Can you use a soakaway for a septic tank?

Can you use a soakaway for a septic tank?

Soakaway CRATES and TUNNELS are also not allowed for septic tank or any sewage effluent, only for rainwater. BEWARE of adverts on the internet. They also refuse septic tanks that are installed in Groundwater Source Protection Zones.

How far should a soakaway be from a septic tank?

The trenches for the soakaway should be between 300mm and 900mm wide with a distance of 2m between trenches. A inspection chamber must be installed between the septic tank and the soakaway.

What is the difference between septic tank and soakaway?

Unlike a septic tank, a soakaway doesn’t involve any kind of tank, but is simply a hole in the ground that has been filled with coarse stones and rubble. This combination of stones and rubble enables surface water to disperse into the earth rather than sitting on top of the ground.

How does a septic tank and soakaway work?

A soakaway in simple terms is a hole in the ground filled with rocks. It will be set away from the septic tank, and wastewater is then released into it. That wastewater will diffuse through the rocks and slowly escape into the surrounding ground.

How long does a septic tank soakaway last?

We have seen soakaway systems as old as 50 years old which are still functioning as they should be, so age isn’t always an issue.

How big is a soakaway for a septic tank?

The minimum size a soakaway should be constructed to is 30m. Pipes should be laid on a 300mm layer of shingle or medium of up to 50mm. The trenches must be filled 50mm above perforated pipe and covered with a membrane and then filled in with soil.

Should rainwater go into septic tank?

Make sure that your downpipes and drains that carry rainwater are not connected to your septic tank. This could wash out the contents of the tank before it is broken down, and could cause pollution and health hazards.

How far must a soakaway be from a house?

5 metres
How Far Should a Soakaway be From the House? You need to ensure its far enough from the structure to prevent damage — 5 metres is the accepted distance, but this also depends on the calculated size of the soakaway.

How deep should you dig a soakaway?

Dig a hole in your garden measuring about 300mm square and 300mm depth. Pour a bucket of at least 10 litres of water into that hole. If the water has soaked away within about two hours then soakaways should work very well.

How deep should a soakaway be?

How far away should a soakaway be from the house?

Ensure soakaways can be sited at least 5 metres from any buildings. If you are close to boundaries you should discuss this with your neighbour. combined drains cannot be used.

Do Soakaways need maintenance?

Anyone who has a soakaway on their premises knows that problems from damaged or blocked pipes can cause major issues in a short space of time. Regular maintenance is key to ensuring that your system continues to work smoothly and to help spot anything that may have an impact in the future.

How far away does a soakaway have to be from a house?

Do I need permission to install a soakaway?

Do I need planning permission for a soakaway? If you are installing a replacement Soakaway then you will generally not require planning permission. If you are installing a new foul Soakaway or drainage field you should at least inform your local planning office.