FOREWORD

BY THE MINISTER FOR ENVIRONMENT AND PUBLIC HEALTH

Sarawak has achieved tremendous economic growth during the last

few decades. Subsequently, small towns have evolved into cities and
municipalities. This high rate of urbanization has brought about a host
of environmental issues to the urban centres. The generation,
treatment and disposal of domestic sewage is one of the pressing
issues.

Septic tanks have been the main sewage treatment system in our
urban centres. This system shall remain as the backbone of sewage
treatment facility in Sarawak. However, over the years various
modifications to the design and construction of the system have been
adopted by the industry players and the local authorities.

The Sarawak Sewerage Services Department, in line with the powers

and functions conferred upon it under the Sewerage Systems and
Services Ordinance, 2005, has taken the initiative to consolidate the
various existing design and construction practices and to issue
uniform guideline for septic tank design and construction.

The technical details of these Guidelines extensively adopt the

Malaysian Sewerage Industry Guidelines - Volume V Septic Tanks.
However, established local practices and our legal framework have also
been taken into consideration in the formulation of the Guidelines.

These Guidelines are timely because they have also incorporated

design features of connection to future Centralised Sewerage System.
The Ministry and Sarawak Sewerage Services Department would like
to thank all parties involved in the drafting and reviewing of these
Guidelines.

Y.B. DATO SRI WONG SOON KOH

MINISTER FOR ENVIRONMENT AND PUBLIC HEALTH
Date: 30 March 2011

Sarawak Urban Sewerage Systems | Guidelines No.1 (i)

 SEWERAGE SYSTEMS AND SERVICES
ORDINANCE 2005

These Guidelines are issued under Section 4 and Section 9

of the Sewerage Systems and Services Ordinance, 2005.

Dated this 30th day March 2011.

URBAN SEWERAGE SYSTEMS AUTHORITY

(ii) Sarawak Urban Sewerage Systems | Guidelines No.1

 Guidelines for the Design and Construction of
Septic Tanks in Sarawak

Table of Contents

Title Page

Part 1 Introduction 1

1.1 Purpose 2

1.2 Effluent Standards 2

1.3 Reference Materials 3

Part 2 Design Guides 4

2.1 Types of Septic Tanks 4

2.2 Design Consideration 4

2.3 Planning 5

2.4 Design 7

2.5 Non-Proprietary Systems 14

2.6 Proprietary Systems 15

2.7 Commercial Kitchens 19

Part 3 Performance Enhancements for Septic Tanks 20

3.1 General 20

3.2 Enhanced Treatment Methods 20

3.3 Prohibited Discharges Into Septic Tanks 20

Part 4 Appendices 22

Sarawak Urban Sewerage Systems | Guidelines No.1 (iii)

 Part 1 Introduction

Septic tank is the primary treatment facility available for municipal

sewage in Sarawak. It must be designed and constructed with the
same permanency and quality expected of any long term option.

Adequate measures must be taken during the planning, design and

construction to ensure that it can perform effectively with minimal
maintenance.

These guidelines shall only be used for developments to be served by

individual septic tanks. Septic tanks that are built under these
guidelines shall receive and treat both the black water and the grey
water from the properties they serve.

The technical details and specifications of these guidelines follow

closely with the Malaysian Sewerage Industry Guidelines Volume V:
Septic Tank, which is issued by Suruhanjaya Perkhidmatan Air Negara.

(1) Sarawak Urban Sewerage Systems | Guidelines No.1

1.1 Purpose

These guidelines set the design and construction standards

of individual septic tanks with a design capacity of not
exceeding 30 PEs. Where the design PE is more than 30,
other system of treatment shall be provided.

These guidelines shall be used for area where public sewer

is not available. However, a by-pass pipe of 150mm
nominal diameter from the last manhole before the septic
tank shall be provided. This by-pass pipe shall be extended
to the outside drain of the premises and end capped for
future connection to public sewer.

1.2 Effluent Standards

The Environmental Quality Act 1974, Environmental Quality

(Sewage) Regulation 2009 specifies Standard A for effluent
discharge located upstream of raw water intake points, and
Standard B for effluent discharge located downstream of the
raw water intake points. The septic tanks shall be desludged
in accordance with The Local Authorities (Compulsory
Desludging of Septic Tanks) By-Laws, 1998.

Sarawak Urban Sewerage Systems | Guidelines No.1 (2)

 1.3 Reference Materials

• MS1228:1991 Code of Practice for Design and Installation

of Sewerage Systems.

• Environmental Quality Act, 1974 - Environmental Quality

(Sewage) Regulation 2009.

• Sewerage Systems and Services Ordinance, 2005.

• The Local Authorities (Compulsory Desludging of Septic

Tanks) By-Laws, 1998.

