Surprise septic tank

wilts0

frogglet said:

The rules concerning septic tanks and where they drain  have been tightened. There maybe a reason it isn't mentioned/ vaguely mentioned. To get the system up to standard can cost 10 to15 grand, we have had quotes.Does it drain into a watercourse/ditch? Get it fully checked for the recent regulations.
Gas might be cheaper to swap to oil fired. No idea how much that would be.

This is my main concern, the school building was build in 1920s, converted into residential 7 years back.
I think as long as the vendor can show evidence that the septic tank to the new standards, and in good health, then we'd be happy to embrace taking on an underground stomach.

wilts0

SameOldRoundabout said:

Water supply is irrelevant to sewerage. The fact there is a septic tank does not mean there’s no supply. Ask your solicitors if the water searches have come back, or give the local water board a call to ask if it’s connected up. 

Searches came back with fresh water supply but no sewerage, which triggered the enquiries that dug this up

princeofpounds

I'd be cautious about this (and I say that as someone who has happily owned a septic tank equipped house in the past). It's quite likely that it won't meet the new standards and will need to be converted into a sewage treatment plant at some stage. It sounds like this is a big property, particularly if you plan to rent out multiple rooms.

A new sewage treatment plant will work fine, but you probably aren't looking at one of the smaller units, maybe even a commercial scale one. Then you have to figure out if you have the room to install it, what you'd be digging up, and what happens to the old tank etc. I can imagine situations where it's really not a problem, and situations where it would be a nightmare. Wouldn't be a deal breaker but would want to have a plan and budget for it before moving forward.

Your water bill be will half the normal price though, as drainage charges won't be included.

As for the cost - When I was looking at upgrading my tank, I got quotes all the way from 7.5k through to 16k. I think it matters quite a bit a) what size (would have been 5.5k if I could have the smallest unit) and b) what ground and drainworks need to be done around it (it's sometimes not at all simple). I can believe all the figures people have brought up in the thread so far.

Thrugelmir

Did the vendors or the Estate Agent show you around the property? 

martindow

wilts0 said:This is my main concern, the school building was build in 1920s, converted into residential 7 years back.
I think as long as the vendor can show evidence that the septic tank to the new standards, and in good health, then we'd be happy to embrace taking on an underground stomach.

Is this a common tank for the seven buildings or does each house have its own?  If it's a common tank you need to check the arrangements for maintenance or repairs.

Don't be frightened of septic tanks.  You have reduced water bills as a result and if you are looking at rural houses they will be quite common.

wilts0

martindow said:

wilts0 said:This is my main concern, the school building was build in 1920s, converted into residential 7 years back.
I think as long as the vendor can show evidence that the septic tank to the new standards, and in good health, then we'd be happy to embrace taking on an underground stomach.

Is this a common tank for the seven buildings or does each house have its own?  If it's a common tank you need to check the arrangements for maintenance or repairs.

Don't be frightened of septic tanks.  You have reduced water bills as a result and if you are looking at rural houses they will be quite common.

It's just a single property, was converted 7 years back.

wilts0

Thrugelmir said:

Did the vendors or the Estate Agent show you around the property? 

Estate agents, vendor was present to answer questions if needed.

pinkteapot

LPG - you'll have higher gas bills than on mains gas, but otherwise it's not a problem (our new house is LPG and it's the first time I've not had mains gas).

Septic tank - as others have said, much bigger concern. Have a decent company survey it and report on whether it meets the new regs or not. Technically, the seller has to bring it up to standard before selling, but if the seller has work done on the system they'll just get the cheapest contractor possible in...

wilts0

davidmcn said:

Sewerage isn't part of "gas, electric and water"...

On what basis do you think a septic tank makes a difference to the market value of the property? The main potential complication is whether it has any necessary consents, and whether the titles include the necessary rights for the tank/pipes.

SameOldRoundabout said:

Water supply is irrelevant to sewerage. The fact there is a septic tank does not mean there’s no supply. Ask your solicitors if the water searches have come back, or give the local water board a call to ask if it’s connected up.  

Just checked back on the listing and they do call out drainage too: We are advised the property has mains electricity, gas, water and drainage

DayDreamerandGeneralWaster

Hold on a cotton picking minute.

We don't know this tank drains anywhere yet. It might need emptying, in which case, the new regs won't apply and you can stop scaring the OP half to death. 

Many, many rural properties have cess pits, sceptic tanks, whatever you want to call them. It's not enough to put people off buying them.