Renovation project in Cheshire

[StuPen]

Hi Everybody,

 

I've been lurking here for a few months,  learning lots about ASHP and MHVR systems, which I'd like to include in the renovation of a 1960's bungalow that we are in the process of buying, it's in pretty good shape for it's age and we haven't got the money to knock it down and start again...

 

It's got an old brick / concrete septic tank probably original from when the house was built, the outflow pipe is buried below the boundary hedgerow and it appears above ground approximately 50 metres from the tank, this is still on our land but is only about 20 metres from a brook, as the property is currently empty, there was as would be expected, no sign of any moisture.

 

I don't think that the system is compliant with the new revised regulations and need to have it surveyed. Has anybody used a septic tank specialist in Cheshire or the North West that they would recommend?

 

All suggestions appreciated.

 

Thanks

 

[ToughButterCup]

55 minutes ago, StuPen said:

[...]

I don't think that the system is compliant with the new revised regulations and need to have it surveyed. Has anybody used a septic tank specialist in Cheshire or the North West that they would recommend?

[...]

 

Paul Usher from Klargester. Top bloke. Straight as a die : in my direct experience, rare in this sector.

Tell him Ian from Salamander Cottage referred you ( no commercial link)

[ProDave]

If it discharges into an infiltration field (soakaway) then it is okay to carry on using it.

 

If it discharges to a watercourse, then a septic tank needs to be replaced with a sewage treatment plant by 1st January 2020.

 

So your first thing is to find out exactly where it does discharge to.

[Thedreamer]

12 minutes ago, ProDave said:

If it discharges into an infiltration field (soakaway) then it is okay to carry on using it.

 

If it discharges to a watercourse, then a septic tank needs to be replaced with a sewage treatment plant by 1st January 2020.

 

So your first thing is to find out exactly where it does discharge to.

 

Not to update on the English rules.

 

If @StuPen is in the process of purchasing are the sellers not obligated to put this in place now?

 

Under new guidelines, this upgrade to your sewage treatment system must be in place by January 1, 2020, or when you sell the property (if selling before this date), is there some leverage to reduce the asking price of the plot?

 

Of course only applicable if discharging to the watercourse.

 

[StuPen]

Thanks for the replies.

 

Ian, I've emailed Klargester, thank you.

 

ProDave and The Dreamer, whilst the effluent doesn't discharge directly into the watercouse, as the end of the pipe is only around 20 metres from the Brook and that it's on a downward slope, the water must end up in the Brook. The current owner thinks that it's acceptable as it doesn't directly discharge into the Brook, I don't think it will meet the new regulations and yes, It may give me some leverage to negotiate the price.

 

 

[ProDave]

So are you saying the discharge just ends on the surface where it will pollute the surface of the land, and may also run into the stream and pollute that?

 

You definitely want to be upgrading that.

 

This is where you need to do percolation tests on the ground to see if it is capable of supporting an infiltration field.  If not then a treatment plant with a proper discharge direct into the stream.

[ToughButterCup]

@StuPen, : if this is your  forever  house you can be more relaxed about it.

 

Key issue is are you thinking that you might well  sell some time in the future? 2020 isn't that far away. You might like to consider making an offer on the basis of the property needing work done.   Paul Usher is highly likely to give you straight answers to straight questions.

I have a small digester that's currently being commissioned. Cost for everything - tank - works - pipe - electrics, round about £5500.

Digging one out and putting a similar system in - add another £2000. Oh  nearly forgot - proper survey £500. (or free but beware of drainage specialists offering free gifts - here, have a laugh or grimace, as you like)

[StuPen]

Yeah, I'd had a chuckle at that before, maybe you could pass on the name of your percolation "expert"

It's certainly a long term home, maybe not forever, hopefully I'll hear back from Paul Usher today and get some advice on how best to tackle it.

Thanks again for the replies.

 

[ToughButterCup]

35 minutes ago, StuPen said:

Yeah, I'd had a chuckle at that before, maybe you could pass on the name of your percolation "expert"

[...]

 

At your suggestion, I looked through my email trail, no joy - consigned to the electronic dustbin. Annoyingly, the company was recommended to me by our architect. He did have the good grace to blanche visibly when, in a formal meeting,  I presented him with the evidence.

 

Your best defence is a thorough understanding of all the content here - and the content of all the links.

You do know about H2 don't you? Just in case here's the link : page 38 etc seq.