Septic Tank Advice Please.

[Bograt]

We've just taken on a villa that's 20 years old, the septic tank is both aromatic and full looking. I've heard they need emptying every 15 years, is that right? The rental agent doesn't know anything about it. I'd like to sound like I know what I'm talking about when I ask for it to be done (if that's what is needed). Any advice or information on all things poop-tank connected will be much appreciated.....

[cyprusmax47]

Bograt, go on search, top right of Paphos Life and search for septic tank... plenty advice there..

Max

[Bograt]

Bograt, go on search, top right of Paphos Life and search for septic tank... plenty advice there..

Max

Thank you Max, I'll do that.

[Dominic]

When ours overflowed I got somebody with a lorry to come and suck it all away. However, after that you need to feed what is left. Basically there is "friendly bacteria" down there that will break down the poo, stopping it from needing to be emptied. If you suck most of the poo away you will also suck most of that away.

Also, bear in mind that if you want them to come ASAP you will pay a premium. Normally they will fit you in with their existing schedule, and it will be cheaper.

[Kili01]

Most septic tanks have 2 chambers, one for solids the other for liquids. The first may need emptying once in a while, ours does very occasionally. The 2nd chamber with liquids should drain to an overflow ('soak') away pit fairly close to the septic tank. It is when the soak away is full that problems may arise. If you lift the lids to both chambers of the septic tank you may be able to see the problem. In any case you need to get the man with a tanker who does this kind of thing to pump it out.
If the soak away is full, then you may need a good builder to take a look. Sometimes you may be able to get the soak away to drain, otherwise digging a new soakaway may be required.
Incidentally, to 'feed' the bacteria in the septic tank so they can 'digest the waste' better, just add a carton of plain, preferably organic yoghourt to the tank.

Dee

[PaphosAL]

I had planned on Frankfurters, round flat chips, fried eggs 'n beanz for supper this evening, but suddenly, my appetite has gone... Think I'll have a pot of strawberry yoghurt instead!

Cheers- AL

[Bograt]

Thank you for your helpful replies, feel I've got a much better understanding now. They were cleaning our villa with a multitude of bleach based products before we moved in, so I'm thinking a bit of yoghurt could help. It's a bit less whiffy today than yesterday, so it could already be improving.

I am down to pub based Wi-Fi at the moment, thus I did not avail myself very thoroughly of the search section. I'm waiting on Cyta, who are very busy bees at the moment. I knew that I'd be rescued by my fellow PL people though.

[Bograt]

I had planned on Frankfurters, round flat chips, fried eggs 'n beanz for supper this evening, but suddenly, my appetite has gone... Think I'll have a pot of strawberry yoghurt instead!

Cheers- AL

So many comments spring to mind about malodorous mishaps after that meal. I'll just keep them to myself!

[PaphosAL]

Glad to hear that the Septic Tank situation appears to be improving for you now, Bograt!

Planned meal (thanks to my daughter) went ahead, was well enjoyed, with no queasiness, LOL! Though I expect my duvet to be lifting vertically like a drone on a few occasions through the coming night...

Cheers- AL

[kansas]

I'm sure you've done this, but check that you have an operational soak away chamber. It took about 10 years of having the first two chambers almost full all the time, and overflowing often, before we realised that the soak away hadn't been connected to the second chamber (no pipe had been laid). The first two chambers overflowed periodically into the surrounding soil. Luckily we knew a brave soul who was willing to take up the crazy paving, and the concrete underneath, then dig down through what looked like charcoal but now we know better!!, and fit a pipe from the second chamber to the soakaway. However, there was no way of knowing what the problem was until the soil had been dug out.

[J B]

A big discussion over here

http://www.easterncyprus.com/viewtopic.php?t=96111

[Bograt]

Glad to hear that the Septic Tank situation appears to be improving for you now, Bograt!

Planned meal (thanks to my daughter) went ahead, was well enjoyed, with no queasiness, LOL! Though I expect my duvet to be lifting vertically like a drone on a few occasions through the coming night...

Cheers- AL

Duvet lifting like a drone!! Oh my, now I really must not respond to that one! Funny man...

[Bograt]

I'm sure you've done this, but check that you have an operational soak away chamber. It took about 10 years of having the first two chambers almost full all the time, and overflowing often, before we realised that the soak away hadn't been connected to the second chamber (no pipe had been laid). The first two chambers overflowed periodically into the surrounding soil. Luckily we knew a brave soul who was willing to take up the crazy paving, and the concrete underneath, then dig down through what looked like charcoal but now we know better!!, and fit a pipe from the second chamber to the soakaway. However, there was no way of knowing what the problem was until the soil had been dug out.

Thank you for that good advice. If the problem persists, perhaps I should invest in a Hasmat suit, a rope and a strong torch, to investigate further. God help me....