|
|
|
Septic tanks very common in France
The chances are that when you lived in the UK you will have had a mains sewage system that took all your household waste water away. You probably never had to think much about what happened after you let the water out of the bath, unplugged the sink after the washing up, or flushed the loo. It's not really something that many of us want to dwell on anyway! Your move to France, however, or your ownership of a French holiday home may introduce you to the delights of the fosse septique, or septic tank, which is very common in France, particularly in the rural areas where so many of we Brits choose to live.
|
The alternatives to mains drainage in France - cesspit or septic tank
These are two realistic and approved alternatives to mains drainage, and these are both commonly found in rural France. The first option is a cesspit. This is becoming less and less popular, and unless there is no possibility of installing a septic tank instead (lack of space being a problem in some small villages where houses do not have gardens), the use of these is now being discouraged. A cesspit is, in essence, simply a storage tank for waste. It does not treat the waste in any way, and therefore it needs to be emptied on a regular basis. Cesspits are also prone to producing some quite unpleasant aromas!
|
Who has septic tanks in France?
The second, and more widely used choice in France is a fosse septique (septic tank), or a fosse toutes eaux (tank for all waters). These are actually treatment plants for waste water and solids from kitchens and bathrooms. Unless you live in a town or village in France where mains drainage is viable and has been installed, it is highly likely that your French property will be equipped with this type of drainage system.
|
|
Learning to love your septic tank in France
You have to live with it, so you may as well learn to love it. It may not sound appealing, but a properly installed and maintained septic tank is actually a very efficient domestic drainage system. If you are buying a property, make sure that you check all the details of the septic tank, from the type of plant that it is, through to its installation date and ask to see all the certificates of maintenance works, such as drainings, emptyings or inspections. Septic tanks or fosse septiques are now covered under a set of legal requirements (new laws were passed in 1992) which are overseen by the Mairie, whose responsibility it is to make sure that you carry out all the necessary work. This includes having a four yearly inspection (the Mairie will contact you when this is due) and running a series of regular checks yourself in the meantime to make sure that everything is functioning as it should.
|
How does a septic tank or fosse septique work?
A septic tank is a fairly basic treatment plant. It separates the water from the solid waste, and allows bacteria to consume a portion of the solids. Before the instigation of the new regulations, it was quite common for the water (from baths, washing up etc.) to be allowed to drain straight into the soil, bypassing the tank, but this is no longer permissible. All waste water now must be treated in an approved manner before being allowed to pass into the environment. Once the waste has been collected into the tank (it may, in some cases, have to pass through a grease trap first) it separates into three layers, these being the scum layer on the top, the liquid layer in the centre and finally the sludge layer on the bottom of the tank. A proportion of the solids (around 30%) will be dealt with by the bacteria in the tank, in an anaerobic (without oxygen) action. The top scum layer is dealt with by bacteria also, but this is an aerobic action, as there is oxygen present at this level. The next action tales place as the waste is passed through a filter bed. This removes more of the toxic particles, and eventually the treated liquid can drain away into the land without causing pollution.
|
Maintenance of your septic tank in France
A septic tank takes only a little care to keep it functioning correctly, but it is important to follow some basic guidelines. Firstly, take care not to use too many detergents, as these can upset the balance of the bacteria in the tank, and prevent it from functioning as well as it should. Overuse of bleach is a common cause of problems. Antibiotics can also cause difficulties, as by their nature they eradicate bacteria. Be careful not to flush too much toilet paper or sanitary products down the loo too, as a septic tank simply cannot cope with too many of these solids.
|
|
Use septic tank friendly cleaning products in France
When cleaning the toilet, bath or sink, it is best to use septic tank friendly products, which are clearly marked as such, and are readily available from supermarkets in France. You can also buy one off treatments (activators) to restore good bacteria levels, and it is advisable to use these once or twice a year even if you do not detect any problems.
|
Septic tanks inspected by the Mairie in France
Your fosse will be inspected by the Mairie every four years, but during this time you should check it regularly and take any necessary action. For example, you need to check the sludge level, and if the tank becomes over 60% full with sludge, it must be emptied and re-started, or partially emptied. It is probably better to partially empty the tank if action is required, as if the tank is completely emptied of solids it will begin to cause a smell unless it is correctly re-started. The water levels and scum layers should also be checked. If a pump out is required, use a registered and approved company (your Mairie will advise) and don't forget you need to retain your receipt to show to the inspector at the four yearly check.
|
Rules and regulations of septic tanks in France
All septic tanks in France are required to be no less than three cubic metres in size, but the best advice is to have the largest tank that you can, as this will have more chance of functioning efficiently. Of course, the size and layout of your land is of significance here, and it is important to know that you cannot site a septic tank within three metres of a neighbouring property. It is also forbidden to place a septic tank less than three metres away from trees and shrubs, although smaller garden plants may be exempt from this rule. Despite its name of fosse toutes eaux, rain water must in no circumstances get into the septic tank, so make sure that there is an adequate alternative drainage system for this. Other rules state that you must leave thirty five metres distance between the filter bed of the septic tank and a water source, such as a stream or well. Obviously ventilation is important, and easy access by safely covered manholes is also a must have. It is only necessary to install a fat trap or grease trap if the septic tank is more than ten metres away from the kitchen. If this is called for, try to place it as close to the property as you can.
|
Getting the right advice for your septic tank in France
Whether you are installing a new septic tank or simply wanting to be sure that your existing one is working correctly and in line with the regulations, you can obtain help and advice from your local Mairie. They would prefer that you approach them before you have a problem rather than leave it until the inspection only to find that things have gone badly wrong!
|
Septic tanks in France - nothing to worry about
Many people loathe the thought of having to have septic tank in the garden, but if your fosse is working correctly there should be no unpleasant odours and you should not experience any problems. Follow the rules and the guidelines and there is really nothing to worry about.
Additional articles which may be of interest:
Connecting utilities (water, gas, electricity, telephone and sewage) in France
Surveyors in France
Property grants available in France
Life in France
House Renovations in France
|
About the author
Joanna Simm moved to the Languedoc area of south-west France in October 2004 having found her property through French Property Links.
|
| |
|
your questions...
1. A question about septic tanks (added 27/5/08)...
I have a 300m sq garden in France with a well in the middle. I must install a new septic tank but there is not 35m distance from it to do so. Is there any way around this. I have four years to complete the installation. Hope you can help!
Jo Rhodes, editor of French Property Links, replies...
Thanks for contacting us about septic tanks. I have been in contact with my colleague in France who says that your Mairie would be the only place to go for help and advice on how you overcome your septic tank issues, so I can only suggest you contact them.
2. A question about rain water and septic tanks (added 17/7/2008)...
Hi, I was wondering if you could clear somethig up for me. The matter of whether rain water from your guttering can be run off into your fosse septique. Some say yes some say no, can you help as I have no mains drains to take rain water away.
Jo Rhodes, editor of French Property Links, replies...
Thanks for contacting us. I would say your Mairie is usually the place to go to get a definitive answer on anything to do with septic tanks.
|
|
your feedback counts... |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