• Jabatan Perkhidmatan Pembetungan, Guidelines for

Developers:-

(i) Volume I - Sewerage Policy for New Developments

(ii) Volume II - Sewerage Works Procedures

• Suruhanjaya Perkhidmatan Air Negara, Malaysian

Sewerage Industry Guidelines:-

(i) Volume III - Sewer Networks and Pump Stations

(ii) Volume IV - Sewage Treatment Plants
(iii) Volume V - Septic Tanks

• Building Ordinance, 1994

• Local Authorities Ordinance, 1996

(3) Sarawak Urban Sewerage Systems | Guidelines No.1

Part 2 Design Guides

2.1 Types of Septic Tanks

2.1.1 Cast-In-Situ Septic Tank

It consists of a tank with a minimum 24 hours hydraulic

retention time.

2.1.2 Prefabricated Septic Tank

It is manufactured using polyethylene, glass fiber reinforced

plastic or reinforced precast concrete. The up-flow filter
chamber is incorporated inside the tank before the outlet
section.

2.2 Design Consideration

The design loading of the raw sewage shall be: 250 mg/l of
BOD5 (5days at 20 C) per person per day and 300 mg/l of
Suspended Solids per person per day.

The design shall consider the following:-

• Volume of septic tank.

• Quality of constructed septic tank.
• Adequacy of ventilation.
• Siting and access for desludging.
• Compliance with effluent quality requirements.
• Buoyancy during installation and desludging.

Sarawak Urban Sewerage Systems | Guidelines No.1 (4)

 2.3 Planning

2.3.1 Site Selection

This siting of septic tank shall meet the following:-

• Future desludging works shall not pose hazard to

residents.
• Effluent discharge point shall not affect the structural
integrity of building.
• Minimum distance of 0.5 metres from plot boundary and
within the boundary of the property served.
• Minimum distance of 15 metres away from underground
water storage tank.
• Minimum distance of 6 metres upslope or 3 metres
down-slope from swimming or wading pools.
• Minimum distance of 30 metres away from any water
body currently being used or has future potential usage
for drinking and/or cleaning purposes.
• Location shall not be subjected to heavy vehicle,
foundation or other imposed loadings.
• Not subjected to 1 in 10 year flooding.
• Refer to Appendices A and B for typical layout.

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2.3.2 Access To Septic Tank

Sufficient access must be provided for desludging and other

maintenance works. The septic tanks shall be accessible to
allow desludging tanker to operate within the effective range
of the suction pump. A minimum 250 mm diameter with clear
access passage of 150 mm diameter desludging opening in
the septic tank shall be provided for the desludging hose at
the sedimentation zone.

2.3.3 Safety Requirements

The septic tank shall not be located in area where it is likely

to encounter naked flames. The gases in the septic tanks shall
be thoroughly ventilated before entering the tank. Any naked
flames must be extinguished, and regulations regarding entry
into confined spaces must be observed at all times.

2.3.4 Inspection Chamber

Inspection chambers shall be installed at:

• Upstream of inlet to septic tanks.

• At each bend.
• At every 15 metres interval of sewer length outside the
building.
• Inspection chambers shall be located at least 1 metre
away from the building lines.

Sarawak Urban Sewerage Systems | Guidelines No.1 (6)

 2.4 Design

2.4.1 Future Connection to Public Sewers

A by-pass pipe from the last manhole upstream of the septic

tank to the outside drain line of the premises and end capped,
or plugged, for future connection, must be provided. The
by-pass pipe shall be of Internal Diameter 150 mm of straight
pipe. Front and end caps shall be provided. The cap or plug
must be easily dismantleable without resulting damages to
the piping system, floor, building structures, exterior drain,
and backlane. (Refer Appendices C and D)

2.4.2 Volumetric Capacity

The volumetric sizing of septic tanks shall be based on per

capita wastewater generation rate of 225 l/day and a
hydraulic retention time of 24 hours. This is the effective
working volume which is required for the biological
degradation of the wastewater and excludes the volume of
“head room” of air above the water level, accumulated sludge
volume for 2 years and filter media if placed within the
septic tank (for septic tanks not exceeding 6 PE capacity the
accumulated sludge volume shall be based on 4 years). This
minimum volumetric capacity of septic tanks shall not be less
than 2000 litres or 2 cubic metres.

The minimum effective working volume shall be calculated

excluding filter media volume and accumulated sludge volume
over 2 years (for septic tanks not exceeding 6 PE capacity the
accumulated sludge volume shall be based on 4 years). This
is to ensure the individual septic tank is able to meet the 24
hours hydraulic retention time after 2 years (or 4 years as the
case may be) of installation.

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Septic tank with capacity up to 6 PE, the minimum effective working
volume required shall be 2000 litres including accumulated sludge
volume over 4 years period.

