Diagnosing a Failing Septic Tank
1How do I know if my septic tank is not working?
There are some sewage systems that are easy to diagnose as “not working” and there are also some systems that may need a trained eye to make the call. Below are some signs of sewage systems that may not be working:
- Blockages in manholes or slowly draining toilets.
- Wet patches in the garden - even in dry weather
- The septic tank requires frequent emptying.
- Storm or Roof water entering the septic system or leaking manholes.
- Wet areas in the garden around the septic tank or percolation area.
- Lush green grass around the septic tank/soakaway, even during dry weather.
- The presence of nitrates and bacteria in your drinking water test results.
- The septic tank is connected to a ditch or stream Odours from the septic tank or around the house
If your still not sure it is possible to get your sewage system visually assessed by Sepcon
- Blockages in manholes or slowly draining toilets.
- Wet patches in the garden - even in dry weather
- The septic tank requires frequent emptying.
- Storm or Roof water entering the septic system or leaking manholes.
- Wet areas in the garden around the septic tank or percolation area.
- Lush green grass around the septic tank/soakaway, even during dry weather.
- The presence of nitrates and bacteria in your drinking water test results.
- The septic tank is connected to a ditch or stream Odours from the septic tank or around the house
If your still not sure it is possible to get your sewage system visually assessed by Sepcon
2I know my Septic Tank is not working, what is the first step?
The first step is to give us a call on 01 6287300 to arrange a site visit with our highly experienced Project Manager to view the extent of the issue.
There is not charge or obligation associated with the initial site visit.
We will arrange to meet you at a time that suits you and the Project Manager will be your direct Point of Contact throughout the entire upgrade process.
There is not charge or obligation associated with the initial site visit.
We will arrange to meet you at a time that suits you and the Project Manager will be your direct Point of Contact throughout the entire upgrade process.
3What is a Percolation Test?
A percolation test is carried out to determine what type of sewage treatment system will be suitable for your property. The percolation test provides us with the soakage value of the soil, what depth the water table or bed is present at and a number of other factors. With these results and the assistance of Geological mapping we can provide you with the most suitable sewage system for your site.
4Why do I need to carry out a Percolation Test?
Percolation tests are carried to determine the size required for the percolation area. The soakage of the soil in every site varies. Some sites have good soakage and some are very poor.
Therefore a single solution can't be offered to everyone. It is crucial to carry out a percolation test in order to know how good your soil soaks and to determine the maximum height of the water table (in order to maintain relevant separations as per the EPA Code of Practice 2009).
A percolation test is also required by law in order to apply for planning permission for a new build. Sepcon have a dedicated team that will assist in providing the relevant site assessment information and documents in order to lodge your planning application.
Contact us today to discuss your individual requirements.
Therefore a single solution can't be offered to everyone. It is crucial to carry out a percolation test in order to know how good your soil soaks and to determine the maximum height of the water table (in order to maintain relevant separations as per the EPA Code of Practice 2009).
A percolation test is also required by law in order to apply for planning permission for a new build. Sepcon have a dedicated team that will assist in providing the relevant site assessment information and documents in order to lodge your planning application.
Contact us today to discuss your individual requirements.
5What is the difference between a Septic Tank and a Sewage Treatment Unit?
A septic tank normally consists of two chambers. The first chamber holds the solid waste and the second chamber holds the partially treated effluent. The effluent then enters the percolation area where further treatment takes place. Septic tanks are suitable for sites with a good soil soakage rate.
A sewage treatment unit normally consists of 3 or more chambers. The first chamber holds the solid waste, the second is where the effluent treatment takes place and the the third is the final settlement chamber. Treatment units are ideals for sites with poor soakage as the effluent quality is better upon discharge to the percolation area.
A sewage treatment unit normally consists of 3 or more chambers. The first chamber holds the solid waste, the second is where the effluent treatment takes place and the the third is the final settlement chamber. Treatment units are ideals for sites with poor soakage as the effluent quality is better upon discharge to the percolation area.
Do you have a Question?
Sepcon
Moyglare Rd, Kilcock, Co Kildare. W23 TCP3
Upgrading & Septic Tank Replacement
1How long does it take to install a new sewage system?
It normally it takes us no more than 3 days to install a new domestic sewage treatment unit and a percolation area. Sites with restricted access or more challenging projects may be 1 or 2 longer.
2Do I need to move out of my house when you are installing a new system?
No. Definitely not. The installation of your new sewage system is a painless process with Sepcon.
When we are making the connection from the sewage pipes to the new tank we ask that you refrain from using the toilets or sinks for about 2 hours.
When we are making the connection from the sewage pipes to the new tank we ask that you refrain from using the toilets or sinks for about 2 hours.
3What happens to my old septic tank?
When we install your new system we empty and decommission the old septic tank.
The effluent and sludge contents are disposed of in a licensed facility and evidence of the same is also provided.
Any internal mechanical parts are removed and disposed of; and the old tank then broken in upon itself and filled with clay or suitable material.
