septic tank/biocycle system problem

Assistance13 wrote: »

Id say after the last Engineer I had they thought they were doing me a favour, now he is a nice man to talk to came out twice to site and said my only option was a bio unit for the septic tank due to limited space and when I asked what is the next step to take he just said that the percilation test needs to be done next.. He is still waiting on me to get back to him on that one!.. So what do you suggest I do next? and what area of the country do you work from?

He's right - a percolation test (and trial hole assessment and site characterisation assessment) is your next step. But, the location of the test holes needs to be on the advice of the Engineer as it should be adjacent to where the percolation area / polishing filter is to be located.

If I was your Engineer, some of the things I'd be looking at are...

The percolation area / polishing filter must be sited in such a way as the risk to the nearby sensitive receptors (e.g. wells) is mitigated. Also, the site's characteristics will dictate this location too - e.g. if one part of your site is very wet, keep away from there as you will end up with ponding of effluent. The other thing that comes into play is the recommended minimum separation distances from the boundary, the house, neighbouring houses, etc.

As for the the proprietary system (i.e. the "bio unit") - this must be installed somewhere that will be easy to access for future maintenance. Also, keep the sewer run to it as straight as possible. If your site slopes, use the natural gradient to site the proprietary system - this means you're not pumping raw wastewater.

You could instruct your Engineer to outline some possible areas for the proprietary system and polishing filter, with the pros and cons of each - then let him make an informed recommendation to you - in writing!

Not based in Cork. You could look for a surveyor by contacting the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland - you'll find them via google.

@ GaelicAnna

Domestic wastewater treatment can feel like a bit of a minefield alright,especially for the layperson, thankfully its becoming more straightforward due to new regulations and standards. Ill try my best to answer your questions and shed some light on the subject.

Is there a difference between a septic tank and biocycle?
Yes, a septic tank is a basic wastewater treatment system that usually comprises of two chambers and relies on settlement and a limited amount of anaerobic digestion. They require no electricity. Basically, the solids settle to the bottom of the first chamber and liquids flow through and out to percolation area. The percolation area is a series of underground trenches with pipes on gravel, installed for the purpose of receiving water from a septic tank and transmitting it to the soil for final treatment and disposal. In a septic tank system the majority of the treatment is carried out in the percolation area.

Firstly, Biocycle is a brand of a mechanical treatment system, they have been around a long time and their brand has become synonymous with treatment systems , much like kleenex with tissue and hoover with vacuums. A mechanical treatment system uses media and/or mechanical parts to enhance the treatment of the wastewater in the tank. They usually require electricity and they require a polishing filter to allow for further treatment and convey treated wastewater to groundwater. There are approx 20 mechanical wastewater systems on the market in Ireland.

Do I have to get a quantity surveyor in as someone mentioned that and do I pay an annual cost to have it desludged??
You dont need a QS but you will need to employ an Engineer and/or builder to sign off on the work, including treatment system.

Every system requires desludging at some stage. Desludging, as the name suggests, is the removal of sludge from the tank. This is important as solids can block up the percolation area pipes. Not all systems require annual desludging, it depends on the process, the size of the tank, the amount of people in the house and how the system is maintained etc. Expect to pay around €150 to €250 for desludge. The treatment system itself like all mechanical systems will also need periodic maintenance. You can pay for an annual maintenance contract with manufacturer which covers a call out and parts and labour(provided system is not abused), this usually costs approx €190. Alternatively, you can maintain the system on a call out basis when a problem occurs(expect to pay call out fee, mileage, parts etc.)

Maybe if you check your planning file it will indicate which type of system is required by planning and then come back to us with more information or pm me.

Hi Engineer
I have a bioclear treatment unit
working grand for 9 years until last week
control panel indicating faulty pump
getting it desludged so electrician can check pump
any ideas on what may be wrong
I am in West Clare can you recommend a maintenance specialist nearby say limerick / clare / galway
original supplier went down in the financial crash 2008
thanks

Puraflo treatment system is an option, it uses peat fibre- I think it's supplied by Bord na Mona. Basically you build a standard septic tank with a sump/small holding tank at the outfall. A submersible pump is fitted in this holding tank and it pumps the contents into a plastic tank filled with peat fibre for further treatment. The pump is not working continuously, it just kicks in when the water in holding tank reaches a certain level so pump should last up to 10 years. Depending of use etc. you may have to replace peat fibre every 5 to 10 years. The old peat has to be manually shoveled out new peat dumped in by wheelbarrow.