Thinking of selling in the spring. Do i need to install a sewage treatment plant first?

htrj

The other day i was discussing the idea of putting my property on the market in the spring next year to which someone added that my current septic tank system would not meet the current regulations and I would have to install a sewage treatment plant before I could sell the property. Could anyone here confirm whether or not this is true? I've had a brief google and it seems to me that i'll be alright if my system discharges to ground and not into a river, ditch, or stream.

My system is probably 100 years old, flows from the house into the first of two brick chambers, the second brick chamber is cleaner water than the first chamber (but still dirty water, if you get my drift) and then that water flows off into an underground soak away that was installed about 20 years ago.  

Could someone please confirm what the requirements are and whether or not my system is likely to cause an issue come sale time?

Would be very grateful to hear from you. 

loubel

Have a read through this:

https://www.gov.uk/permits-you-need-for-septic-tanks/existing-discharges

Albermarle

If you type 'septic tank' into the search box, you should get a few relevant threads.

AFAIK, you should be OK, although some buyers maybe be put off, and/or take into account the cost of replacing the system at some point when they make an offer.

fluffymuffy

We considered buying a house with a treatment system, but the maintenance cost put us off. If possible, just upgrade to a newer regular septic tank and drainage field system. The house we decided not to buy had too small a garden for a drainage field, but no mains drainage. I didn't like the idea of paying £500+ a year servicing the mechanics, on top of the regular cost of emptying septic tanks.

htrj

Thanks to all of you. 

I've read that .gov page and I think Im alright. Glad you mentioned it here though.