Example for Computing the Working Volume and Accumulated Sludge

Volume for Septic Tank

Working Volume, C = 225 x PE

Where,

C = Working volume in litres

PE = Population Equivalent

Desludging Period = 2 Years

(4 years for septic tanks ≤ 6 PE capacity)

Hydraulic Retention Time = 24 Hours

3
Sludge Accumulation Rate = 0.04 m /PE.year

Desludging Period (Year) = (Accumulated sludge volume, m3 )

(Sludge Accumulation Rate, m3 /PE.year) x (PE)

Effective Working Volume = Working Volume + Accumulated Sludge Volume

Sarawak Urban Sewerage Systems | Guidelines No.1 (8)

 The effective volume for the varies PE for septic tank are shown in table
below:-

Working Volume and Accumulated Sludge Volume

Requirements for Different Size of Septic Tank

Accumulated
Population Minimum Working Required Effective
Sludge Volume In
Equivalent Volume Working Volume
2 Years
(PE)
L m3 L m3 L m3
7 1575 1.575 560 0.56 2135 2.135
8 1800 1.800 640 0.64 2440 2.440
9 2025 2.025 720 0.72 2745 2.745
10 2250 2.250 800 0.80 3050 3.050
11 2475 2.475 880 0.88 3355 3.355
12 2700 2.700 960 0.96 3660 3.660
13 2925 2.925 1040 1.04 3965 3.965
14 3150 3.150 1120 1.12 4270 4.270
15 3375 3.375 1200 1.20 4575 4.575
16 3600 3.600 1280 1.28 4880 4.880
17 3825 3.825 1360 1.36 5185 5.185
18 4050 4.050 1440 1.44 5490 5.490
19 4275 4.275 1520 1.52 5795 5.795
20 4500 4.500 1600 1.60 6100 6.100
21 4725 4.725 1680 1.68 6405 6.405
22 4950 4.950 1760 1.76 6710 6.710
23 5175 5.175 1840 1.84 7015 7.015
24 5400 5.400 1920 1.92 7320 7.320
25 5625 5.625 2000 2.00 7625 7.625
26 5850 5.850 2080 2.80 7930 7.930
27 6075 6.075 2160 2.16 8235 8.235
28 6300 6.300 2240 2.24 8540 8.540
29 6525 6.525 2320 2.32 8845 8.845
30 6750 6.750 2400 2.40 9150 9.150

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2.4.3 Compartmentalisation

Cast in-situ septic tanks shall be designed with two or more

compartments. The capacity of the first compartment shall
not be less than two thirds of the total volume. The division
wall in a two-compartment tank shall have opening of at least
100 mm with a total area of at least 150 cm.2 Openings shall
be located at mid-liquid depth. The division wall shall have a
ventilation air space at the underside of the roof slab to allow
the free passage of gases.

The prefabricated septic tank could be provided with a baffle

wall or scum box to isolate scum, oil and grease from
entering the filter media. Prefabricated septic tanks with
baffle walls, the filter chamber allows the flow from all
directions. The scum, oil and grease will be captured at the
inlet section of the baffle wall.

Where baffle wall is not provided in the design, an

impermeable filter media chamber could be adopted as a
baffle wall as it only allows an up-flow from the bottom end
of the chamber. The impermeable chamber acts as a baffle
or scum box which helps to prevent the scum, oil and grease
from entering the filter media.

For vertical flow septic tank, baffle wall or scum box shall be
provided to prevent scum, oil and grease from entering the
filter chamber. Wall of filter chamber could be considered as
baffle wall if up-flow filter chamber is adopted.

Sarawak Urban Sewerage Systems | Guidelines No.1 (10)

 2.4.4 Inlet and Outlet

The inlet and outlet from the septic tank shall be a minimum
diameter of 100 mm and shall utilize cast iron, or uPVC with
sufficient stiffness and thickness dip-pipes located below the
scum level. The inlet section, the invert level of the inlet
dip-pipe shall be a minimum of 75 mm above the invert level
of the outlet dip-pipe. The minimum distance between the
inlet pipe and the outlet pipe shall be 1.3 m. The pipe end of
the inlet dip pipe shall be at a minimum of 300 mm below
the water level. The pipe end of the outlet dip-pipe shall range
from 375 mm to 610 mm below the water level. In both the
inlet and outlet dip-pipes, the dip pipes shall be projected
at least 150 mm above the water level. To minimize tur-
bulence, the velocity of the incoming sewage may be lim-
ited by laying the last 12 m of incoming sewer to a gradient
of 1 in 50 or flatter.

2.4.5 Effluent Discharge

The effluent shall be discharged through pumping, where

gravity discharge is not possible. Pumped discharge can be
accomplished through the use of submersible pumps located
in a pump well. The requirements for the submersible pump
and pump well are as follow:-

Submersible Pump

• Minimum motor rating of 0.3 kW.

• Minimum Design Life of 10 years.
• Selection to consider economic costs, reliability, pumping
curve and compatibility with application.

(11) Sarawak Urban Sewerage Systems | Guidelines No.1

 Pump Well

• Effective working volume to retain one (1) hour peak flow.

