Septic Tank vs Aerated Treatment System
Compare conventional septic tanks with aerated wastewater treatment systems (AWTS) for residential properties — upfront cost, ongoing maintenance, effluent quality, council requirements, and which system suits your site.
Winner
Everhard Industries
Best overall option once average cost, coverage, and support reputation are weighed together.
Average Gap
$2,740
Difference in average pricing across overlapping septic services.
Market Range
$250 - $18,000
The full low-to-high range across both providers.
Melbourne, VIC · Est. 1926
From
$600
Average
$2,475
Coverage
8 areas
Best for: Licensed plumbers and builders seeking a reliable, widely available Australian-made septic tank for residential and light commercial installations, with parts and accessories easily sourced nationally.
Review Everhard IndustriesSydney, NSW · Est. 2005
From
$250
Average
$5,215
Coverage
6 areas
Best for: Sydney homeowners on rural-residential blocks requiring AWTS installation, system upgrades on difficult sites, or guidance through NSW council approval for onsite sewage facilities.
Review Ecosafe WastewaterSide-by-Side Price Comparison
Compare overlapping service types directly so the right price anchor is clear before you request quotes.
| Service | Everhard Industries | Ecosafe Wastewater | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polyethylene Septic Tank (3,000L) Supply | $3,000 | N/A | - |
| Concrete Septic Tank (4,500L) Supply | $4,200 | N/A | - |
| Pump Well Supply & Install | $1,500 | N/A | - |
| Greywater Diversion System | $1,200 | N/A | - |
| Aerated Treatment System Install | N/A | $12,500 | - |
| Septic Tank Replacement (Poly) | N/A | $7,500 | - |
| Annual Maintenance Contract (AWTS) | N/A | $400 | - |
| Septic Inspection & Compliance Report | N/A | $460 | - |
Pros & Cons
Everhard Industries
WinnerPros
- ✓Nearly 100 years of Australian manufacturing with proven product durability
- ✓Widest distribution network in Australia — products available through all major plumbing suppliers
- ✓Both poly and concrete tank options to suit different site and soil conditions
Cons
- ✗Tank supply only — installation must be arranged separately through a licensed plumber
- ✗Not a full-service installer — requires coordination between tank supply and installation contractors
Ecosafe Wastewater
Pros
- ✓Deep expertise in NSW council approval processes and EPA requirements
- ✓Specialist capability for environmentally sensitive sites, difficult soils, and high water table installations
- ✓Strong compliance focus with excellent track record on council approval outcomes
Cons
- ✗Service area limited to Sydney metro, Central Coast, and Hunter region
- ✗Higher pricing reflects specialist expertise and council approval management
Bottom Line
Verdict
Conventional septic tanks cost $5,000–$15,000 to install and require pump-outs every 3–5 years at $250–$600. AWTS units cost $8,000–$20,000 to install but produce higher quality treated effluent suitable for surface irrigation and are required on smaller blocks, near waterways, or where conventional absorption trenches cannot be used. AWTS ongoing maintenance contracts ($200–$600/year) are mandated by most councils and add a significant lifetime cost.
Choose a conventional septic tank if your block is large enough for compliant absorption trenches, soil conditions support drainage, and council approval confirms it is suitable. Choose an AWTS if your block is under 2 hectares in many councils, your site is near a waterway or wetland, your soil has poor percolation, or council requirements mandate secondary treatment. Over 15 years the total cost of ownership is often similar between the two options when AWTS maintenance costs are factored in.
Comparison FAQ
Everhard Industries is cheaper on average in this comparison, but the right answer depends on your specific site conditions, system type, soil percolation rate, council requirements, and ongoing maintenance obligations over the life of the system.
Site conditions (soil type, water table, lot size), council requirements (system type approval, setback rules), ongoing maintenance obligations, upfront cost, and the availability of local service agents usually affect the total cost of ownership more than a blended price average. Always get a site assessment before committing to a system type.
Choose a conventional septic tank if your block is large enough for compliant absorption trenches, soil conditions support drainage, and council approval confirms it is suitable. Choose an AWTS if your block is under 2 hectares in many councils, your site is near a waterway or wetland, your soil has poor percolation, or council requirements mandate secondary treatment. Over 15 years the total cost of ownership is often similar between the two options when AWTS maintenance costs are factored in.