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Septic system
Get it right first time- Start saving money now and get it done right first time.
A properly functioning system may receive all the wastewater used by a property including; toilets, showers, washing machines, dishwasher, sinks etc, it then treats the waste to a safe level and returns treated effluent back into the water system.
Renovating Bulgaria's septic system is built on site and comprises of two neighbouring reinforced concrete tanks, one with a soak away. The water passes from the property into the first chamber, where the solids sink and the scum floats. The natural bacterium within the septic tank assists the solids natural breakdown, reducing the volume. The liquid then passes into a secondary soak away tank, where further settlement takes place before leaving through the open bottom soak away in relevantly clean condition. Any remaining impurities are trapped and cleared within the soil.
Location
With minimum distance requirements, from both the property and water sources, it is important to get location of your septic tank right first time. System failure can be costly and harmful both to the property grounds and the environment.
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Where possible, and only if located on the property grounds, it is possible to direct grey matter to the mains service provided. Though some village do have a mains service, these are mainly for the collection of grey matter and all brown matter should be directed to the property septic system. Any over flow from the secondary chamber can also be directed in this way.
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Getting it right first time. No fuss, No mess
Most Bulgarian properties require a septic system, especially in villages and remote areas where there is either no or limited mains service provided. With this in mind it is important to understand that any installation will be located on your property grounds enabling the safe collection, storage and filtration of waste from your property. It is imperative to have the correct system and installation for the needs and requirements of the property.
Understanding the requirements and intended usage of the property, can allow for a problem free septic system lifespan.
Pictured below.A two chamber reinforced concrete septic tank with a secondary soak away.
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System failure
Understanding that a septic system allows the safe removal of effluent from the property should be enough to allow a fully understanding of its importance. Correct installation, location and requirements all have to be considered, along side the correct usage ensuring longevity. Waste that does not break down with natural digestion will have to be removed, otherwise solids can eventually fill up causing system failure, and land contamination. Incorrect building methods and size requirements all to often assist with the failure of the system.
Pictured below:The property details included; A new septic tank.
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So now they have had your money what are you going to do?
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Potential problems and how you can assist your septic system.
simply by learning the difference in biodegradable products can make a difference, and remember recyclable does not mean biodegradable.
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Septic systems rely on bacteria, which naturally break down waste, it is important that this bacteria is not damaged disabling the natural break down process of your system. Avoid putting anything in to the system that doesn't break down naturally, or takes along time to break down. Even small amounts of certain chemicals can cause damage to the bacteria which are needed for any system to run properly.
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Items that can be used in moderation
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Items that are difficult to degrade and can cause odour problems and clogging.
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Listed below are items that will damage or kill the bacteria used within your system for natural digestion
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Disinfectants
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Toilet bleach
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House hold bleach
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House hold chemicals
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Cooking oils and grease Coffee grinds and tea leaves
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Both ground coffee and tea leaves
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Sanitary items
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Paper towels and tissues
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Plastics
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Cigarette filters
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Egg shells and other kitchen waste.
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Paints
Solvents
Thinners
Nail polish remover
Fuel
Antifreeze
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Waste disposal units can be harmful to your septic system.
A properly maintained system, can last for decades and possibly a lifetime. Having your septic tank inspected and serviced at regular intervals to remove any solids that have settled and have not degraded, can save on costly repairs if failure takes place due to clogging and filling.
Any Service and maintenance, emptying or inspection should be carried out by a professional, the gases and bacteria contained within a septic system can be hazardous.
Land contamination
Not only is this bad for the environment, but if the sludge overflows the septic tank into the leach field, it can damage the soil itself.
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Requirements & usage
System requirements
Grey matter - Waste from washing machines, baths, showers, dish washers and sinks.
Brown matter - Waste from toilets.
A single toilet flush uses approximately 7 litres of water, and on a daily average usage per person is 4 visits per day. Brushing teeth
twice a day is another 10 litres per person per day, and washing hands and face another 5 litres per person. Considering this
information, and before you have reached for the kettle in the morning your family has already used over 200 litres of water.
Using the table on the right, will assist you in understanding your daily usage, from this you can determine average water usage as
well as your system requirements.
Depending on the usage and requirements of the property will depend on your system requirements.
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Water usage
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| brushing teeth (tap off) |
1 litre |
| brushing teeth(water running) |
5 litres |
| hands and face |
5 litres |
| Shower (per 5 minutes) |
31 litres |
| Bath |
80 litres |
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Toilet
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7 litres |
| Washing machine (per load) A class |
155 litres |
| washing clothes by hand(per load) |
25 litres |
| Dish washer (per load) A class |
30 litres |
| cup of tea |
0.3 litres |
| Information, tips and advice on saving water. |
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Advice
Solutions, alternative products and safe disposable methods. Do you know that there are certain products that can be used in your septic tank without harm?
Sharing advice and information can result in gaining extra knowledge and information that can assist you in making changes and savings.
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