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Septic Tank Query

  • 09-11-2012 9:54pm
    #1
    LessMass
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 157 ✭✭


    Hi,

    I'm almost at the end of a house build. Planning was granted in 2009 & building commenced in 2011. The soil suitability engineer recommended a septic tank with percolation area for the waste water system, the LA agreed. The guy who did the grounds work said he'd source and fit the septic tank for me. As is often the case the build didn't exactly go to schedule time-wise so we're only fitting the tank now even though the tank has been on site for the past few months.
    I've just found out in the past couple of days that since Jun 2012 the LA (in line with a nationwide directive) say any spectic tank being fitted in a new dwelling must have certification (to prove it's water tightness I think)
    My question is...have I any option of fitting the tank that was purchased before these regulations came into force or will I now have to buy a new certified tank for €1200 + vat and try dispose of my uncertified one? The grounds work guy says it's not his problem and he'll fit the tank he has already supplied. If I disagree then I'll have to buy a new one and absorb the cost of the unused one too!! I want my house to fully comply with current regs but I don't know where I'm going to find an additional €1500 from at this stage of the build. Any advice welcome, thanks.


Comments

  • #2
    Newgrange Warrior
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 145 ✭✭Newgrange Warrior


    LessMass wrote: »
    Hi,

    I'm almost at the end of a house build. Planning was granted in 2009 & building commenced in 2011. The soil suitability engineer recommended a septic tank with percolation area for the waste water system, the LA agreed. The guy who did the grounds work said he'd source and fit the septic tank for me. As is often the case the build didn't exactly go to schedule time-wise so we're only fitting the tank now even though the tank has been on site for the past few months.
    I've just found out in the past couple of days that since Jun 2012 the LA (in line with a nationwide directive) say any spectic tank being fitted in a new dwelling must have certification (to prove it's water tightness I think)
    My question is...have I any option of fitting the tank that was purchased before these regulations came into force or will I now have to buy a new certified tank for €1200 + vat and try dispose of my uncertified one? The grounds work guy says it's not his problem and he'll fit the tank he has already supplied. If I disagree then I'll have to buy a new one and absorb the cost of the unused one too!! I want my house to fully comply with current regs but I don't know where I'm going to find an additional €1500 from at this stage of the build. Any advice welcome, thanks.

    Perhaps you could get a local engineer to certify the tank (<2hour work). It would require a simple visual inspection considering it is brand new and empty.


  • #3
    LessMass
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 157 ✭✭LessMass


    Newgrange Warrior wrote: »
    Perhaps you could get a local engineer to certify the tank (<2hour work). It would require a simple visual inspection considering it is brand new and empty.

    That sounds like a great idea. Do I have to use a soil suitability engineer or can I ask the structural engineer we've employed throughout the build?
    Thanks.


  • #4
    Newgrange Warrior
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 145 ✭✭Newgrange Warrior


    I would use the structural engineer. Just get them to provide a signed letter (maybe with photos also) stating that the tank is fit for purpose. However, I have seen no reference for this requirement in the 2012 regs. However, the EPA Code of Practice: Wastewater Treatment Systems for Single Houses 2010 states the following requirements for septic tanks-

    'A septic tank should meet the requirements of I.S. EN 12566-1:2000/A1:2004 or I.S. EN 12566- 4:2007, including their National Annexes, and should be followed by a disposal system meeting the requirements of I.S. CEN/TR 12566-2:2005, I.S. CEN/TR 12566-5:2008 or prEN 12566-6 or as per the guidance provided within this CoP'.


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