Septic Tank (photo attached)

[Ula NI]

Probably another silly question, but how do i identify what type/make of septic tank we have in our new house?

We've had some flooding issues around the house and i want to understand how our tank works if i have to pump it (or anything else)

What i can see: There is one central large pipe standing 2 foot approx 45" in diameter with lid, either side of this are two brown pipes with cages on top, then about 1.5 foot from the main central pipe are two shorter pipes with lids.

Any idea what type is it under ground?
Photo attached.

Thanks,
Gem

 

[Nige F]

Klargester "onion" settlement tank.

 

[Ula NI]

Thanks Nige F, when i look up "onion" tanks, i can't see what the two black pipes in my photo are for?

 

[bernardgreen]

what the two black pipes in my photo are for?

Most likely inspection covers for junctions in the pipe work into and out of the septic tank.

 

[Burnerman]

Those are the inlet and outlet chambers......from the house and to the soakaways. The other two are vents.
John

 

[Ula NI]

Thanks John

 

[Hugh Jaleak]

Under normal circumstances, the clarified effluent should flow out the tank, and into a soakaway system, whereby it percolates into the ground. However, if the water table is high, (or higher than usual), the outflow cannot disperse and can cause the surrounding ground to become waterlogged. Technically, pumping out anything from a septic tank or cesspit is illegal unless you are a licenced disposal contractor, but as long as you dont alert the authorities, (Environment Agency), or pollute anything then no one will be any the wiser I'm sure.

 

[theprinceofdarkness]

Don't think about it, where are you going to pump it to? Its probably 4000 litres of the most disgusting and poisonous effluent. If you have a problem with a high water table then the last thing you do is to pump it out as the large plastic bubble will do its best to float out of the ground and break the pipes.
Just dig new soak a way and T it into the existing one in the inspection chamber.
Frank