New here. Question on septic tank in my new house

StevenE

This is my first post, so please be kind!
I just moved here from the UK and have bought a new build house that is not finished for a very good price and although I have a lot to do, it will be my little home when its done.
I've got to the bottom of most things, but septic tank systems are confusing to me, well, this one is. I can see how it works....solid pipe to tank, tank to percolation area, its all fairly simple. But this one has what appear to be concrete covers to the tank. Being new, I can't post photos, but I will try to explain the layout in words:

First in line is a concrete cover with a 120cm hole in it. The cover is approx 450mm square.
Next is a pipe sticking up. Approx 100mm. Looking down, I can see water.
Next is a second concrete cover. Same size as first, can't remember if there is a hole in it.
Then its nothing until the foot of the percolation area where there is the obligatory 4 vent tubes.

My question is; the covers, should these not be steel covers? If so, can I safely assume the installation is unfinished? If so, is it just a case of having an accredited installer finish off with the appropriate covers?

Sub question; what tank would i have, considering this layout, any guesses?

Thanks in advance......I love this site, I've only just joined, but its a wealth of information!

my3cents

Concrete covers are fairly standard on some systems, they are fine but can become chipped and I've come near to dropping them in the tank on the odd occasion as they are awkward heavy and not always a great fit.

You won't be moving them that often so I'd leave them as they are and just be careful when you do remove them.

If you are new to septic tanks I'd be more worried about what ends up in the septic tank. If you want to pay to have the tank emptied regularly then put what ever you like down it but if you want it working well you need to be a bit more careful with cleaning chemicals and washing powder. Google septic tank chemicals to avoid for lots more info.

What you have is a fairly standard concrete tank with a baffle in the middle to create a division.

CeilingFly

Check the planning file - it probably states what system was approved.

These guys are very good if you need it checked http://septictanks.ie/

StevenE

Thanks everyone.

The cover isn't solid, it has a big hole in the middle, possibly to be able to grab it to lift it, there are no other handles so it makes sense. I wondered if it just covered another inspection "lid"?

I complete in a couple of weeks, so I will ask for the planning file. The house was only built a short while ago, so I'm hoping to be able to employ the companies that started the work, once I find out who they are! By accident I've already met the guy who drilled the well

my3cents

You can finish off the septic tank anyway you want. The biggest factor is the level of the surrounding soil. If the tank is deep then you can do quite a lot to hid the top of it along with the covers but if the top is just at soil level as many are then you are limited to what you can do.

Holes in the lid are often of a size to take an air vent pipe. Its not idea but a lot of tanks get totally buried and the covers dug up when there is a problem and to empty them. You really want to sort it out so you can easily get to the cover off the first chamber as thats where you can gauge when to empty the tank. Check out this document that I regularly link to that has information as how your system works and how to check it. I know its a US document so there are some differences but S H One T doesn't change the world over. This is may be similar to your tank and is a common design in Ireland.

StevenE

Thanks for the information. I guess to know for sure I have to wait until the house is mine before I start digging around.
I'm keen to run the system at its best, so very much appreciate the link. I've read a lot already, but its good to be handed the information from someone in the know, than relying on what I found myself. I will have a read.

Wearb

I would ask for permission to have a septic tank specialist do a report before you buy. If it's wrong it can be an expensive pain in the arse to get fixed. Sometimes it can be almost impossible because it might need a new perculation area, that you might not have on your property.

StevenE

Thanks Wearb, yes, I intend to ask many awkward questions before I hand over my hard-earned. The house and everything around it is brand new, including the waste treatment works, but I am not so gullible as to think its all perfect, and many surveys and inspections will happen over the next few weeks.
In fairness, the build looks of excellent quality compared to some I've seen, and I am hoping the services are above average too. We will soon find out!

CeilingFly

StevenE wrote: »

I complete in a couple of weeks, so I will ask for the planning file. The house was only built a short while ago, so I'm hoping to be able to employ the companies that started the work, once I find out who they are! By accident I've already met the guy who drilled the well

You don't need to ask for the file - its all online on the relevant council's websites
eg Kildare - http://kildare.ie/CountyCouncil/OnlineServices/OnlinePlanningEnquiries/

select the viewer most suitable and locate the file by adding address. You can also see if there were conditions attached, anyne who objected and all the drawings, elevations etc etc

StevenE

CeilingFly wrote: »

You don't need to ask for the file - its all online on the relevant council's websites
eg Kildare - http://kildare.ie/CountyCouncil/OnlineServices/OnlinePlanningEnquiries/

select the viewer most suitable and locate the file by adding address. You can also see if there were conditions attached, anyne who objected and all the drawings, elevations etc etc

Thanks for the pointer. I didn't realise that was all there was. I checked on the Wexford Planning and nothing shows up for the water treatment part. Its not a huge problem, I am good at asking awkward questions and the seller isn't getting another cent until they are all answered!