• Emergency storage capacity of 200 litres in the event of
power or pump failures.
• Minimum diameter of 600 mm.
• Pump sets and control switches shall be installed in
accordance with manufacturer’s specification and to the
requirements of the relevant energy authority.

2.4.6 Head Room

The space between the top water level and the underside of
the cover shall be a minimum of 250 mm and must be
adequately ventilated or provided with an adequate means of
drawing off gases. The pipe (minimum 50 mm diameter) or
ventilation duct (minimum 75 mm diameter) provided in the
septic tank to the exterior shall be proofed against the entry
of mosquitoes by a fine mesh screen. The design of all septic
tanks shall prevent mosquito breeding.

2.4.7 Covers

The covers of the septic tank and inspection chamber shall

be adequately reinforced to take superimposed loadings. All
covers shall be airtight. These covers shall have a minimum
dimension of 600 mm x 450 mm for cast in-situ septic tanks;
and either 600 mm x 600 mm or 600 mm diameter for
prefabricated septic tanks. These covers shall be of the cast
iron type. The covers shall be airtight and manufactured
in accordance to the relevant British and/or Malaysian
Standards.

Covers shall be located where it can be easily removed and

accessed during desludging works.

Sarawak Urban Sewerage Systems | Guidelines No.1 (12)

 2.4.8 Construction

Septic tanks may be constructed of brickwork, concrete, glass

reinforced plastic or polyethylene.

Brickwork shall be of engineering bricks in cement mortar

and shall be at least 220mm thick. The mortar shall be a mix
of 1:3 cement to sand ratio. In-situ concrete shall be at least
150mm thick of C35A concrete mix. The foundation and floor
shall be constructed of concrete, at least 150mm thick of C30
concrete mix. All internal faces of the septic tank shall be
coated with sulphate resisting cement mortar or equivalent
product.

Where bricks are used to construct septic tanks, the following

additional conditions shall apply:-

• The depth of a 220 mm thick brick wall tank shall not

exceed 1500 mm below ground surface, and
• The depth of a 300 mm thick brick wall shall not exceed
2000mm below ground surface.

Septic tanks which may be subjected to traffic load or other

surcharges shall be of reinforced concrete design.

The installation of proprietary type septic tank shall strictly

comply with the manufacturers’ specifications.

(13) Sarawak Urban Sewerage Systems | Guidelines No.1

2.4.9 Principal Dimensions

The principal dimensional requirements for septic tanks are

show in the table below:-

(a) Cast-In-Situ Septic Tanks

Requirement Dimensions
Liquid Depth Between 1.22 m and 2.0 m

Minimum Width 815 mm

Length: Width Ratio 1.5 : 1

Minimum Free Board 250 mm

Maximum Depth From Ground Level 4.0 m

Ventilation Air Space 150-300 mm above top water level

Minimum Clear Sludge Depth 100 mm

Minimum Pipe Diameter 100 mm

Surface Area: Depth Ratio Not less than 3 for any compartment

(b) Prefabricated Septic Tank Dimensions

Requirement Dimensions
Minimum Inlet & Outlet Pipe Diameter 100 mm
Minimum Free Board 250 mm
Minimum Ventilation Pipe/ Ventilation Duct Size 50 mm
Minimum Diameter for Cylindrical Tank 1.3 m
Length: Width Ratio For Rectangular Tank 1.5 : 1
Maximum Depth From Ground Level Not exceed 4.0 m
Maximum Tank Height Not to exceed 3.0 m

2.5 Non-proprietary Systems

Typical design drawings are available for two (2) categories

of size; less than 12 PE and 12 to 30 PE are provided in
Appendices E and F. These drawings shall show the critical
dimensions of the septic tank as well as the stone filter
chamber design. All non-proprietary septic tanks shall follow
the critical dimensions as depicted in these drawing for the
design of both the septic tanks and filter.

Sarawak Urban Sewerage Systems | Guidelines No.1 (14)

 2.6 Proprietary Systems

Only proprietary septic tanks that the suppliers are registered

with Suruhanjaya Perkhidmatan Air Negara (SPAN) may be
used. A typical design is shown in Appendix G.

2.6.1 Tank Material

• The tank shall be made of non-degradable, non-corrodible

and of inert and lightweight materials.
• All fitting, pipe, partition or any other component part
shall be made of non-degradable, non corrodible and
durable material that is compatible with the tank.
• Polyethylene tanks:-

(i) Preferably no metal parts in the tanks.

(ii) Thickness of the side walls, top, bottom, and covers
shall be at least 7 mm. The thickness of the inlet and
outlet ends shall be at least 5mm and the thickness
of internal walls and partitions shall be at least
1.5 mm.
(iii) Fastening of internal walls or partitions shall be done
by welding or corrosion resistant fastening systems
that will hold under standard testing conditions.

