Septic Tank Installation

After the initial excitement of the demolition, we had the unenviable task of clearing the site. Several friends asked for some of the metal sheeting, and we took the remainder that we were not able to reuse to the local Scrap Merchants. We offered free firewood to anyone who wanted to collect, and had three people take us up on that offer, which was a big help. We needed a bonfire for the rest, which here is easier said than done, as there are times of the year when you are not allowed to have a fire, and in some communes, you are banned all year round.

The next big project on the agenda was the installation of the septic tank. It amazes me that in this day and age, there are people living here with no plumbing facilities. Our house had not been empty for that long, and previously had been lived in by a elderly man, who had managed with one electric light, a single socket and cold water - no hot water, no toilet - and an open fire.

The installation is a relatively specialised job, and we had to obtain permission, and various reports to show the potential site, the local water courses, the general lie of the land in relation to the neighbours, the placing of the bathroom, sinks, washing machine etc. It also involves different types of sand for filtration, which took some sourcing too.

The first stage was to dig a huge hole..........

 

 

Then have sand and gravel delivered, and for those who know our house, you'll know that we don't have the easiest access, or the biggest road for this type of lorry.....

 

 

Prepare to drop the tank in..................

 

 

Then watch it disappear............

 

Once everything was in place, and all the pipes in situ......

 

 

............... we had to arrange for the 'Water Board' to inspect before we could complete and connect. They needed to sign off and issue the appropriate certificate.

 

The inspector arrived while it was raining heavily, and after a cursory glance at the work, asked to come inside, where he ticked all the boxes and crossed all the t's, and announced that it had passed, and the certificate would arrive in the post ! We had been told that this inspection was crucial, and that we could expect him to test the depth of the sand, ask for photos, and receipts...but nothing ! What a relief.....and as expected the certificate arrived within a few days, and we were legal !

 

The French love their bureaucracy, and at each stage of this renovation, we have had to jump through hoops, but saying that, we have found that if you ask them for help with this, they are only too willing

to help. We had heard from other Ex - Pats how awkward the various authorities can be, but we have not found that at all. If they see that you are trying to help yourself, and trying to comply, then fine, but I think if you expect them to speak English to you, and expect that the rules and regulations are the same here as in England, then you won't get very far.

 

Rant over.......we have a new Septic Tank....so we are happy !!!!!