Septic Tanks

When would a Septic Tank likely require Planning Permission and Building Regulation Approval?

• A Septic Tank does not require this

• If its a new Septic Tank installed after 1st January 2015

• If its a new Septic Tank installed after 1st January 2012

• If its a new Septic Tank installed after 1st January 2010

If acting for the buyer how would the presence of a Septic Tank be brought to your attention? Select all that apply

• SPIF

• Sales Particulars or Google Earth

• Title Documents

• Drainage Search

If you notice that the location of the Septic Tank is outside of the property boundaries, what would be your considerations? Select all that apply

• Do you have a right of access to use it?

• Do you have a right of access to maintain it

• Do you have a right of access to empty it?

• Location should not be less than 10 metres from any watercourse or ditch

Before proceeding with the purchase, what should the buyer check with regards to the Septic Tank? Select all that apply

• Is it in good working order

• The Septic Tank does not cause pollution

• Complies with Planning legislation and Building Regulations

• Any costs associated to emptying and maintaining it

Which of the below examples best describes a Cesspit or Cesspool?

•  

  A sealed tank that collects the sewage, that is pumped out and taken away for disposal by an approved contractor

• This is a part-mechanical system that treats the liquid so that it is clean enough to go into a river or stream, or into a soakaway

• An underground tank where the solids sink to the bottom and the liquid flows out and soaks through the ground, usually through a soakaway or infiltration system (not into surface waters such as rivers or

Which of the below examples best describes a Treatment Plant?

• A sealed tank that collects the sewage, that is pumped out and taken away for disposal by an approved contractor

• This is a part-mechanical system that treats the liquid so that it is clean enough to go into a river or stream, or into a soakaway

• An underground tank where the solids sink to the bottom and the liquid flows out and soaks through the ground, usually through a soakaway or infiltration system (not into surface waters such as rivers or

  streams).

If the property is in England and the Septic Tank discharges directly into surface water what should you do? Select all possible options available to you

• Connect to the mains sewer

• Install a drainage field so the Septic Tank can discharge to ground instead

• Replace your Septic Tank with a small Sewage Treatment Plant

• Provided the Environmental Agency are unaware proceed with the sale

How long must households in Wales keep their Septic Tanks maintenance records for relating to sewage disposals?

• 5 years

• 3 years

• 7 years

• 10 years