What should I check if I’m buying a property served by a septic Tank?

The purpose of a septic tank

The purpose of a septic tank is to treat wastewater from your property which is generally not connected to the public drainage system. It is usually either a large rectangular box made of brick, stone or concrete or a bottle-shaped plastic tank buried underground not far from the property it serves. A septic tank works like a simple wastewater treatment works and the treated wastewater drains from the septic tank’s outlet pipe to a soakaway or watercourse.

Buying a property with a septic tank

If you are either moving to a property that has a septic tank or you are looking to purchase one with a septic tank or sewage treatment plant it is important you understand:

        1. What condition the existing system is in, for example:

• Evidence that the tank has been maintained and regularly de-sludged?
• Proof that the septic tank in good structural order and is there isn’t any history of problems?
• Proof the soakaway is functioning correctly?
• Evidence of flooding or pollution?
• Does it adhere to General binding rules for small sewage discharges (SSDs) with effect from January 2015

Croft Drainage Solutions can survey the system and present a full report to you identifying any issues with the system and proposed solutions to the problems

        2.  How to operate and maintain the system to maximise its reliability and longevity.

We can assist you with this and undertake periodic maintenance on the system. As your building society or bank valuation report is unlikely to cover these aspects adequately we would advise you to arrange a site inspection which includes the drains, the septic tank and the soakaway.

If you have any concerns or questions regarding your septic tank, contact Croft Drainage Solutions today.