• Glass fibred reinforced plastic:-

(i) Laminates shall contain not less than 30% chopped

glass strands and be not less than 4 mm thick. All
edges of openings and covers of the tank shall be
increased to a minimum thickness of 6 mm for a
minimum distance of 40 mm and shall have a
minimum of 30% glass. No fillers shall be included
in the laminate. The laminate thickness shall be
uniform. Pigments may be allowed on the outer
surfaces.
(ii) Access opening cover and top portion of the
vertical tank shall be of a minimum thickness of 4
mm, and shall have a composition of 30% glass and
70% resin. It shall also be reinforced to withstand a
load of 500 kg mass.

(15) Sarawak Urban Sewerage Systems | Guidelines No.1

 • Reinforced precast concrete:-
All reinforced precast concrete septic tanks shall be
capable of passing the cylinder, surface load, and water
tightness tests.

2.6.2 Tank Fabrication and Construction

The body of the tank below liquid level shall be fabricated or

cast in seamless unit. No joint shall be allowed on the body of
the tank below the liquid level.

All prefabricated septic tanks shall be fully assembled at

manufacturer’s factory. The tank shall be delivered in fully
completed unit for installation at site. Any internal assembling
works on the septic tank at site is not allowed to avoid any
possible sub-standard assembling works of the septic tank.

2.6.3 Inspection Chamber and Septic Tank Covers

• Cover shall be of cast iron only and have a permanent

embossment of the brand name of the tank on the cover.
• The invert level of inspection chamber shall be at a
minimum depth of 100 mm from the ground level but not
to exceed 1000 mm.
• Cover shall be a minimum of 600 mm x 600 mm for a
rectangular opening or a diameter of 600 mm for circular
opening.
• Inspection chambers shall be provided immediately
before and after each septic tank.

Sarawak Urban Sewerage Systems | Guidelines No.1 (16)

 2.6.4 Ventilation, Inlet and Outlet Pipes

• The vent pipe shall be made of non-corrode material, with

a minimum diameter of 50 mm and shall be extended
to the building/house roof top (provided with mosquitoes
proof mesh or equivalent).
• If the septic tank is located inside a building, the vent pipe
shall be located above the roof top. The vent height shall
be at a minimum of 300 mm above the ridge top.
• The inlet to a septic tank shall have a minimum length of
2 m.
• Both the inlet and outlet diameters shall be a minimum of
100 mm.
• All fittings through the wall of the tanks, such as the
ventilation, inlet and outlet pipes, shall be installed with a
permanent watertight seal.
• The clearance between the crown of the inlet pipe and the
underside of the roof of the septic tank shall be at least
50 mm.
• The invert of the outlet pipe shall be at least 75 mm below
the invert of the inlet pipe.

2.6.5 Filter Chamber and Filter Media

• The surface area to volume ratio of filter media shall be a

minimum of 90 m2 /m.3
• There shall be provisions to allow for regular servicing and
maintenance such as cleaning and replacement of filter
media.
• A minimum opening of 600 mm x 450 mm or 600 mm
diameter shall be provided over the filter media
compartment.
• Filter media shall preferably be of dual or more sizes
instead of a single size.
• Filter media shall be of proprietary design with brand
name embossed.

(17) Sarawak Urban Sewerage Systems | Guidelines No.1

 • The filter media shall be media of non-degradable,
non-corrodible and of inert materials which may not warp
over time.
• The BOD5 loading of filter chamber shall not exceed 1.2
kg/m3 per day.
• The SS loading of filter chamber shall not exceed 1.0 kg/m3
per day.
• The volumetric loading of filter chamber shall not exceed
3 3
2.5 m /m per day.
• The void percentage of filter media shall not be less than
80%. The void percentage is refered to the interstitial
voids for percolation of the liquor.

2.6.6 Marking/Labeling

Proprietary septic tanks shall be permanently labeled with

following information:

• Manufacturer’s name and trademark.

• Model of septic tank.
• Year of manufacture.
• Warranty Period.
• The working capacity of the tank.
• The type and volume of filter media used.
• The minimum liquid depth of the septic tank.
• The symbol or logo of the certifying agency.
• Pe r m a n e n t w a r n i n g l a b e l i n g a d v i s i n g a g a i n s t
unauthorized entry into the tank and the word
“DANGER”. The warning shall be located on the access
opening lid.

The marking or label shall be located on top of the tank close

to the access opening and shall be left exposed and visible
after installation.

Sarawak Urban Sewerage Systems | Guidelines No.1 (18)

 2.6.7 Septic Tank Foundation

• Soil, sand or aggregates for use in bedding shall be of

granular type to achieve adequate compactions.
• The base of the septic tank must be piled before a top
concrete layer is cast in-situ, especially in high
groundwater areas and for septic tanks located outdoor.
• The septic tank shall sit on a piled reinforced concrete slab
of a minimum 100 mm thick. The base to the slab shall be
of a well compacted sand or aggregate with a minimum
thickness of 300 mm.

