Septic tank emptying, septic tank price, septic tank maintenance, at some point this structure was heard about everywhere, whether from neighbors or on television. Since 2009, its installation is no longer granted by the Public Non-Collective Sanitation Service or SPANC.
On the other hand, the all-water tank is gaining popularity. With its multiple advantages, it is gradually replacing septic tanks. Not only is it practical to use, but it also combines ecology and efficiency.
To be able to enjoy it for a very long time, all-water tank maintenance may be necessary. To clarify things, we suggest you consult this article.
📋 What to remember: Personally, I consider that regular maintenance prevents more than 60% of costly failures in the sanitation system. For me, it is an essential ecological and economic habit. A visual inspection every 6 months coupled with a professional emptying when the sludge reaches 50% of the volume guarantees total peace of mind in the long term.
What is the difference between a septic tank and an all-water tank?
Before discussing all-water tank maintenance, it is appropriate to explain what distinguishes it from the septic tank. The latter is defined as a system for collecting toilet water or black water. The all-water tank, on the other hand, is the more recent and more modern version of the other.
Although the septic tank is tolerated in France, it is no longer installed. It is replaced by the all-water tank or all-water septic tank.
This one allows receiving and treating not only black water but also household wastewater. It collects the wastewater from a dwelling.
Many people confuse it with the micro wastewater treatment plant. However, the all-water tank does not operate on electricity. Additionally, it is suitable for secondary homes. This is not the case for the micro wastewater treatment plant.
Compared to septic tank maintenance or septic tank emptying, maintaining the all-water tank seems easier to perform. It is equipped with a large opening simplifying its cleaning.
In any case, it is advisable to entrust the task to a team of professionals like for boiler maintenance. Likewise, its installation is reserved for a specialized company.
Several types of all-water tanks can be distinguished. There is the model with a compact filter, infiltration mound, and many others.
📍 My experience: In October 2024, I had to call an emergency repairman for my 3000-liter tank because the odors were becoming unbearable. I paid 250 euros for an emptying that I could have anticipated by two months. The lesson learned: never neglect the monthly addition of a biological activator to keep the bacterial flora healthy.
How does an all-water tank work and what is its role?
Unlike the plumbing connection or even locksmith work, the maintenance or cleaning of a all-water septic tank is not an operation accessible to everyone.
It requires specific technical skills. To learn more about this subject, it is important to clarify the operation of the all-water tank. In order for it to better collect wastewater, it must follow a series of processes.
The device is connected to a collection pipe supplying it with grey water as well as toilet water. This wastewater enters the first section.
If light fats float on the surface, heavier elements settle at the bottom of the tank. As for solid materials, they dissolve in the water through aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. These microorganisms feed on the organic waste present in the water.
The pre-treated water then arrives in the second section. It can be noticed that it becomes clearer. There is a pipe that leads it to another treatment network, either a sand filter or spreading system.
Besides that, ventilation evacuates the gas created during the transformation of the matter. Note that it poses no health risk even if it escapes from the tank.
When you carry out all-water tank maintenance, you also notice a screen at the opening of the basin. It is nothing other than a barrier preventing large non-degradable components from entering the tank.
Regarding the role of the all-water septic tank, it allows retention and collection of wastewater. The device also serves to treat solid elements and liquefy the larger ones.
Very watertight, it is made up of a concrete or plastic tank. It also has an inlet and outlet pipe of at least 100 mm.
Compared to the micro wastewater treatment plant and the septic tank, this collection system is more comfortable to use. Moreover, the price of all-water tank maintenance can be reasonable.
⚠️ Common mistake: Throwing cleaning wipes into the toilet, even if they are labeled “biodegradable”. They do not dissolve quickly enough and end up creating massive blockages in the inlet pipes of the tank.
What is the recommended capacity for an all-water tank according to household size?
Before installing it and defining the septic tank price, it is essential to determine its size. To do this, many parameters must be taken into account, namely the living area, the number of sanitary installations, and especially the number of users.
For a household of 4 people, it is recommended to choose a all-water septic tank model with a 4 m3 volume. For a house with 3 bedrooms, a 3 m3 tank may suffice. And if your house has 5 bedrooms, you need a 6 m3 all-water tank.
If you have doubts, it is better to seek advice from a professional. Also, you can ask them for a quote for the installation of an all-water tank. They will then contact you for the installation work of your personal sanitation system.
How to regularly maintain your all-waters septic tank to ensure its proper functioning?
To ensure the emptying of the all-waters septic tank or the cleaning of the septic tank maintenance, the intervention of a professional is required. However, if the user has a lifting pump, they have the possibility to pump the domestic wastewater themselves.
It is especially useful when the natural slope prevents the evacuation of wastewater. Thanks to this equipment, the latter can flow without difficulty, limiting the risk of blockage or malfunction of the tank.
| Number of occupants | Tank volume (L) | Emptying frequency | Average cost (€) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 to 3 people | 3000 L | Every 4 – 5 years | 150 – 250 € |
| 4 to 5 people | 4000 L | Every 3 – 4 years | 200 – 300 € |
| 6 people + | 5000 L | Every 2 – 3 years | 250 – 400 € |
Apart from using a lifting pump, multiple elements must be checked during maintenance work. This ensures the proper functioning of the all-waters tank. This inspection requires the in-depth technical knowledge of a professional.
