Blocked Soakaway

[Sarahc]

Does anyone have any experience of dealing with a blocked soakaway? The kitchen sink, dishwasher and washing machine drain to a soakaway that is blocked. OH had a go with drain rods and got some smelly white residue out (presummably fats and detergents) but didn't really make much difference. Is the only option to redig the soakaway or is there some other cunning solution?
Any pointers much appreciated as it is going to be a nightmare to redig as it must be under the patio!

[Clunkshift]

Sarah,

I'm surprised that you have all these outlets to a soakaway and not to a septic tank or similar holding tank first.
possibly you have a length of perforated pipe in a trench surrounded by gravel but it just won,t work for long with that mixture of inputs.

The sink will supply grease and vegetable matter, the dishwasher will supply hot salty water and the washing machine will supply detergent and fibres.

Your only hope would be to use some sort of drain cleaning solution - but be careful about mixing different chemicals if you try more than one type.

We used to have a septic tank followed by a 12ft long x 6ft deep soakaway into chalk with concrete rubble at the outlet and progessively smaller aggregates forther away from the inlet pipe to help dispersion.

When a septic (or settling) tank works well, it has a thick bacterial cake on top which breaks down solids but dishwashers and washing machines kill bacteria so you have to feed it regularly to maintain it.

The bottom line is that an unprotected soakaway is destined to clog at some point as the deposits seal it off, so digging a new one is the best option and do get some expert advice on the most effective system.

I can only sympathise...

Clunk x.

[Sarahc]

Thanks for the advice. We have a septic tank too and I admit when we worked out where everything was draining to i did think it odd that it didn't go to the septic tank. The kitchen is an extension and I suspect some corner cutting has gone on. I didn't know about killing bacteria so that is very useful. Although we use ecover non-bio which I did notice the other day says safe for septic tanks, I guess this is why. I'm rapidly coming to the conclusion this is going to be one of those unexpected 'quirks' you get in new (old) house that is going to cost us money!

[TIGGYWINKLE]

Sarach, You have my sympathy. We had major problems with a septic tank and soakpit in an old house we had. In the end we had to take up a huge patio that had heavy flagstones from an old monestery, reroute, and dig a new soakpit. However, although expensive, it the end it was a relief, as the stress we had with sewerage backing up, and having to have it pumped out, was awful. The previous owner was a DIY enthusiast who cut corners on important things. The best of luck with it.

[sandybay]

Good luck with it SarahC. Clunk is very useful to have around.
We're getting used to septic tank living. Sometimes on a hot day there can be a slightly fruity pong near the stream next to where the tank is sited. Not sure if it's ours or the house next door which has been empty for some time.

In our local hardware store they sell some products to help septic tanks - quite pricey - over £15 but will give one ago.

[Rose]

But the only lasting solution is to install a greasetrap before grey water gets into the septic tank. Very easily done, no specialist knowledge required and the rocks can be blasted clean when needed with a high pressure hose.

We use 'Eparcyl' that activates useful bacteria to keep the septic tank healthy. No whiffs near us!!!!