The effluent and sludge contents are disposed of in a licensed facility and evidence of the same is also provided.
Any internal mechanical parts are removed and disposed of; and the old tank then broken in upon itself and filled with clay or suitable material.
What makes Sepcon the first choice my Septic Tank needs?
1Are you Accredited & Audited?
Sepcon are proud to be the very first company in Ireland within the Waste Water Treatment Sector to achieve CIRI (Construction Industry Register of Ireland certification back in March 2015.
CIRI is an official register, supported by Government, of competent builders, contractors, specialist sub-contractors and tradespersons who undertake to carry out construction works.
When engaging a CIRI registered construction entity, consumers can be confident that they are dealing with experienced people. CIRI standards are high and only construction companies, sole traders and builders who meet the strict eligibility criteria are registered on CIRI.
As the CIRI register is audited on an annual basis, you can independently check the current status of Sepcon or any other firm on www.CIRI.ie
Our CIRI registration number is: 150150
CIRI is an official register, supported by Government, of competent builders, contractors, specialist sub-contractors and tradespersons who undertake to carry out construction works.
When engaging a CIRI registered construction entity, consumers can be confident that they are dealing with experienced people. CIRI standards are high and only construction companies, sole traders and builders who meet the strict eligibility criteria are registered on CIRI.
As the CIRI register is audited on an annual basis, you can independently check the current status of Sepcon or any other firm on www.CIRI.ie
Our CIRI registration number is: 150150
2Are you part of a Industry Association?
Sepcon are members of the Irish Onsite Wastewater Association (IOWA) & our staff have also served on the committee.
IOWA was formed in 2007 with the goal of improving the standard of professionalism in the onsite wastewater in Ireland.
IOWA was formed in 2007 with the goal of improving the standard of professionalism in the onsite wastewater in Ireland.
3How do you address your Health and Safety obligations?
Health & Safety is the keystone of Sepcon. As part of out Heath & Safety policy we ensure:
- Our staff are highly trained and refreshed on a ongoing basis.
- Our equipment and plant is modern, maintained and suitable for our tasks.
- Our procedures & safety statement is referenced and updated on a ongoing basis in conjunction with our staff.
- We are trained to act as PSCS.
- Our staff are highly trained and refreshed on a ongoing basis.
- Our equipment and plant is modern, maintained and suitable for our tasks.
- Our procedures & safety statement is referenced and updated on a ongoing basis in conjunction with our staff.
- We are trained to act as PSCS.
4What are your capabilities?
We are a specialist in the following waste water aspects across Ireland & the UK:
- Sewage System Supply & Turn-key Installation from A to Z - both Domestic & Commercial
- Commissioning, Service, Maintenance & Repairs of all sewage systems - both Domestic & Commercial.
- Sewage System Supply & Turn-key Installation from A to Z - both Domestic & Commercial
- Commissioning, Service, Maintenance & Repairs of all sewage systems - both Domestic & Commercial.
5Do you own your own plant & equipment?
Yes, Sepcon invest heavily in our Vehicles, Plant & Equipment to ensure we can tackle any waste water task, be it a upgrade to a septic tank at a small cottage, to a large housing development.
Service & Repairs
1Do you service all commercial sewage systems?
Yes. Sepcon have a dedicated team with direct experience in service & repairs of all makes of commercial sewage treatment systems and pump stations in applications such as:
- Hotels
- Gold Clubs
- Housing Developments
- Factories & Industrial
We are truly available 24-7. Call 01 6287300 and after house press 1 to speak to the engineer on call.
- Hotels
- Gold Clubs
- Housing Developments
- Factories & Industrial
We are truly available 24-7. Call 01 6287300 and after house press 1 to speak to the engineer on call.
2The alarm is sounding on my Sewage System what should I do?
Firstly don't ignore it. The alarm will sound for a variety of different reasons:
- The alarm could be for a high water level, it could be for a failing air compressor or on some systems the alarm sounds when a service is due.
Contact us on 01 6287300 to advise which system you have and we can assist you further.
- The alarm could be for a high water level, it could be for a failing air compressor or on some systems the alarm sounds when a service is due.
Contact us on 01 6287300 to advise which system you have and we can assist you further.
3What makes of domestic sewage system do you service?
We service all makes of domestic sewage treatment units.
We have the keenest prices and service engineers that cover all counties of Ireland.
Call us today on 01 6287300 to see how we can help you.
We have the keenest prices and service engineers that cover all counties of Ireland.
Call us today on 01 6287300 to see how we can help you.
4Do you offer Maintenance Contracts?
Yes. We can provide you with a maintenance contact to suit your specific sewage treatment system and requirements.
So if you want to have parts covered or not we can design the plan for your requirements.
Call us today to discuss your maintenance agreement requirements.
So if you want to have parts covered or not we can design the plan for your requirements.
Call us today to discuss your maintenance agreement requirements.
5What areas do you cover for Septic Tank Service & Repairs?
We cover the entire country for regular maintenance trough our two service depots in Limerick and Kildare.