Septic Tanks 101
Lucky you, you have
your own underground sewerage treatment plant
If
you are moving to the country from the city chances are you will be
encountering your first septic tank system, unless you are old enough to
remember having one in the back garden when you were a child. I have distinct
memories of the terrible smell emanating from these unpleasant storage tanks
when they were well due for emptying, and watching in amazement as the septic
truck suction hose bounced around the garden collecting its putrid load. I also
have a distinct memory of a septic truck driver standing over the open septic
tank examining the progress of the job, while he ate a sandwich. I do not think
he washed his hands before he had his lunch, but is that even relevant? The man
was consuming food while he breathed in raw sewerage and looked at the sludge
in the bottom of a shit tank.
Do
not dread the possibility of buying a property with a septic tank. Having a
septic tank that is well maintained and cared for is an inexpensive and easy
way to manage household waste water when you are not able to be connected to a
deep sewerage system. A new septic system should last at least 30 years and
require emptying every 2-5 years, depending on usage. You do not need to fear
them failing and sending septic water into your house or smelling offensively
if you follow a few simple guidelines. Neither do they need frequent pumping
and emptying or expensive additives to keep them working properly.
