Septic tank newbie.
Discussion
I am in the process of moving home and the house I'm buying is old, in the country and has a septic tank.
We have never had one before, I've done some searching online but can't seem to find answers to what cost an annual sludge empty will cost?
It appears to be an annual task having a company do this, or so it seems.
Anything else to be aware of with one? All advice gratefully received.
If looked after they don't need emptying annually. Allegedly at all (though we're in the region of emptying ours every 18mths at present). Costs around £80-£100 to empty...living in the country there will be plenty of people who will do it.
Keep the use of bleach as low as you can. Definitely no women's products down the toilets - to the extent we've put notices up in toilets used by guests - as that can lead to real hassle and if you get blockages in the finger drains, they'll need digging out. Try not to flush food waste/fats/oils down it.
Main thing - don't let it put you off. I was nervous when we bought our place. Wouldn't bother me in the slightest now. Having to cook on an electric halogen hob is more of a pain!
Keep the use of bleach as low as you can. Definitely no women's products down the toilets - to the extent we've put notices up in toilets used by guests - as that can lead to real hassle and if you get blockages in the finger drains, they'll need digging out. Try not to flush food waste/fats/oils down it.
Main thing - don't let it put you off. I was nervous when we bought our place. Wouldn't bother me in the slightest now. Having to cook on an electric halogen hob is more of a pain!
sidekickdmr said:
How do you find/search for local emptying companies?
Ive heard lots of people say about £80 to empty, however on looking for a local company on google by searching "Septic tank emptying Location" I only seem to be getting large national companies that want to charge £200
Talk to your neighbours. If you're living somewhere that has septic tanks (i.e. more rural) chances are this isn't frowned upon like it can be in towns Ive heard lots of people say about £80 to empty, however on looking for a local company on google by searching "Septic tank emptying Location" I only seem to be getting large national companies that want to charge £200
If they're no good, find a local farmer and ask them - they may be able to help.
Edited to add I didn't read ATG's comment obviously..."what he said"
In my last house , we had the septic tank emptied twice in 17 years. This one was installed around 1980 for the previous owner and when we bought it 5 years ago it had never been emptied. If you treat them right, they don't need emptying. When they do, a local farmer will do it for around £50.
They shouldn't be a problem if you're sensible about what you flush down the toilet i.e., just the usual and any paper. No towels or any other stuff that won't degrade naturally.
Also you have to make sure that the run off soakaway pipes are working to allow the excess liquids to soak away or you will need to empty it every year or so, depending upon how many folk live at your home.
We have had these tanks at both our current and previous homes and without any problems.
Oh and of course your water rates bill should be less because you are not sending waste down any sewer but United Utilities or whoever should know about this from the previous owner.
Also you have to make sure that the run off soakaway pipes are working to allow the excess liquids to soak away or you will need to empty it every year or so, depending upon how many folk live at your home.
We have had these tanks at both our current and previous homes and without any problems.
Oh and of course your water rates bill should be less because you are not sending waste down any sewer but United Utilities or whoever should know about this from the previous owner.
t. 
and despite being used interchangeably theres a v big difference between a cess pool/pit and a septic tank...
we have the former and are a family of 4.. needs emptying every 12-18 months. expect it could last longer but having seen it backed up once when we first moved in i dont want to go through that again
we have the former and are a family of 4.. needs emptying every 12-18 months. expect it could last longer but having seen it backed up once when we first moved in i dont want to go through that again
Davel said:
They shouldn't be a problem if you're sensible about what you flush down the toilet i.e., just the usual and any paper. No towels or any other stuff that won't degrade naturally.
Also you have to make sure that the run off soakaway pipes are working to allow the excess liquids to soak away or you will need to empty it every year or so, depending upon how many folk live at your home.
We have had these tanks at both our current and previous homes and without any problems.
Oh and of course your water rates bill should be less because you are not sending waste down any sewer but United Utilities or whoever should know about this from the previous owner.
How do you know if the run off soak away pipes are working OkAlso you have to make sure that the run off soakaway pipes are working to allow the excess liquids to soak away or you will need to empty it every year or so, depending upon how many folk live at your home.
We have had these tanks at both our current and previous homes and without any problems.
Oh and of course your water rates bill should be less because you are not sending waste down any sewer but United Utilities or whoever should know about this from the previous owner.
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