Septic Tanks.

[Tilly2]

Does anyone live in a house which has a septic tank?
Can you explain how they are 'managed' please.

[tonyav]

Yes Yilly, everything goes in. Except rain water.

[The Builder]

As others have said, Tilly, de-sludge once a year. It could easily go for longer, but, eventually, sludge would find its way into the soakaway system. That would mean a new soakaway if it couldn't be got at to clear it.

So, very common here in the shires. Nothing to be afraid of.

One big BUT though. I've installed plenty of modern ones ........ big plastic round thing. If possible, find out the age of the installation. Older ones tended to be crude brick/block chambers. Probably still OK, but should be checked to see if it's still working properly.

[Zacs-Master]

TB, can I draw your attention to this:
http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Home-and-Garden/Property/Question1292111.html

[The Builder]

Also, modern detergents do tend to interfere with the breakdown of the waste. Everybody does it of course. It's hardly practicable to do otherwise. You just do what you can to minimise this.

[The Builder]

Thanks Zacs. I missed that. I'll go and have a nosey :o)

[Tilly2]

Thanks all. Nothing to worry about then.

[shoota]

In France I have one.
Every so often I sling in a packet of 'Eparcyl' which keeps the bacteria going good and strong. Choice of loo paper is of minor importance - you don't want one that won't melt away. Likewise loo cleaners - don't use one that will kill the bacteria.
Apart from that they are no problem, don't let it put you off a house if you find one and if it needs updating use it as a bargaining tool and put in a nice super-efficient modern one. I had a quote for 6,000 euro's and mine was going to be especially tricky to put in, so they aren't that expensive.

[Tilly2]

I was expecting to have to employ some men to come and clear it out in the dead of night.

[shoota]

Obviously you (or your guests) don't put things made of rubber or absorbent materials down the pan which means the provision of a discreet little bin nearby....

[Tilly2]

I'll remember that, Shoota. Thanks.

[tonyav]

Tilly2
Question Author
I was expecting to have to employ some men to come and clear it out in the dead of night.


Ah yes Yilly, the 'Night Soilers', how very Victorian of you ! lol.

[Tilly2]

Well, I didn't know, Yont. I know nothing.

Actually, I do know some things but not important things like how a septic tank works

[Zacs-Master]

Tilly, never be tempted to go inspect it in the dark with a lighted match. The result would be a Gnessian mishap.

[Tilly2]

Awww!

[Tilly2]

I have my dad's old miner's lamp. Would that be o.k. ? I also have a canary.

[tonyav]

The Night Soilers, sounds like a gang to oppose The Peaky Blinders !.

[tamborine]

Solids remain nearest property in tank & fluids wash over into separate soakaways that drain into subsoil. Just had my solid tank cleared @ £100 after 4years use by 4adults, 3gkids, lots visitors; 3baths, 5toilets, 4showers, 2kitchens & 4 caravans hooked up.

Thats cheaper than being charged 50% extra for mains drains added to water bill.

[Tilly2]

There you go, Yont. Brilliant. A good idea for the next series. :-)

[Tilly2]

Thank you, tambo. That puts it into perspective for me.