Shared Septic Tank

Mrs_pbradley936

How often it needs to be emptied depends upon what it is made from. The old hole in the ground types can go for years but brick built would need to be emptied more frequently. Plus everyone has their own opinion.

I had a look for something a bit more scientific and found this:
http://www.unblockcumbria.co.uk/index.php/news/article/how-often-should-i-empty-my-septic-tank

Davesnave

NewShadow wrote: »

3 years seems very frequent.

May just be precautionary, rather than anything more significant.

Depends whose doctrine is being followed. Advice on the internet is mixed and confusing, but emptying every 3 years will do no harm, even if it's unnecessary.

NewShadow

Mrs_pbradley936 wrote: »

How often it needs to be emptied depends upon what it is made from. The old hole in the ground types can go for years but brick built would need to be emptied more frequently. Plus everyone has their own opinion.

I had a look for something a bit more scientific and found this:
http://www.unblockcumbria.co.uk/index.php/news/article/how-often-should-i-empty-my-septic-tank

Interesting article, but a little suspicious it's a company that empties tanks, so not sure if they'd tend towards the more frequent options?

I had a quick poke and found this .gov document (produced my the town of essex, usa)

Having your septic system pumped and inspected every 5 years is a bargain when you consider the cost of replacing the entire system.

The OP might also find the 'How can I reduce the number of pumps I need?" section interesting.

http://www.essexct.gov/sites/essexct/files/file/file/essex_-_what_to_expect_during_a_septic_tank_pump-out_0.pdf

Mattygroves2

We share a tank with our neighbours. In our case it is in our garden and the pipes from next door run under our house.

Been here 20 years with two sets of neighbours and never had a problem. The first set of neighbours were an elderly couple and we had the tank emptied once in 12 years I think. Second set are a couple with a child and we have had it emptied twice since they moved in 8 years ago. We've always paid and not recharged them but both of them have fed our cats and fish when we've been on holiday so we've not felt the need to ask for the £60 or so that would be half.

We've not spent a penny on maintenance other than having it emptied. Not complaining about the lower water bills though.

teffers

Thanks for the links - I'll have a read.

Even if it's being emptied a little earlier than it needs to be, @ £40 every 3x years I'm not overly concerned.

Good to hear you've had no issues Matty - fingers crossed it's the same for me.

teffers

I've just re-read:

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5296076

Are the new 2020 regulations likely to be something I need to be concerned about ?

Looking at Google Maps the nearest watercourse is 90+ meteres away:

marksoton

I'd only advise one thing. Create a relationship with your local EA officer.

It'll pay dividends in the end. They are knowledgable (generally) and would rather work with rather than against you.

teffers

Thanks mark - will dig out some contact details tomorrow.

Looking at :

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/general-binding-rules-small-sewage-discharge-to-a-surface-water

It would appear the major issue would be if the system discharged to surface water, whereas the one in question discharges to a drainage field ... unless I'm missing something.

teffers

Sorry to resurrect this thread...

Solicitor is now seeking sight of the purchase property's rights to use the tank as it's on the neighbours property.

Has anyone else with a shared tank had any issues at this stage with a purchase ?

G_M

teffers wrote: »

Sorry to resurrect this thread...

Solicitor is now seeking sight of the purchase property's rights to use the tank as it's on the neighbours property.

Has anyone else with a shared tank had any issues at this stage with a purchase ?

It's a sensible question. You'll recall I raised this for you back in post 28.....

So things to consider:

* do the deeds specify the shared rights properly?
* who's garden is it in (ie if yours, you'll have the key responsibility)
* what condition is it in? (no different to asking about the condition of the roof etc)
* have you met the neighbours? If not, why not?!

In my own case, there was no legal right to use the tank. After living there around 8 years I decided to remedy this (to avoid future problems) and agreed a Deed with my neighbour which is now lodged with both properties' Titles at the Land Registry.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/3793571