2.6.8 Installation

• Careful lifting in accordance to manufacturer’s instruction

is required.
• Backfilling shall be conducted in layers of 250 mm
thickness uniformly around the tank.
• Loose soil with an aggregate of not more than 30 mm
shall be used for backfilling.
• Septic tank shall be anchored or strapped to the base of
the concrete slab prior to backfilling.

2.7 Commercial Kitchens

The discharge from any kitchen sink and/or dishwashing

machine, in a commercial kitchen shall connect to an
approved grease arrestor located as near as practicable to the
kitchen sink and/or dishwasher.

(19) Sarawak Urban Sewerage Systems | Guidelines No.1

Part 3 Performance Enhancement for Septic Tanks

3.1 General

Sewage effluent discharges upstream of raw water intake

point shall be treated to meet Standard A of the
Environmental Quality Act, 1974. If the septic tanks are used
as a stand-alone unit process, it will not achieve an effluent
quality better than Standard B.

3.2 Enhanced Treatment Methods

The following further treatment methods may be used

together with septic tank treatment for achieving higher
effluent quality:

• Soil Absorption System (Refer Appendices H and I).

• Intermittent Sand Filter (Refer Appendix J).
• Small Package Mechanical Plants.

3.3 Prohibited Discharges into Septic Tanks

Unless otherwise approved by Urban Sewerage Systems

Authority, no person shall permit or cause any of the
following discharge into a septic tank system:

• Any storm water, including roof and rainwater tank

overflow, and surface drainage waters,
• Any back flush waters from a swimming pool or water
softener,
• Any discharge or back flush from spa bath/pool in excess
of 680 litres capacity,
• Any sanitary napkin, clothing or plastic material or liner,
• Any trade waste,
• Any petrochemical or petrol or other flammable or
explosive substance whether solid, liquid or gaseous,
• Degreaser, bleach, paints, waste chemical, pesticide.

Sarawak Urban Sewerage Systems | Guidelines No.1 (20)

 • Any disinfectant or deodorant, antiseptic or germicide
powder or fluid, unless specifically stated to be suitable
for use in a septic tank,
• Any other matter or substance which, in the opinion of the
Urban Sewerage Systems Authority, City Administration
or Municipal Council, would impair the effective working
of a septic tank.

(21) Sarawak Urban Sewerage Systems | Guidelines No.1

Part 4 Appendices

Appendix A - Typical Layout for Bungalow

Appendix B - Typical Layout for Terrace Houses and Shophouses

Appendix C - Layout for By-Pass to Public Sewer

Appendix D - Details of By-Pass to Public Sewer

Appendix E - Non-Proprietary Septic Tank ( ≤ 12 PE )

Appendix F - Non-Proprietary Septic Tank ( 12 < PE ≤ 30 )

Appendix G - Typical Prefabricated Septic Tank

Appendix H - Typical Bed System for Soil Absorption

Appendix I - Typical Mound System for Soil Absorption

Appendix J - Typical Buried Intermittent Sand Filtration

Appendix K - Recommended Population Equivalent

Sarawak Urban Sewerage Systems | Guidelines No.1 (22)

 Appendix A
Typical Layout For Bungalow

Front Road

Front Acess

Bungalow / Factory 2 5

3 2 1

Septic Tank Legends :

Roadside Drain
Rear Access
Effluent to Property Boundary (Fence)
Roadside Drain Gate
Backlane Minimum Width at 4.5m Inspection Chamber

1 Toilet
Effluent to
2 Bath
Roadside
Rear Access 3 Kitchen Sink
Drain
Septic Tank 4 Wash Room
5 Shower

1 2 3

4
Bungalow / Factory 1
5

Front Acess

Front Road

(23) Sarawak Urban Sewerage Systems | Guidelines No.1

 Appendix B
Typical Layout For Terrace Houses and Shophouses

Backlane Minimum width at 4.5m

RA RA RA RA

Effluent to roadside
drain
ST ST ST ST

1 2 3 4

FA FA FA FA

Frontal road

Legends :
Roadside Drain
Property Boundary (Fence)
ST Septic Tank

Inspection Chamber
1, 2, 3, 4 Terrace House / Shop house
Commercial Buildings /
Property
FA Front Access
RA Rear Access

Sarawak Urban Sewerage Systems | Guidelines No.1 (24)

 Appendix C
Layout for By-Pass to Public Sewer

Manhole

Manhole

House
Manhole

Septic Tank

Outside Drain

Bypass Pipe to Outside

Main Road Drain with End Plug

Connection to End Plug

Last Manhole

Typical Side View of Bypass

Pipe with End Plug

(25) Sarawak Urban Sewerage Systems | Guidelines No.1

 Appendix D
Details of By-Pass to Public Sewer

600 mm Ø Manhole

Brickwork With Cast Iron

Manhole Cover
A

100 mm Ø UPVC
Inlet Pipe
From WC
100 mm Ø UPVC
Pipe From WB/FT
Sink

Approved
600 x 600 mm Grease Trap
Outlet Manhole
600 x 600 mm Inlet Manhole
100 mm Ø UPVC
Outlet Pipe 150 mm Ø Pipe
For Future Connection

