How do I register my Septic Tank?

Householders can register their treatment systems in the following ways:

Online - www.protectourwater.ie - by credit card/debit card.

By Post: Registration forms are available online; 

from City/County Councils; Libraries; Citizen Information Centres or

Lo Call 1890 800 800.

What can I expect from an Inspection?

Inspections are objective and evidence-based. Householders can be assured that if their systems are working properly and are being maintained, they need not be concerned. There is a proportionate and risk-based approach to inspections, which are targeted towards areas where drinking water sources or habitats are at risk from septic tank discharges.

Is my existing system expected to meet 2009 Code of Practice?

The Department of Environment have stated "There is no question of imposing modern standards, for example those set out in the EPA’s 2009 Code of Practice, to older systems." Nor is there any question of householders having to acquire additional land to facilitate remediation work. Where an on-site system fails an inspection, the remediation work required will be based on factors such as the nature of the problem, the extent of risk to public health or the environment, existing site size and the hydrological and geological conditions present.

What does the Service consist of? 

I cannot locate the manhole cover. Can the Septic tank be emptied through the vent pipe? 

No, the septic tank cannot be emptied properly through the vent pipe. If the tank is emptied through the vent pipe it is not possible to take out the sludge from the bottom of the tank which is the main purpose of emptying the tank. Often the manhole cover is covered over by grass. You will need to expose the manhole cover so the  septic tank can be emptied properly. 

How far away from the house can the tank be for it to be emptied? 

The septic tank should ideally be located within 60 feet of where the truck can park. If the tank is further away than 60feet this is not a problem as once we are notified of this the driver can bring extra hosing. 

What sort of access do I need for the truck? 

The truck is the equivalent size to a home heating oil truck. If you have access for an oil truck you have enough access for Ambipar Response.

What make / model of Septic Tanks / Bio-cycle Units do you empty?

Ambipar Response empty every type of treatment plant or septic tanks (including but not limited to) the following brands: Klargester, Puraflo, Biocycle, Envirocare, Kielys and many more. If your particular make or model is not on the list, don’t worry, we can empty it!

How do I know if my drain is blocked?

Some indications of a blocked drain:

- when you flush the toilet, the water level rises but eventually seeps down

-  waste is backing up in any one of or all of toilets/sinks/showers/bath/outside drain

- odours in the house

What causes blockages?

- build up of fats/grease from dishwasher

- build up of detergent from washing machine

- build up of hair together with shampoo, conditioner, shower gel

- baby wipes, nappies, female hygiene products

- collapsed pipe/damaged pipe (roots of trees, etc)

- recent construction work - grout, cement, etc

- excessive amount of toilet paper

- Toys ! Lego blocks, dolls...

What can I do about an odour?

We would recommend a CCTV survey which will show the condition of the drains and help identity any problems with the drains such as collapsed pipes, root interferance, build up of fats/grease, etc.  Any number of items can cause an odour - 

- broken pipe / dip in pipe and therefore stagnant waste holding in pipe

- dead rodent

What is a ‘domestic waste water treatment system’ 

A system involving physical, chemical, biological or thermal processes, or a combination of such pro- 10 cesses, utilised for the treatment or disposal of

domestic waste water, or the sludge derived from domestic waste water, and includes— 

(a) all septic tanks and waste water tanks and systems receiving, storing, treating 15 or disposing of domestic waste water and all drains associated with such tanks or systems, and

(b) all drains associated with the discharge of domestic waste water, whether or 20 not they discharge to a septic tank or waste water tank;

Tips for Preventing Blockages:

These are measures that can be taken to guard against the inconvenience of a blocked or structurally defective drain:

- Regularly flush basin / bath / shower / pipework with disinfectant to clear soap residue.

-Keep objects such as bottles, jewellery, toys away from where they could fall into the toilet.

- To remove scale build up (in hard water areas) from a shower head (reducing flow and looking unpleasant) fill a plastic bag with vinegar and tie it around the shower head - this will dissolve the mineral deposit.

- Don't use your toilet as a bin. Flushing solid waste items (nappies, wipes, cotton buds, sanitary towels) down the toilet is a fast route to causing a blocked drain. Keep a waste bin in the bathroom and use that instead.

- Run hot water down the drain on a regular basis (weekly) - this will help prevent drain blockages and keep the drain free flowing.

-Fit strainers to the plug holes in sinks, baths and showers. This will prevent most debris from entering the drain [such as matted hair or broken soap]. Make sure you empty out the strainers when they are full.

- Do not dispose of food scraps down the kitchen sink. Pull scraps out of the plug hole, don't poke through.

- Never dispose of cooking fats down the drain system. As they hit cold water they will solidify

- Keep drain grids free of leaves, moss and regularly wash down with hot water and disinfectant.

- Check drains are free-flowing by periodically lifting drain covers

- Check gutters and downpipes twice a year. Remove any debris with a trowel