sewage system

mrs aol

Hi, we're at the stage when we need to make a decission on our sewage system.



We are building a fairly eco friendly house and we plan to keep this in mind for all aspects of the build (where possible).



Can anyone please advise me or give recommendations. (we're based in East Cork) but would travel to find the right supplier if needs be.



All tips appreciated.

squire1

eco friendly + sewage = Reedbed. See www.ecoflo.ie

quattfa3

Squire1 is bang on about reedbed systems being great as wildlife refuges and low maintenance.

But...

Just be aware that if the site is suitable, and most are, a conventional septic tank followed by a well-constructed percolation area is one of the lowest impact ways of treating effluent.

The claim on the ecoflo site that compared to other treatment systems: "… the reedbed stands out, being the only completely natural biological filtration system, and as such the most cost-effective and low-maintenance choice on the market" on the ecoflo site is problematic. The cost-effective and low-maintenance aspects would not obtain at the majority of sites, and where they do the claim is valid only in comparison with other secondary treatment systems not with conventional septic tank systems.

I have no problem with reedbed systems, they are very effective if they are installed on suitable sites but they can go wrong and the septic tank and polishing filter (as opposed to a percolation area), that connect to the reedbed, need as much maintenance as a conventional septic tank system!

Take advice based on a system that is suitable for your site.

Installing a reedbed system will have a larger area footprint than a conventional system as described above and depending on how far it has to travel, and the potential to need to import (on to the site, not from abroad) material to construct a polishing filter, you could be looking at a larger ecological/ environmental footprint into the bargain. Couple this with the increase in cost over a conventional system and you could be looking at a cost differential that could kit you out with a few solar panels or other worthy investment!

Only take advice from a certified site assessor and make sure to check that they have the requisite professional indemnity to cover you should things go wrong. Maybe the reedbed system is perfect for you!!

muffler

Your answer is here Mrs

damiand

Hi Mr AOL,

Some very good advice from quattfa3. Stick with the conventional septic tank and percolatrion are where possible. Low/no maintenance and cheap/free to run. No mechanical parts mean that it will not break down/wear out.

Get a suitable site assessor who is professionally idemnified to assess site suitability. Beware however that these guys are on commission so they will recommend 'their' brand of system.

Reed beds are ok to start and then require significant maintenance. Do you really want to have to waid through treated effluent to remove/replace reeds/plants.