Septic Tank - Space required?

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Discussion started by Libby
Started on Sat, 28/08/2010 - 17:01

Hi,

We have just purchased a ruined cottage on a small plot, with approx 5m of garden around the enitre property. At present there is no drainage and the only realistic option is a septic tank. We are now worried that there is insufficient space to install one in the 'garden'. Can anyone advise on how much space we need? Thanks.

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Re: Septic Tank - Space required?

WTE Septic Tanks and Sewage Treatment Systems (not verified)
Mon, 04/10/2010 - 10:24
WTE Septic Tanks and Sewage Treatment Systems's photo

I am afraid that you are right to be concerned.
The BS 6297 2007 and Section H2 of the Building Regulations both state that a septic tank must be a minimum of 7 metres from a dwelling and the soakaway from it must be a minimum of 15 metres from any building. The average amount of drainage soakaway pipe required is 60 to 150 metres.
As you can see, you will need to purchase some extra land for a septic system.

Do you have a ditch or surface water drain that you could discharge into from a sewage treatment plant? If you do, then it is often possible to argue the case for the plant being closer to the house than 7 metres as they do not smell and you won't need the extra land for the soakaway.

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