The Real Cost of Cutting Corners: A Costly DIY Disaster New

Why you should leave your wastewater system installation to the professionals

A Tank, a Tractor, and a Terrible Idea

Recently, a well-meaning but overly confident farmer learned a very expensive lesson about
the perils of going DIY — and no, it didn’t involve dodgy fencing or crooked gutters. This
time, it was an Ozzi Kleen RP10A+ domestic wastewater treatment system that fell victim to
the age-old belief that a few hundred dollars can be saved with a bit of elbow grease and a
trusty excavator.

Spoiler alert: It can’t.

What started as a straightforward purchase from one of our QLD Distributors — an $8,000
investment in a state-of-the-art system — quickly turned into a muddy, mangled mess that
left a wastewater tank bruised, a timeline blown out, and a budget shattered.

This is the tale of what happens when enthusiasm outweighs expertise.

DIY Dreams and Murphy’s Law

Let’s set the scene.
Our determined farmer decided that instead of having the Ozzi Kleen RP10A+ installed by
professionals (as was advised and offered), he’d handle the job himself. After all, he had the
gear, he had the know-how (or so he thought), and he had the confidence of someone who
had probably YouTubed "how to install a septic tank" once.

But while digging a hole and dropping in a tank might sound simple, this isn’t your average
backyard project. Wastewater treatment systems are heavy, sophisticated pieces of
engineering, requiring precise handling, correct orientation, site preparation, and — crucially
— the right equipment and strapping methods.
None of which, unfortunately, made it onto our DIYer’s to-do list.

The Tipping Point (Literally)

It all went pear-shaped when the tank, poorly secured and inadequately supported, tipped
over during handling. Instead of landing gently in its pre-dug cradle, it crashed headfirst into
the excavation pit like a drunken acrobat.

Cue the cringe.

The damage report was immediate and grim:

● A potentially smashed motor box

● Structural compromise that raised questions about the tank's long-term integrity

● Possible voiding of warranty due to mishandling

● Unknown internal damage that couldn’t be properly assessed until recovery

● And a significant delay in system commissioning — which, in rural life, means real

inconvenience

The irony? This could all have been avoided for the price of a couple hundred dollars and a
phone call to a licensed installer.

The Cleanup Crew Arrives

Enter our Distributor, the original installer who had offered the professional install in the first
place — and now found himself tasked with undoing the damage. He assessed the situation
with a mix of disbelief and dry humour.

The tank had to be carefully craned out of the pit — a job requiring more machinery and
manpower than if it had just been installed properly the first time.

But in a twist of good fortune (and a testament to Ozzi Kleen’s rugged engineering), the
RP10A+ survived the ordeal with mostly cosmetic damage. As our Distributor put it:
“Tank’s fine and installed correctly now — just a few bent screws by the looks.
Tough tanks ”

Let’s take a moment to appreciate that. Not every tank would walk away from a faceplant like
that with just a few bent screws. But the RP10A+ is built for Aussie conditions — and clearly,
for Aussie misadventures too.

Counting the Costs

Unfortunately, the tank wasn’t the only thing that took a hit. The farmer’s wallet wasn’t so
lucky.

What he thought would be a few hundred dollars in savings quickly ballooned into a list of
expenses that read like a cautionary tale:

● Labour and crane hire to recover the tank

● Transport costs (if repairs had been necessary)

● Professional reinstallation — as originally recommended

● Project delays that could affect occupancy, business operations, or general usability

of the site

● Not to mention the stress and frustration that came with the mess

In short, that initial “cost-saving” decision cost significantly more — in time, in money, and in
hassle.

False Economy: A Familiar Trap

This story is not unique. In fact, it’s a textbook example of false economy — when trying to
save money upfront leads to greater expenses down the line.

And when it comes to wastewater treatment systems, the stakes are even higher. We’re not
talking about something you can just slap together on a Sunday afternoon. These are
complex, highly regulated systems that affect everything from environmental compliance to
public health.

Improper installation can:

● Compromise the system’s performance

● Breach local council regulations

● Void warranties and insurance

● Create environmental hazards or unpleasant odours

● Lead to costly repairs or even full system replacement

And that’s not even touching on the legal implications if something goes seriously wrong.

What Should Happen Instead

Professional installation of a wastewater treatment system includes:

● Proper site assessment and preparation

● Use of certified machinery and strapping

● Adherence to manufacturer and council specifications

● Testing and commissioning to ensure performance

● Ongoing support and maintenance advice

Most importantly, it provides peace of mind.
With a licensed installer (All Ozzi Kleen Distributors are licensed) handling the job,
homeowners can trust that everything will be done right the first time — and that their
warranty, their tank, and their hard-earned money will all be protected.

A Simple Solution… Don’t Wing It with Wastewater

At Ozzi Kleen, we’re all for a bit of DIY spirit. Aussie ingenuity is part of what makes this
country great. But there’s a line between a home project and critical infrastructure — and
wastewater systems fall firmly on the “leave it to the pros” side of that line.

So next time you’re tempted to cut corners to save a few bucks, ask yourself:

● Do I really have the expertise to handle this?

● What’s the worst-case scenario if something goes wrong?

● Is saving $300 worth risking an $8,000 system (and a lot more)?

For our QLD farmer, the answer came a little too late — but his story serves as a powerful
reminder for the rest of us.

Moral of the Story: If you’re buying a top-quality system, invest in top-quality
installation.

Because tough as our tanks are… they’re not that tough.

Need a wastewater solution?

Ozzi Kleen systems are built for performance, reliability, and long-term value — but
installation is key. Always engage a licensed installer for peace of mind and the best results.
For advice or installation assistance, get in touch with the Ozzi Kleen team or contact your
local Distributor.

Your property (and your wallet) will thank you.