specifically for these containers just to avoid compromising their integrity.

  1. They require professional installation

There is a lot of work that goes into creating a high quality solution such as this one. You have to evaluate your property’s conditions and pinpoint where the sewage lines are located. What’s more, the professionals have to pinpoint the right depth for installing the underground container and undergo specific piping tasks.

Therefore, this service should always be left to the professionals, just to ensure that it is done properly and without any headaches.

  1. They require licensing to operate

You require a licence before you install such a storage container. This being said, having the right professional in your corner will ensure that licensing is not such a big deal and can be easily acquired.

  1. They can be exception value for money

There may be a range of different costs when installing such a storage container, and this is dependent on factors like site conditions, permit fees and labour fees. The engineering phase of installing such a container is far less difficult than to install a septic system, making them cheaper to install than their counterpart.

They may require a higher maintenance cost as they require frequent holding waste tank treatment, but they don’t contain all those added components that can malfunction and require expensive repair processes.

So, with this in mind, many people view them as the better, more cost-efficient option, and one that can ensure you get the best value for your money in the long run. It’s for these reasons and more that many home and business owners opt for this solution!

Times Magazine

Can bigger-is-better ‘scaling laws’ keep AI improving forever? History says we can’t be too sure

OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman – perhaps the most prominent face of the artificial intellig...

A backlash against AI imagery in ads may have begun as brands promote ‘human-made’

In a wave of new ads, brands like Heineken, Polaroid and Cadbury have started hating on artifici...

Home batteries now four times the size as new installers enter the market

Australians are investing in larger home battery set ups than ever before with data showing the ...

Q&A with Freya Alexander – the young artist transforming co-working spaces into creative galleries

As the current Artist in Residence at Hub Australia, Freya Alexander is bringing colour and creativi...

This Christmas, Give the Navman Gift That Never Stops Giving – Safety

Protect your loved one’s drives with a Navman Dash Cam.  This Christmas don’t just give – prote...

Yoto now available in Kmart and The Memo, bringing screen-free storytelling to Australian families

Yoto, the kids’ audio platform inspiring creativity and imagination around the world, has launched i...

The Times Features

Why the Mortgage Industry Needs More Women (And What We're Actually Doing About It)

I've been in fintech and the mortgage industry for about a year and a half now. My background is i...

Inflation jumps in October, adding to pressure on government to make budget savings

Annual inflation rose[1] to a 16-month high of 3.8% in October, adding to pressure on the govern...

Transforming Addiction Treatment Marketing Across Australasia & Southeast Asia

In a competitive and highly regulated space like addiction treatment, standing out online is no sm...

Aiper Scuba X1 Robotic Pool Cleaner Review: Powerful Cleaning, Smart Design

If you’re anything like me, the dream is a pool that always looks swimmable without you having to ha...

YepAI Emerges as AI Dark Horse, Launches V3 SuperAgent to Revolutionize E-commerce

November 24, 2025 – YepAI today announced the launch of its V3 SuperAgent, an enhanced AI platf...

What SMEs Should Look For When Choosing a Shared Office in 2026

Small and medium-sized enterprises remain the backbone of Australia’s economy. As of mid-2024, sma...

Anthony Albanese Probably Won’t Lead Labor Into the Next Federal Election — So Who Will?

As Australia edges closer to the next federal election, a quiet but unmistakable shift is rippli...

Top doctors tip into AI medtech capital raise a second time as Aussie start up expands globally

Medow Health AI, an Australian start up developing AI native tools for specialist doctors to  auto...

Record-breaking prize home draw offers Aussies a shot at luxury living

With home ownership slipping out of reach for many Australians, a growing number are snapping up...