cesspit worry

daniel80

We have had an offer on a chalet bungalow accepted which we really like. Even though its on oil we were still happy. We went back for a 2nd viewing and again were happy until the vendor told us it was not on main drainage. This came as a bit of a shock but as its in the country perhaps I should of thought of this. When we got home we thought about pulling out as he told us the cesspit is emptied every 2 months at £95 a visit which seemed expensive. After doing some quick maths this was not so bad after all as we would not have to pay Southern wast water rates of £360 making it about £240 more expensive. I just think the estate agent should of mentioned this on the property brochure. A bit scary at first with oil and a cesspit but starting to come to turns with it now.

Davesnave

I would get a few quotes for having have a bio disc system installed.

In the short term it will add to the cost of the bungalow, but you will gain in the longer run, in convenience as much as anything.

John_Pierpoint

Do you understand the difference between a cess pit a septic tank?

As Dave points out avove the local water authority might be very strict about anything you discharge into the environment; but paying for a diesel tanker to visit can only go one way as fr as future costs are concerned.

daniel80

Yes I do know the difference between a septic tank and a cesspit. I agree costs will only go one way but then water charges only go one way also. The previous owner has looked at alternatives but I think he said there was no chance of a septic tank as a soak away was not possible.

Davesnave

daniel80 wrote: »

I agree costs will only go one way but then water charges only go one way also.

The previous owner has looked at alternatives but I think he said there was no chance of a septic tank as a soak away was not possible.

The Environment Agency has tightened the rules re septic tanks and new installations are likely to be steered towards treatment systems now anyway, which is why I suggested that.

John_Pierpoint

With the biodisc that Dave is suggesting, you might be able to achieve a quality that allows you to feed the water into a reed bed or similar surface water arrangement.
Obviously we don't know your geography, land ownership, neighbours, number in household and resulting water usage.

I converted to a septic tank about 35 years ago and it has saved a small fortune in charges, not to mention prize winning vegetables. It really depends how rural you are going to be.

Get the water meter readings from your potential seller. A cubic meter of water weights a tonne, methinks they have a "leak" in their tank or are being economical with the truth ?

AdrianC

Emptied every two MONTHS?...?

Massively un-necessarily frequent.

TrickyDicky101

AdrianC wrote: »

Emptied every two MONTHS?...?

Massively un-necessarily frequent.

Maybe they have a really high fibre diet?:D

Davesnave

AdrianC wrote: »

Emptied every two MONTHS?...?

Massively un-necessarily frequent.

No, quite normal for a cess pool.

http://www.wte-ltd.co.uk/cesspools_cesspits.html

daniel80

Hi John I actually know the wast disposal guy who empties their cesspit and he confirmed he goes there every 8-10 weeks. He said it is a very deep 2000 gallon brick built cesspit, no other options as there is nowhere for a soak-away. The owner has investigated other options but nothing can be done.

John_Pierpoint

Davesnave wrote: »

No, quite normal for a cess pool.

http://www.wte-ltd.co.uk/cesspools_cesspits.html

Fascinating link Dave, though I think they are going a bit over the top and in danger of scaring the horses.
As long as one lives on a "grassy knoll" the modest quantity of precipitated liquid, from a single household gets lost in the roots of the turf as it makes its way down the slope. If there is a serious rain storm that raises the run off to the surface of the land any effluent is diluted many times over (it is a sort of inch of water on the car deck of the roll on roll off ferry effect)

Must warn the wife of the dangers of using too much dishwasher salt.:D