Septic Tanks and Cesspools can be effective ways of dealing with foul drainage provided they are managed correctly.
On average we each produce approximately 200 litres of waste water per day. Any drainage system has be to of sufficient capacity to deal with these quantities, bearing in mind the number of persons in the house.
What is a cesspool?
A cesspool or cesspit is a sealed underground storage tank which retains the sewage until the time of disposal. It may be brick or block construction or manufactured in steel or reinforced glass fibre and have minimum capacity of 18,000 litres.
Where can it be sited?
A cesspool should be sited so that there is no risk of polluting water supplies and for preference as far as possible from any inhabited building.
Can it go wrong?
The tank can overflow or may leak this is an offence under the 1936 Public Health Act. In addition if it pollutes a water course, the Environment Agency may take legal proceedings under the Water Resources Act 1991. This can lead up to a fine of £20,000 and 3 months imprisonment.
If it leaks a drainage engineer should be called out to remove the waste and clear up the sewage. The cause of the leak should be identified and remedied. The Council can provide independent advice if required
What is a septic tank?
A septic tank is a type of biological sewage treatment system. Naturally occurring bacteria break down the solid matter, reducing its volume. The liquid element is discharged usually via effluent drainage systems "soakways" The accumulated solids need only be pumped out occasionally.
Like cesspools, they may be constructed in brick or blocks, although modern types are pre-formed in reinforced fibre glass.
Click here to register your septic tank with the Environment Agency.
Where can it be sited?
The tank should ideally be sited away from housing. Please contact Building Control Office at the Council for more specific advice: 01803 861234
Percolation Tests
Percolation tests need to be carried out to ensure that there is sufficient land to take the water away from a septic tank or a similar installation. The tests should be carried out following BS6297:1983 to determine the size of the effluent drains or soakaways, which should be sited 6 meters from a water course. It may not always be possible to install soakaways soil conditions or other factors such as ground water levels may make them inapplicable. In this case you will need to consider some other form of drainage. Before constructing soakaways it is a requirement to obtain a "Consent to Discharge" from the Environment Agency. who will also advise you on how to perform the percolation test.
Their local office contact number is in the telephone book or please visit their web site by clicking here. Liquid effluent must not discharge to the surface water (ditches, river/streams etc) or to surface water drains (road drains etc).
How do I avoid problems?
Cesspools: check the level in the tank regularly, do not let it overfill. Have it emptied at regular intervals: these will become more frequent if you install a dishwasher for instance
Septic tanks: Do not use excessive amounts of household detergents or bleaches, these upset the biological balance of the system. Do not overload the system by connecting rain or water drains to septic tanks or cesspools.
What if I have a problem?
Problems occur only very rarely, but should be remedied as quickly as possible. If you are unable to locate the problem and deal with it yourself, call out a specialist contractor. It may be necessary to have the tank emptied check the contractor can provide this service.
How can the Council Help?
The Council can provide advice on septic tanks and cesspools as well as investigate complaints of nuisance from drainage systems, leaking tanks or defective soakaways for instance, and require the owner or owners to remedy the problem. Failure to do so can result in legal action against the person responsible under the Public Health or Building Acts.
