D
davidkent
Apologies if I am posting this in the wrong forum, but thisi one was the closest to the subject I am writing about.
I have found a property in Thanet, buuilt about 1938, which I am in the process of buying (have not exchanged
contracts yet).
I am not a plumber and know nothing about the subject which may explain my horror when the estate agent
contacted me yesterday to say that the elderly vendor had just discovered the property was not connected
to the mains sewage pipe in the road. Her house as three other older properties in the road all use a system
which, believe it or not, is called 'the everlasting Pit' in their front gardens.
Its essentially like a septic tank but with holes in it that drains out the ('biodegradeable') waste into
the ground around it.
Its not visible but seems like a chimmney or well with slots in it. I phoned the council and spoke to a person
in building control who had not heard of this system and seemed worried about pollution but suggested I
speak to one of his colleague who was knowledgeable about the area in which the property is located. I spoke
to him and he said he had heard of the system and (quote) 'if its working OK, then its fine'. I also understand
the vendor, on discovering how her drainage worked, called Southern Water who looked at the situation and
said they were happy with it and would confirm so in writing (letter still awaited).
The vendor's son has said it is a very efficient system of disposing of waste and builders I have spoken to
have also said the description of it makes it sound efficient and ahead of its time (and of course no sewage
charge is levied on the property).
I would certainly describe myself as 'Green' (ecologically-speaking) but I still can't help worrying about it. I
assume it cannot be converted into a septic tank as the front garden is only about 6 or 7 metres long (and
about 6 wide) and therefore would be too close to the property, and I am told the cost of linking to the main
sewage system in the road would be very high (which to me is the best way to stop my worrying), although
no figures have been mentioned.
If anyone has any knowledge of this system (which I cannot find anything about on the internet), I would
appreciaite their input.
Many thanks.
David
I have found a property in Thanet, buuilt about 1938, which I am in the process of buying (have not exchanged
contracts yet).
I am not a plumber and know nothing about the subject which may explain my horror when the estate agent
contacted me yesterday to say that the elderly vendor had just discovered the property was not connected
to the mains sewage pipe in the road. Her house as three other older properties in the road all use a system
which, believe it or not, is called 'the everlasting Pit' in their front gardens.
Its essentially like a septic tank but with holes in it that drains out the ('biodegradeable') waste into
the ground around it.
Its not visible but seems like a chimmney or well with slots in it. I phoned the council and spoke to a person
in building control who had not heard of this system and seemed worried about pollution but suggested I
speak to one of his colleague who was knowledgeable about the area in which the property is located. I spoke
to him and he said he had heard of the system and (quote) 'if its working OK, then its fine'. I also understand
the vendor, on discovering how her drainage worked, called Southern Water who looked at the situation and
said they were happy with it and would confirm so in writing (letter still awaited).
The vendor's son has said it is a very efficient system of disposing of waste and builders I have spoken to
have also said the description of it makes it sound efficient and ahead of its time (and of course no sewage
charge is levied on the property).
I would certainly describe myself as 'Green' (ecologically-speaking) but I still can't help worrying about it. I
assume it cannot be converted into a septic tank as the front garden is only about 6 or 7 metres long (and
about 6 wide) and therefore would be too close to the property, and I am told the cost of linking to the main
sewage system in the road would be very high (which to me is the best way to stop my worrying), although
no figures have been mentioned.
If anyone has any knowledge of this system (which I cannot find anything about on the internet), I would
appreciaite their input.
Many thanks.
David