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Thread: Septic tanks...& council tax.

  1. #1
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    Default Septic tanks...& council tax.

    I'm sorry for raising this so close to tea-time (or is it dinner?) well, it's tea time in our house.

    I notice that these tanks are quite commonplace in northern Scotland, especially in more 'out of town' properties. Is the emptying of them a routine process, provided by plentiful specialists? Or is the removal of the contents a pain in the neck which causes problems/sleepless nights? Is it expensive?

    I'd guess an average tank might need to be drained twice a year? with an family of four?? Are they buried deep below ground?

    I have never encountered these devices but there seem to be so many it can hardly be a problem, or can it? I'm ignorant on this, would appreciate some guidance.

    Another thing I know little about is Council tax in Scotland. Am I right in thinking that Council tax includes charges for water? I'm hoping so because otherwise the rates I've seen seem quite extortionate !

    thanks

    Alan

  2. #2
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    Septic tanks generally need emptying every 1-2 years depending on volume/usage. They shouldn't require any other maintenance but you do have to be careful what you flush, "wet wipes" are a real problem and can quickly block the outlet. It is also possible for the dispersal field, which is a large underground drainage system that disperses the semi-treated waste to the soil downstream of the tank, to become clogged. The top of the tank is usually around 1 metre below ground level

    It is becoming increasingly difficult to meet the requirements to install new septic tanks and the move is towards packaged sewage treatment plants which in the long run give a much cleaner outflow.

    As far as I know the council tax doesn't include water charges, however if you are not on a water meter and don't have mains drainage you would probably have water rates of only around £150 p.a.

  3. #3
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    Hi Alan

    Yes, the council tax does include the charge for water.

    As for septic tanks, not had ours emptied yet (only lived here 3 months) but they usually get emptied once every two years depending on the size of the tank and how many people live in the house. People usually get an agreement set up with the water company and it's done automatically...you just get the bill!

  4. #4
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    Or you can get a had of a farmer with a slurry tanker .Not the best way but alot cheaper .

  5. #5

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    Quote Originally Posted by ice box
    Or you can get a had of a farmer with a slurry tanker .Not the best way but alot cheaper .
    Do people really do this?
    Don't wrestle with pigs, you just get all dirty and the pig enjoys it.

  6. #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by connieb19
    Do people really do this?
    I know of one or two .

  7. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by ice box
    Or you can get a had of a farmer with a slurry tanker .Not the best way but alot cheaper .
    This is not legal or advisable! Would you want to buy your tatties from a field spread in human poo?

  8. #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by daviddd
    This is not legal or advisable! Would you want to buy your tatties from a field spread in human poo?
    Well the human poo that goes to thurso sewage works will be getting speard on the fields.
    Last edited by ice box; 05-Jan-06 at 21:22.

  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by landmarker
    I'm sorry for raising this so close to tea-time (or is it dinner?) well, it's tea time in our house.
    "Tea time" Alan? Tut tut, how lower class (and I should know cos it's t'same at my house).

    You might try sepa.org.uk. As far as I know they do a booklet explaining how they work and what the requirements are. I have no doubt they will be happy to send you one if you ask.

    Basic rules for use seem to be that if it won't rot down dont flush it and if it kills lots of bugs don't send it to the tank. (e.g. don't clean the toilet and sink with gallons of bleach or the bugs breaking stuff down may stop working)

    As you say, they are fairly common here abouts and don't seem to create much of a problem. In fact, most of the time you don't notice any difference.
    Animals I like, people I tolerate.

  10. #10
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    Red face

    Quote Originally Posted by JAWS
    "Tea time" Alan? Tut tut, how lower class (and I should know cos it's t'same at my house).
    Yes indeed, as seems appropriate under such a thread I'm as common as muck...almost. Seems I'm in good company ;-)

    Thanks for all the replies and the link to the sepa website. I'm better informed now than I was before me tea. Bugs breaking down the stuff & emptied once every two years!! they must be big vessels these tanks. Empty vessels make the most noise they say, full uns just pong a bit.

    Alan

  11. #11
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    Somebody told me the best thing to do with a septic tank is put a dead rabbit or chicken in it, as it makes everything break down better. Just the thought of it....YUCK!

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    Quote Originally Posted by stekar
    Somebody told me the best thing to do with a septic tank is put a dead rabbit or chicken in it, as it makes everything break down better. Just the thought of it....YUCK!
    Blimey!
    Do I really fancy this country living ? lol.

  13. #13

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    Quote Originally Posted by landmarker
    Blimey!
    Do I really fancy this country living ? lol.
    and I have the cheek to cringe over the portaloo when we go camping!!LOL
    Don't wrestle with pigs, you just get all dirty and the pig enjoys it.

  14. #14
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    You put a dead rabbit in a septic tank when its new to get the bugs started boke

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    Put the dead chicken in to kill all the bacteria. so they say lol .

  16. #16
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    Quote Originally Posted by ice box
    Well the human poo that goes to thurso sewage works will be getting speard on the fields.
    yes, after sterilisation treatment!

  17. #17

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    Quote Originally Posted by daviddd
    yes, after sterilisation treatment!
    YUK..this all sounds horrible..i didn't reaise human waste would be spread on the fields, what a thought!!
    Don't wrestle with pigs, you just get all dirty and the pig enjoys it.

  18. #18
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    Quote Originally Posted by daviddd
    yes, after sterilisation treatment!
    It gets mixed with lime but it still stinks

  19. #19
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    you put a dead chicken or rabbit in to set the bacteria off in a septic tank. this is an old remedy for when your setting a tank off or when its stopped working. You can now buy special bacteria blocks to do this though!
    North water empty tanks it costs around £100 a time but if your tank is working correctly and is big enough for the size of house and occupants it should never need emptying.

  20. #20
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    Quote Originally Posted by nicnak
    North water empty tanks it costs around £100 a time but if your tank is working correctly and is big enough for the size of house and occupants it should never need emptying.
    Again I learn. Thanks for that. This is a fascinating subject!!
    <he said, holding his nose>

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