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.
Grease clogs the septic tank soakaway and effectively waterproofs it making it impossible for soil to absorb liquids.
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.
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.
The remaining 5 of properties typically not situated near a main sewer have their own self contained off mains drainage system.
If that happens you ll need a new soakaway.
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.
For many houses in the uk a septic tank sewage system is the only way that sewage and wastewater can be handled.
Living with a septic tank in the uk in the uk living with a septic tank should not mean that you need to make any major changes to your lifestyle.
Since 2015 only certain property owners in england and wales with septic tanks or small packaged sewage treatment systems need to register their systems and either apply for a permit or qualify for an exemption with the environment agency.
Septic tank clean out.
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.
Charges are paid to a local water and sewage company.
Don t abuse the system.
You can reduce the amount of waste water flowing into your system by installing a grey water system to take water from the shower and laundry and storing it in a separate grey water tank where it can be used to water your garden.