Septic Tank Soakaway

[walnut]

I fear the soakaway from the septic tank is not operating correctly.Seepage is coming to the surface 1.5m from tank.Ihave just had the tank emptied and .am waiting to see if this will do any good.Does anyone have any experience and suggestions and also what the costs would be involved should i need to create a new soakaway. Many Thanks

[walnut]

No trees,just a clear bank running downhil from septic tank. I Assume from the plans the soakaway to be 1.5m down this slope from st

[MustafaTickl]

Sometimes the ground is not suitable to allow effluent water to soak away. The soil may have become not be permeable if there is a lot of clay. Percolation tests need to be carried out to ensure that the water can be harmlessly disposed of. Tests should also be carried out following BS6297: 1983 to confirm the size of your soakaway. It must be sited 6 meters from a water course. Your soakaway should have a "Consent to Discharge" from the Environment Agency, who will advise you on how to perform the percolation test. Defective systems must be remedied without delay; if my memory is correct the fine can be up to �20,000 if your Environmental Officer decides to prosecute.