Even if today, we do not build many septic tanks, many homes and establishments are still equipped with them. Regular maintenance is necessary for this sanitation system to work well.
Septic tank: what is it?
The septic tank is a non-collective anaerobic device whose function is to treat all wastewater, including that from the toilets. With the help of bacteria and enzymes, the aim here is to liquefy the faeces and subsequently clarify the waste water before it ends up in the groundwater. Specific products are offered by certain brands, to maintain your septic tank or deal with emergencies in the event of clogs and bad smells.
This installation is tending to disappear little by little since the pre-treatment of domestic and sanitary wastewater is increasingly carried out via a sanitation network connected to the sewers. In the form of a tank, the septic tank is usually made of concrete. However, they are sold today that are prefabricated in polyvinyl chloride. These models are equipped with a plastic cover reinforced with fiberglass.
But regardless of its material, according to the standards in force, its height must be able to contain at least 1 meter of content and its minimum volume cannot be less than 3m3, which is sufficient for a 5-room dwelling. However, its capacity will be defined according to the number of people who live in the house and it will be necessary to add 1m3 per additional room.
And for its walls to be hermetic, earthworks must be carried out before the installation of the tank so that the infiltration of rainwater does not simply cause it to malfunction. In addition, for its maintenance and for its emptying, an inspection hatch must also exist. A ventilation duct will also be put in place to evacuate gases during the fermentation stage.
Septic tank: its maintenance
Without regular maintenance, there is a good chance that your septic tank will malfunction. Worse it may even be that there is a leak, or that the tank is clogged. Faced with this situation, you can initially troubleshoot yourself by using a chemical or biological product intended for the emergency treatment of clogged or clogged pits. To do this, you just have to follow the instructions for use scrupulously.
And if you have opted for the right product, the results will not be long in coming. In just 24 hours, bad odors will disappear completely. However, this solution will not be effective in the case of a full tank. Only, then, the intervention of a professional will solve this problem. An operation that may cost you more than a simple oil change. Hence the need to systematically program every 4 years an emptying of solid matter. Be careful, this task is very framed by law. You should only entrust it to a scavenger. For good reason, not all the mud must be evacuated. A part will be left at the bottom. In addition, if necessary, new bacteria may also be introduced into the tank. Only a professional can make this decision.
Generally, when the emptier empties the pit, he also takes the opportunity to clean the grease trap and the pre-filter. And you can also ask him to take care of the descaling of the pipes. Once the work is done, the professional will issue you a certificate. It is this document that you can present to justify the proper maintenance of your septic tank in the event of any operational problems. In addition, do not hesitate to invest in biological activators. These products not only delay emptying frequencies, but also solve minor problems with clogged drains and pipes.
How much does a septic tank installation cost?
The price of installing a septic tank depends on several criteria such as the model of septic tank chosen, its volume, the prices charged by the professional and the constraints of your land. Added to this are numerous ancillary costs that must be taken into account in the budget forecast.
The price of a septic tank according to the models
The traditionally known model of wastewater pit is now prohibited for sale in France. It has been replaced by the all-water pit which meets the new standards.
cost of a concrete septic tank
The concrete septic tank is particularly resistant since it is made from reinforced concrete. Treated to withstand long-term burial, it allows good individual sanitation and many options. On the other hand, its considerable weight makes it difficult to install and maneuver, which has an impact on the price. Moreover, it can only be delivered by truck crane or digger, a constraint to be taken into account for access to your land. For this type of model, count between 500 and 900 euros, depending on the volume (3,000 to 4,000 liters in general).
Price of a synthetic septic tank
The synthetic septic tank is made of PVC plastic or polymers. This very light model is also less expensive and simple to operate and install. On the other hand, it is also less resistant to time and deformation. For this type of model, plan a budget varying between 400 and 800 euros (for a volume of 3,000 to 4,000 litres), or even up to 3,000 euros for models with a capacity of 10,000 litres.
The cost of installing a septic tank by a professional
Installing a septic tank is not necessarily complex, but handling these large volumes is difficult and requires suitable equipment. Note that the volume of the pit will be determined according to the number of rooms in the house (3,000 to 4,000 liters for 5 rooms and 1,000 liters per additional room). In addition, the hole dug for its installation must be one and a half times wider than the tank and meet specific constraints (proximity to vegetation, neighboring land, a water catchment, etc.).
By calling on a specialized company, you save yourself a lot of effort and are sure that the connections will be made correctly. A qualified professional will charge you the price of installing your septic tank between 4,000 and 7,000 euros.
Additional costs to remember
Installing a septic tank entails additional costs that you will need to plan for and integrate into your budget.
- A sanitation diagnosis must be carried out with the installation by SPANC. Plan an average budget of 85 euros, but be aware that this service can be free, as billed up to 150 euros!
- The soil study is also to be carried out. Depending on the analyzes to be carried out, count between 200 and 500 euros.
- In addition, inspections of the installation must be carried out every 10 years by SPANC, at an average cost of 150 euros.
- Finally, the regular maintenance of the pit, to be carried out every 3 to 5 years, will cost you on average 150 to 300 euros.