Q1:In heavy rain why does my tank overflow onto the garden?
Roof water may be connected to the septic tank, heavy rain would cause the tank to overflow. This would result in suspended solids being washed into the percolation area which leads to blockages. If the inspector found that roof water was connected to your septic tank system this would be an automatic fail.
Q2: What is a Percolation Area?
A Percolation area is where the partially treated effluent from the septic tank is distributed to a network of perforated pipes laid in trenches usually located in your garden. the final treatment takes place when the effluent leaves the perforated pipes and is discharged into the ground.
Q3: How do I know if my septic tank is not working properly?
Indicators of this are blocked manholes, toilets draining slowly, wet patches in garden and lush green grass around the septic tank. These would be the main indications that there is a problem.
Q4: Is my septic tank going to be inspected?
The short answer is ‘yes’. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) have developed a national inspection plan based on high risk areas. Those located in coastal regions are classed as high risk and would be priority inspection areas. More information can be found on www.epa.ie. There are government grants available, in order to qualify for these, your tank has to fail inspection and certain criteria also has to be met.
Q5: Why should I empty my septic tank?
If sludge is left to build up in your tank, it will eventually run out into your percolation area. It will block your percolation area which will prove very costly in the long run to repair/replace. It is of utmost importance that your tank is regularly emptied so that it is kept running efficiently. If you find that you tank has never had to be emptied then the reason could be that it is leaking, which leads to contamination of the local groundwater as the waste is not treated properly. This results in problems for you and those around you.