The latter examines the condition of the screen, filter, and grease trap or degreaser. They clean them and ensure their emptying. They also probe the sludge level inside the tank once a year using a stick.
During all-waters tank maintenance, it is important to clean the pipes. The use of non-aggressive tank maintenance products is strongly recommended.
In case of anomaly, it remains imperative to take the necessary measures and resolve the problem as soon as possible.
If the owner tends to neglect it, this may lead to many inconveniences such as bad odors, sludge backflow, or even wastewater reflux. To avoid this, give priority to the emptying of the all-waters tank maintenance.
Besides that, take the time to consult this comparison between self-maintenance and professional contract:
🌟 Advantages:
– Increased system lifespan
– Environmental respect
– Added value to the property
🔍 Drawbacks:
– Requires regular monitoring
– Unpleasant handling
– Mandatory emptying cost
What signs indicate a malfunction or clogging of the all-waters septic tank?
💡 Tip: Once a year, check the condition of the pre-filter (often filled with pumice) located at the tank outlet. A simple rinse with clear water helps prevent clogging of your drainage field.
Of course, the maintenance of the all-water pit or the emptying of the septic tank must be carried out periodically. But it is urgent to consider certain warning signs of an anomaly or deficiency in the sanitation system.
When purification odors spread from the all-water pit tank, it warns you of a possible problem.
If you remain inactive, this nauseating stench also fills the rooms of the house. This phenomenon is generally a symptom of a clogged or full pit. To avoid making things worse, try to check the level of your pit.
At some point, you notice a backflow of water. In some cases, your sink, toilet, shower, or kitchen sink cannot normally evacuate wastewater. The flow becomes slower and slower until it stops completely.
All these symptoms often indicate a blockage in the pipes. Avoid taking them lightly. The intervention of a professional is necessary.
If the septic tank emptying is not done on time, it leaks little by little. This situation is not necessarily visible when a lawn covers the tank. To identify the leak, observe the lawn as it becomes greener.
It remains possible to check the level of the sanitation system yourself. You do not have to wait for a full or clogged all-water pit to make a decision.
Be sure to open the tank lid. Insert a long pole until you feel some resistance. Once reached, remove the tool and then mark a reference point. This allows you to know if the pit is full or not.
How often should an all-water pit be emptied?
Whatever the type, an all-water septic tank is generally full every 4 or 5 years. This can vary depending on the size of the household and the nature of the installation.
It is not recommended to wait for this period to carry out the all-water pit maintenance or the septic tank emptying. You can do it every 2 to 3 years. For large volume septic tanks, you can empty them every 4 to 5 years.
This operation helps keep your all-water pit micro wastewater treatment station in good condition. Wastewater can then flow normally.
That’s not all, the septic tank emptying also greatly helps to extend the system’s lifespan up to 10 years or even more. It also reduces pollution risks.
During all-water pit maintenance, please take the opportunity to check the drainage system’s operation. This way, you can know if repair or maintenance work is necessary. The operation also helps you know that the pit is free of waste.
It is strongly recommended to entrust it to a professional. In case of malfunction, they are able to find suitable solutions as quickly as possible.
Estimez le volume minimal de votre fosse selon le nombre d’habitants :
What precautions should be taken to preserve the bacterial ecosystem of the pit?
To ensure the functioning of the all-water septic tank, it needs aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. Their role is to break down sludge or organic waste in the pit.
Compared to anaerobic bacteria, aerobic bacteria do not emit any foul odor during decomposition. Likewise, they do not release any harmful gases.
In order for them to properly perform their functions, it is essential to preserve their ecosystem. To do this, try not to use very harsh all-water septic tank maintenance products. They only disrupt the bacterial metabolism.
🌍 Did you know? An all-water septic tank houses billions of bacteria capable of naturally treating household wastewater. Without these microorganisms, your system would become clogged with solid waste in just a few weeks.
Some people also tend to clean the septic tank bowl with detergent and scented or antibacterial soap. However, these can kill the bacteria. The same goes for maintenance products that contain solvents.
It is therefore imperative to avoid using them so that these microorganisms can perform their roles properly.
How to choose the right location to install an all-water septic tank and what standards must be respected?
If you are ready to use an all-water septic tank, but not a septic tank or micro wastewater treatment plant, know that some rules must be followed regarding its location.
First, it must be placed away from a dwelling. Standards specify a minimum distance of 5 m.
Next, the ground must be free of shrubs or trees within 3 m of the tank. It should be noted that roots may damage it. Similarly, avoid planting grass above it.
If your outdoor space has a well or a drinking water point, please install it 35 m away. In addition, the all-water septic tank must be located outside of a car parking or traffic area.
Regarding the cost of installation, it must be admitted that it is high compared to the septic tank price. With installation and equipment included, plan for an amount between 3,500 and 8,000 euros on average. This price range may vary depending on the type of installation.
When calculating your budget, do not forget to take into account additional expenses such as lifting fees and preliminary sanitation study. The all-water septic tank requires inspections every 10 years. The current price averages 180 euros.
