House with septic tank under drive

DaftyDuck

riverboat2001 wrote: »

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I've just spoken on the phone to the company and operator who emptied it in July and he said it's a 1000L Klargester bottle, with the top of the tank abut 1 meter below ground, and the bottom of the tank is approximately 2.50m down.
He said the tank is in good condition and he drives a 30t vehicle down the drive to empty the tank!
It has put my mind to rest, I will however still get a specialist survey, so I know myself how it all works, and where exactly it all is.
Something that I'm surprised that the present owners don't know.

It's really pleasing to see someone on the Forum who does a bit of basic research. :T:T:T Hope this pays long, rewarding dividends.

You might find it pretty costly to get a better answer than from the bloke who empties it... More qualifications, sure, maybe even a worthless guarantee (see exception clauses on page 2 - 14). But from a guy who's not scared of poking around AND driving AND parking an HGV over the top??? He's probably seen a fair few tanks close-up too

Consider putting the money straight to connecting to the mains. A better use of the dosh and, if the drain already runs to the front, it won't be too costly.

You could even get someone in for a free connection quote or two... and they'll need to check the structure of the tank and drive to give you an idea of cost....

AdrianC

DaftyDuck wrote: »

Consider putting the money straight to connecting to the mains. A better use of the dosh and, if the drain already runs to the front, it won't be too costly.

If it's a good healthy modern tank - which it sounds like it is - getting it emptied every other year or three will be MUCH cheaper than paying the drainage on the water bill.

But have a rainy day fund for if anything does go south, THEN connect.

DaftyDuck

AdrianC wrote: »

If it's a good healthy modern tank - which it sounds like it is - getting it emptied every other year or three will be MUCH cheaper than paying the drainage on the water bill.

But have a rainy day fund for if anything does go south, THEN connect.

I agree - but only if the RV doesn't park in it one day, then the OP really will be in an expensive !!!! creek without a paddle!

riverboat2001

AdrianC wrote: »

If it's a good healthy modern tank - which it sounds like it is - getting it emptied every other year or three will be MUCH cheaper than paying the drainage on the water bill.

But have a rainy day fund for if anything does go south, THEN connect.

That was pretty much my thoughts, also when/if I buy it.
Also knowing as much about it as possible will make it easier to sell.

martindow

Where is the leach field associated with the tank? If it on your land that is fine but if it on a neighbour's land you need to be sure you have rights to access if there were to be any problems.

I would not immediately connect to the mains - as has been said it is far cheaper than paying water company drainage charges. It is though a useful option in case there were to be problems with the leach field which would be expensive to sort. They would only have to run a pipe from the main to the position of the septic tank.

riverboat2001

martindow wrote: »

Where is the leach field associated with the tank? If it on your land that is fine but if it on a neighbour's land you need to be sure you have rights to access if there were to be any problems.

I would not immediately connect to the mains - as has been said it is far cheaper than paying water company drainage charges. It is though a useful option in case there were to be problems with the leach field which would be expensive to sort. They would only have to run a pipe from the main to the position of the septic tank.

Not 100% sure where the leach filed is yet.
As the septic tank is about 30ft away and is below the level of the drain, would it need to have a pump installed?

riverboat2001

One more slightly related question, I have hard water where I live now, and it's horrible, unfortunately the new place also has hard water.
Is there any water softener suitable for a septic tank.

SarahHarding

We are currently researching replacing our Septic tank with a sewage treatment plant.

Apparently water softeners have a bigger impact on a sewage treatment plant than they do a septic tank. Something to do with the different bacteria grown in a sewage treatment system - im no expert though, but you start to become one after all the research!

riverboat2001

What is making you think about replacing your system?