To move or not to move?

martindow

And I wouldn't wait 30 years before emptying it - every year or two would be better.  There is a leach field with buried pipes that take the liquid overflow from the tank.  If solids build up in the tank sufficiently to overflow these can block the leach field pipes.  At worst this mean expensively laying new pipes.  A septic tank survey might be worthwhile for peace of mind.

The good news is that water bills normally cover supply and waste disposal.  In this house you will only pay for supply which is often less than 50% of a normal bill.

Murphybear

QrizB said:

rubyjones13 said:

sammyjammy said:

You need to find out what you can or rather cannot dispose of into the septic tank!

What does that mean?  i've never used one!

My parents disposed of a dead goat into theirs ...

But it's the usual sorts of thing.

Definitely OK:

• Things you have previously eaten or drunk
• Toilet paper

Probably OK:

• Tampons
• Sanitary towels

Avoid:

• Moist wipes
• Baby wipes
• Paper towels
• Condoms
• Other household waste

We lived on a farm in Devon that had a septic tank.  We were told to use bleach for anything in the bathrooms 

RAS

Before you go any further, ask the NT which other properties share the same system.

You need to choose and use the correct chemicals whenever it's going to end up in the disposal system including laundry. Avoid petrochemicals and anything antimicrobial. It's microbes that'll be eating your poo, so don't kill them. It's a small additional cost and might be worth buying in bulk.

Don't put sanitary protection (adult or junior) or wipes into the system as you clog it. If it has dual flush, use the lower if you can. Or let it mellow if it's yellow. Avoid putting fat down the drains as well.

It's a compromise between a water-based sewage system and the old dry composting. I know and use at intervals one of the latter that is odourless and functional after a decade. And another house with a septic tank that needed emptying every other year.

If the NT have any short-term lets on the same tank, I'd be wary as DFLs don't understand septic systems and expect to use the sewage system as if they are on mains and have a company to clear up their mess.