A septic system that was properly designed and installed needs only occasional pumping to remove the sludge and scum from the tank.
Living with a septic tank uk.
But without knowing how does a septic tank work you can do things that harm or destroy the system.
For many houses in the uk a septic tank sewage system is the only way that sewage and wastewater can be handled.
White spirit varnish paint thinners motor oils petrol and other similar chemicals will ruin your septic system and are not easily broken down by soil bacteria.
Charges are paid to a local water and sewage company.
Most septic tanks must be pumped once every three to five years depending on tank size water usage and the number of people who live in the building.
If that happens you ll need a new soakaway.
Around 95 of properties in the uk have a mains drainage connection waste water from toilets showers sinks and washing machines flow into a nearby main sewer.
You can still use the toilet as normal though you ll need to be careful not to put items such as cotton buds cigarette butts condoms etc down the toilet.
Where there s muck there s brass especially for companies serving the 3 5 million people not on mains sewerage but using a septic tank or cesspit.
Don t abuse the system.
Septic tank clean out.
Although the initial cost of installing a tank or even replacing one that has severely deteriorated can be quite large if the tank is emptied regularly and periodically visually checked inside it should give you many years service.
The annual bill for living with your own sewage.
Grease clogs the septic tank soakaway and effectively waterproofs it making it impossible for soil to absorb liquids.
The remaining 5 of properties typically not situated near a main sewer have their own self contained off mains drainage system.