Road Side Drain

Rubber Plug

A
Plan

Inlet Manhole Building Boundary

Ground Beam

Top Water Level

UPVC Inlet Pipe

Road Side Drain

300 Min
Rubber Plug
150 mm Ø Pipe
For Future Connection
Rubber Plug

150 mm Concrete Surround

Section A-A

Sarawak Urban Sewerage Systems | Guidelines No.1 (26)

 Appendix E
Non-Proprietary Septic Tank (≤12PE)

L1

220 mm min. BWK

A
20 mm Rendering in H.A.
cement and sand (1:2) in
one coat

W1
Min. 100 mm Dia.
Inlet Pipe
100 mm Half Round
G.W. channel

Min. 100 mm Dia. A

Inlet Pipe
600 mm x 450 mm C.I. Air
50 mm Concrete Reinforced tight Inspection Cover with Min. 100 mm Dia.
with no.8 expd Metal Frame to be Galvanised or coated Outlet Pipe
(Conc. 1:2:4) Ventilation
375-610 150min.
S
150 min.

D 1/2

100 mm Concrete Foundation

300 min.

D 1/2

(Conc. 1:2:4)
Opening
150 cm²
D 1/2

600 mm x 450 mm C.I. Air Min. 25 mm Dia. PVC

tight Inspection Cover with Ventilation Pipe
Frame to be Galvanised or
coated

Min. 100 mm Dia.

Inlet Pipe

Water Level

NOTES: 20 mm Rendering in H.A.

It is preferred that septic tanks with capacity of 2700 cement and sand (1:2) in
W1 one coat
litres and over be of two compartments type in which
the first compartments should be about two thirds of
the total capacity of the septic tanks. All covers must
150 mm R.C. Slab
be airtight to prevent breeding of mosquito and other (Conc. 1:2:4)
vectors. All dimension are in mm.
Section A-A
SEPTIC TANK
PE CAPACITY INSIDE DIMENSION (mm) AIR SPACE (S)
(LITRES) WIDTH (W1) LENGTH (L1) LIQUID DEPTH (D1)
10 2250 815 2290 1220 230
12 2700 885 2595 1220 255

(27) Sarawak Urban Sewerage Systems | Guidelines No.1

 Appendix F
Non-Proprietary Septic Tank (12<PE≤30)

L1 L2

220 mm Min.
BWK A
20 mm Rendering In
H.A. Cement and Sand
(1:2) In One Coat

W2
W1
To Effluent
Min. 100 mm Discharge
Inlet Pipe

100 mm Half Round

G.W. Channel
A

500 x 450 mm C.I. Air Tight 20 mm Rendering In

Inspection Cover With Frame H.A. Cement and Sand
Min. 100 mm To Be Galvanised or Coaled (1:2) In One Coat
Dia. Inlet Pipe
Ventilation P.C. Slab Recess for Half
50 mm Concrete Reinforced Round Perforated
With No.8 EXPD Metal Min. 100 mm Vent
Dia. Outlet Pipe Pipe
(Conc. 1:2:4)
S
150 Min.

150 Min.

TWL
300 Min.

375-610
D½

100 mm Concrete Filter Media 50 mm Receiving

600

Foundation (Conc. 1:2:4) Size Aggregate Water

D1

D2
D½

600-1200

Opening Filter Media 100 mm

150 cm² Size Aggregate
Fall 1:50 Submersible
150 mm R.C. Slab Pump
(Conc. 1:2:4)
False Floor of Open
-Jointed Drainage Tiles
600 x 450 mm C.I. Air Tight
Inspection Cover With Frame Min. 25 mm Ø PVC
To Be Galvanished or Coated Ventilation Pipe
Pumping Is Required, If Effluent
Discharged Is Lower Than The
Receiving Water TWL
Section A-A 100 mm Dia. Inlet Pipe
Notes :
It Is Preferred That Septic Tanks With Capacity Water Level
of 2700 Litres and Over Be of Two Compartments 10 mm Size Hole
20 mm Rendering In 150
Type In Which The First Compartments Should Be
H.A. Cement and Sand
About Two Thirds of The Total Capacity of The W1 (1:2) In One Coat
Septic Tanks. All Covers Must Be Air Tight To
Prevent Breeding of Mosquito and Other Vectors.
All Dimensions Are In mm. 150 mm R.C. Slab
(Conc. 1:2:4)

Inlet/Outlet
Septic Tank Filter Bed Pipe
Inside Dimension (mm) Inside Dimension (mm) Depth Below W.L
(mm)
Capacity Air
PE (Litres) Width Length Liquid Depth Space (S) Width Length Media Depth
(W1) (L1) (D1) (W2) (L2) (D2) Inlet Outlet
15 3375 995 2595 1375 280 1830 2000 1220 305-535 535
18 4050 1070 2595 1525 305 1830 1830 1500 305-610 610
20 4500 1145 2595 1525 305 1830 2100 1500 305-610 610
25 5525 1375 2745 1525 305 2100 2300 1500 305-610 610
30 6750 1375 3355 1525 305 2300 2400 1500 305-610 610

