Proxy Unblocker Journal

Continued... A further benefit of a large tank is that detergents, bleach, disinfectants etc, are more quickly and thoroughly diluted. The Environment Agency recommends that the minimum ca- pacity of a septic tank serving one household should be related to family size. A tank of capacity 2,800 litres (about 600 gal- lons) is sufficient for a family of 3. A family of six would re- quire a minimum of 3,500 litres (about 750 gallons). If your septic tank is shared between several houses the tank would need to be correspondingly larger. Ten people would need a tank of at least 4,500 litres (about 1,000 gallons). One common problem leading to the poor performance of septic tanks arises when rainwater drainage (from roof gutter- ing and driveways) is connected into the septic tank. In wet weather this can rapidly overload the tank, disturbing the sludge and leading to soakaway problems. ALWAYS make sure that your home’s rainwater drains are separate from the foul drainage system and that they have separate piping and soakaways. Tel: 01900 870140 Tel: 0800 25 24 45 Fax: 01900 872128 info@unblockcumbria.co How often do I need to have my septic tank emptied? The general advice from the Environment Agency recommends that septic tanks should be emptied, or “de-sludged”, once a year by an operator registered for the carriage of the waste sludge by the Environment Agency. In practice the frequency will depend on the number of people living in the property. We will be pleased to advise on the optimum emptying schedule for your septic tank system. Who should I get to empty my tank? You should always use a licensed contractor. It is illegal to empty a tank in any other way. Unblock Cumbria is licensed by the Environmental Agency to remove and transport septic tank wastes. We always dispose of these wastes at licensed sewer- age treatment works and are happy to provide all documenta- tion to support this. Some types of septic tank can be damaged if emptied by untrained operators. Do’s and Don’ts Do empty your septic tank regularly. We can advise on the optimum schedule for this work based on the size of your household and the design of your tank. Do use a certified contractor who will transport and dispose of the sludge in a proper manner. Do ask your contractor to provide a free annual inspection of the system. Don’t allow large amounts of bleach or disinfectants to enter your septic tank, try to use such products sparingly. Don’t allow cross-connections between the foul water and rainwater collecting systems for your house as this will over- load your septic tank. Don’t allow large amounts of grease and fat to enter the septic tank system. This will lead to blockages and may permanently damage the soakaway. Restaurant, hotel and public house kitchens should have grease traps fitted to their kitchen waste systems. Don’t wash paint brushes in the sink or allow waste solvents, such as white spirit, or waste oils to enter your drains and septic tank. Don’t enter an empty septic tank for any reason, the atmos- phere is hazardous to health. If you believe an inspection is necessary consult Unblock Cumbria in the first instance. Copyright Unblock Cumbria Ltd Clay Flatts Industrial Estate, Workington, Cumbria. CA14 2TQ