Alternative to a septic tank
- Thread starter mart12345
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Simple answer is no, unless you have a main sewer within a sensible distance. It is possible to pump sewage, some distance if need be, but obviously the further you need to go, and the more obstacles in the way, the more expensive it'll get.
It seems you may be unsure of how a Septic Tank works, allow me if I may, to explain. You need to bear in mind all soil and waste water from the property is going into the tank. (Rainwater should not be going into the Septic Tank, if it is, it needs diverting to discharge to a suitable point.) The function of the tank is to allow solid matter to settle out, and the remaining liquor to leave the tank and either soak into the surrounding subsoil, or receive further treatment before going into a watercourse.
Bottom line, (excuse the pun), is, the solid matter doesn't evaporate, it breaks down into sludge, and it's this sludge you need to get removed periodically. Failure to do so will cause the Tank to turn septic, (literally), as the Bugs you are relying on to break down the solid matter, become overwhelmed, and die off, causing the process of the natural breakdown of solid matter to cease, in turn causing poor quality effluent to be leaving the tank, and either clog up the leachfield and/or contaminate the surrounding environment. (Which will incur the wrath of the Environment Agency and a possibly large fine heading in your direction.) For the same reason, use of bleaches, chemicals, detergents should be kept to an absolute minimum, and discharge of brine from water softeners must never be sent to a septic tank.
What is the issue with access? Most companies with Vacuum Tankers offering a septic tank service will carry at least 100mm of suction hose.
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They are always septic.
The final effluent can be discharged to a watercourse, without further treatment. But, it depends on a few things.
Might be worth looking at Klargester https://www.kingspan.com/gb/en/products/water-management/septic-tanks/alpha-septic-tanks/
I believe it it only needs emptying at long intervals, if at all.
Operating correctly, they should keep a balance of healthy bacteria allowing the anaerobic breakdown of solid matter into sludge. If they go septic, the Bacteria are killed off, the tank ceases to function as it should and before long you have an unholy mess on your hands. This is why it is vital sludge is drawn off on a regular basis, frequency will depend on usage, to allow the bacteria levels to remain healthy.
Unlikely. The rules have now changed, a traditional septic tank will not conform to the Regulations now, and will often require additional equipment to provide a suitable level of treatment. The Environment Agency are clamping down on septic tanks that are failing to meet the new standards. https://www.gov.uk/government/publi...scharges-ssds-with-effect-from-2-october-2023
Packaged Treatment plants are usually required, but as with any sewage treatment system, they still need the sludge to be removed at required intervals.
I'm not going to enter into an argument about how septic tanks works. But, the clue is in the name, septic tanks are septic at all times.
Having worked with Scottish water, having earned a degree in wastewater treatment, and having lived in a house with a septic tank that discharged into a watercourse, I don't think I need any more lectures on how they work.
Are septic tanks always septic?
Having worked with Scottish water, having earned a degree in wastewater treatment, and having lived in a house with a septic tank that discharged into a watercourse, I don't think I need any more lectures on how they work.
Are septic tanks always septic?
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Do you know it is a septic tank? Regardless of the definition of Septic, a septic tank relies on bacteria to break down the sewage and the watery residue then usually discharges into a soakaway, or as a last resort after further treatment into a watercourse. The tank does need occasionally to be emptied but you might manage a couple of years depending on volume and how big your family is. Alternatively you've got a cess pool. These are not designed to have an outlet like a septic tank but must be emptied when full.
There is such a thing as a reed bed system, but that is a pretty major undertaking...
Often known as tertiary treatment (third) and used after the septic tank.
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My own tank is a little difficult to access but the firm I use have a large AWD tractor that manages no problem.
I use a product called ‘Septoboost’ which is claimed to boost bacterial action....The French use Eparcyl very commonly. Who knows to what degree they work of course but it makes me feel better.
I seem to remember early tanks had two settling areas - one which allowed the effluent to be treated to sunlight and the other to allow bacterial action in the dark. I guess they took up a lot of space.
We all of course use Domestos or equivalent, but even if we don’t most of us have a dishwasher. Both an enemy of a septic tank!
John
Regardless of anything else, your installation will need to comply with the rules. Failure to do so, could result in a visit from the Environment Agency who can be quite insistent you spend whatever is needed to get you installation and/or discharge, compliant.
For what it's worth, I've worked in and around drainage for over 30 years, including sewage treatment.
For what it's worth, I've worked in and around drainage for over 30 years, including sewage treatment.
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