Sarawak Urban Sewerage Systems | Guidelines No.1 (28)

 Appendix G
Typical Pre Fabricated Septic Tank

Min. 250 mm Ø cast iron 600 mm Ø / 450x600 mm

manhole cover & frame airtight cover & frame

50 mm Ø ventilation
pipe to roof top Ground Level
Min. 100,
Max. 600

200 Min. 150 Brickwork extension

Min. 100 mm Ø outlet pipe

freeboard
250 mm

Min. 1300 mm

7.5mm
TWL
300
Screwed type filter
chamber cover
Min. 500mm Sand
max. 2 3 d
Max. 3000 mm

backfilling
Min. 100 mm Ø inlet pipe
Max. 2400 mm
(liquid depth)
Min. 900 mm

Filter chamber

Min. 150 mm
Stainless steel anchor
strape grade 304 Sludge generation capacity
(for 2 years)
150 mm thk. grade 30N conc.
base with 1 layer of BRC A9
to suit ground condition
50 mm thk. lean concrete

Typical Pre Fabricated Septic tank

(For < 600 mm depth)

Chequer plate cover

max. weight - 16kg/piece

50 mm Ø ventilation
pipe to roof top Ground Level
Max. 1000
Min. 600,

Air Tight Cover

200 Min. 150 Brickwork extension

Min. 100 mm Ø outlet pipe

freeboard
250 mm

Min. 1300 mm
7.5 mm

TWL
300

Screwed type filter

chamber cover
Min. 500mm

Sand
max. 2 3 d
Max. 3000 mm

backfilling
Min. 100 mm Ø inlet pipe
Max. 2400 mm
(liquid depth)
Min. 900 mm

Filter chamber
Min. 150 mm

Stainless steel anchor

strape grade 304 Sludge generation capacity
(for 2 years)
150 mm thk. grade 30N conc.
base with 1 layer of BRC A9
to suit ground condition
50 mm thk. lean concrete

Typical Pre Fabricated Septic tank

(For > 600 mm depth)

Legend :
Working Volume
Sludge Generation Capacity
Filter Media

(29) Sarawak Urban Sewerage Systems | Guidelines No.1

 Appendix H
Typical Bed System for Soil Absorption

Distribution Box

Perforated Distribution Pipe

Barrier Material

150 - 300 mm of
600 - 1200 mm

900 - 1800 mm 900 - 1800 mm 20 - 60 mm dia. rock

Water Table or Creviced Bedrock

Sarawak Urban Sewerage Systems | Guidelines No.1 (30)

 Appendix I
Typical Mound System For Soil Absorption

Plowed Layer of Top Soil

(31) Sarawak Urban Sewerage Systems | Guidelines No.1

 Appendix J
Typical Buried Intermittent Sand Filtration

Vent Pipe
Vent Pipe
Distribution Box A

Septic
House Sewer
Tank With
Filter
Discharge

Inspection A
Manhole Inspection Manhole and Disinfection
Contact Tank (if required)

Plan

Top Soil Fill

e
inag
Dra

Marsh Hay or
Drainage Fabric
Perforated or Open Joint
Distributors
Graded Gravel
20-60mm Diameter
Filter Media

Pea
Gravel

Graded Gravel Perforated or Open Joint Pipe

6-40 mm Diameter Tarpaper Over Open Joints

Section A-A

Sarawak Urban Sewerage Systems | Guidelines No.1 (32)

 Appendix K
Recommended Population Equivalent

Population Equivalent
Type of Premises/Establishment
(Recommended)
Residential 5 per house

Commercial:
Includes offices, shopping complex,
3 per 100m gross area
entertainment/recreational centres,
restaurants, cafeteria, theatres

Schools/Educational Institutions:
- Day schools/Institutions 0.2 per student
- Fully residential 1 per student
- Partial residential 0.2 per non-residential student
1 per residential student

Hospitals 4 per bed

Hotels with dining and laundry facilities 4 per room

Factories, excluding process water 0.3 per staff

Market (wet type) 3 per stall

Market (dry type) 1 per stall

Petrol Kiosks/Service stations 15 per toilet

Bus terminal 4 per bus bay

Taxi terminal 4 per taxi bay

Mosque/Church/Temple 0.2 per person

Stadium 0.2 per person

Swimming pool/Sports complex 0.5 per person

Public toilet 15 per toilet

Airport 0.2 per passenger

0.3 per employee

Laundry 10 per machine

Prison 1 per person

Golf course 20 per hole

(Ref: Malaysian Standard 1228)

(33) Sarawak Urban Sewerage Systems | Guidelines No.1