Ian Johnston wrote:
Hi Folks,

I've been spending some fun time having a Good Hard Stare at my septic
tank. It's roughly 6' long by 2'6" wide by I-don't-know-how-deep
because it is so seriously choked up with sludge. I have the Big
Vacuum booked for Monday, but I have my doubts about its long term
viability - it's at least 100 years old, drystone built, and
crumbling.

So it seems sensible to think about replacement. According to a very
helpful building control chap at the local council (Dumfries and
Galloway) they wouldn't care at all if it was replaced with another
rectangular tank in the same place and of the same size - a more
modern design would arouse their interest, though.

I am not sure this is something I want to Do Myself, but in the hope
that there may be people here with relevant experience...

1) Is there any pressing need to go for a bottle tank, or do
rectangular ones work well enough in comparison that I can reasonably
avoid the extra hassle?

2) What are the rectangular alternatives? Would I need to have a block
one built, or a concrete one cast, in situ, or is it possible to get a
liner for the existing tank?

3) Any tips about the best people to ask to undertake this sort of
work?

Sorry to be a bit vague - it's been a lurking presence at the far end
of the garden for a bit, and I am just getting the hang of dong
something with it.

Alternatively, I have up to 50' of 6' wide by 2' deep former mill-lade
available - anyone here installed a domestic reed bed system?

Ian

I found my supplier/installer in the yellow pages. It cost about £2500
five years ago, it was a flask type, built on very sloping ground the
soakaway was very deep, I'd guess 6feet at the deepest. It replaced the
concrete one and is much better, if only that the only signs are 2
manhole covers.

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