Percolation area replacment

Piana

Hi everyone,

My percolation system is not working as it should. Water just sots in pipes...
When bought a house over a year ago we were told we will have to change septic tank..
Anyone know if we can dig out current pipes n just put new ones deeper in the ground or in almost same location to avoid applying for planning permission?
At the moment pipes are full of water n was told they work lil bit agains gravitation..
Would anyone recommend company that can put new treatment plant n percolation?
Realistically how much it can cost?
Its 4 bed house with 4 people living in it( 2 small kids)
Thanks

shane b

I was in a similar position a few years ago. Bought a 5 bed house house in 2011 that had a dodgy treatment unit which we replaced after we moved in. 12 months later we find out the previous owner hadn't installed a percolation area more of a saturated soak pit even though there was planning permission for the treatment unit and percolation area.
The treatment unit cost about 2K and to do the site percolation test and install a gravity fed percolation area cost about 6K ( there was some other remedial work like rerouting a storm water drain included in the price too). The site test normally determines what type and size percolation area is required.
If going for gravity feed system again ensure contractor uses percolation pipe rather tan standard wavin. The guy i used standard wavin and cut perpendicular lines in the pipe down its length. I wasn't happy about this at the time but technically i don't know if it makes much difference. I know there is a saving price wise.

The 8K we spent did not include re-seeding our green area again either. If i were you i would also look at if there is any rain water possibly seeping into the tank. What you don't need is extra water seeping in from other areas.
Sorry about the long post but hope it helps.

garbo speaks

Any replacement or upgrade of an existing wastewater treatment unit and percolation area will definitely require planning permission which will involve a site suitability assessment carried out in accordance with the 2009 EPA Code of Practice. If you were to sell the house in a few years, you would need to prove that your upgrade had planning permission and conformed to the current standards.