A septic tank is an underground tank used for waste water treatment from homes that aren’t attached to mains sewage systems. Waste produced by the bathrooms and kitchens are treated by septic tanks through a process of biological decomposition and drainage. A septic tank system has a relatively simple design made up of an underground, watertight cylinder or rectangular container made of fibre glass, plastic, or concrete.
What are the new rules for septic tanks UK?
If you live in an area where there is no mains sewage system you will need a septic tank or small sewage treatment plant on your property to deal with your liquid waste – that is all the effluent that is spewed out from your washing machine, dishwasher, sinks, showers, baths, and toilets. New legislation has brought new rules to be adhered by.
The new rules will see phasing out of septic tanks that release water into the surface water and all existing ones must be replaced. To avoid sewage being pumped into surface water, septic tanks must be fitted with sewage treatment plants. Treatment plants add an extra cleaning stage which the sewage has to pass through, greatly increasing the cleanliness of the waste and thus further protects the surrounding ecosystem.
Is it illegal to sell a house with an old septic tank?
While it’s not illegal to sell a house with an old septic tank, they are also notoriously prone to problems. Some may cause toilets to overflow, or waste may surface in the drainage area. If this happens, then the septic tank is legally required to be replaced when the property is sold.
You may also notice smelly gurgling drains, and other unpleasant, inconvenient issues. When you’re looking to sell your home, you must tell the prospective buyers about the condition, location, and maintenance details of the septic tank.
What if my septic tank was installed before 1983?
A septic tank installed before 1983 is in somewhat of a grey area. The main reason why it would need to be replaced is the pollution of surrounding areas. The secondary reason why a pre-1983 septic tank is in a grey area is to do with its dimensions. Septic tanks need to be two chambers in rectangular tanks, either as two separate tanks or a single tank divided by a partition according to the legal requirements. Some septic tanks meet this criteria while other’s don’t, so the best course of action would be to hire an expert to check it.
How do I know if my septic tank is compliant?
To help make sure your septic tank is compliant, you can invest in hiring an experienced drain surveyor like The Drain Specialists. Regular maintenance following thorough inspections are now required for all septic tank owners. As the property owner or sharer, you will be liable for coordinating checks by an experienced