Question from Owen Cattanach, via e-mail:
Is it compulsory to fit a sampling chamber to the outlet of a new septic tank?
Answer from Chris Hagain, technical support engineer at Wavin (on behalf of Steve Harris):
A sampling chamber is a requirement of the water authorities, which is included in the consent to discharge issued by the Environmental Agency.
The septic tank settles out a large proportion of the foul waste, however, as the tank begins to fill with solids, it leaves less time for any further settlement.
The sample chamber enables a quick easy visual check on the water quality. The water authorities and Environmental Agency can, as part of the consent to discharge, visit premises to check the output is not causing excessive contamination and that the septic tank is being maintained and emptied at least annually.