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Old septic tanks often go unused, but would be an ideal way to turn them into a cistern. Before a septic tank can be used as a water storage tank, you need to make some preparations.

In a nutshell

  • Drain the clarifier completely
  • Clean pool several times
  • Use basin exclusively for process water
  • Empty the tank completely in winter

clarifier for service water

Older houses are usually equipped with their own clarifier. At the latest with the connection to the sewer network, which is being expanded across the board, many people ask themselves whether the closed clarifier can still be used sensibly. Especially in recent years, with increasingly hot and dry summer months, old septic tanks can be reactivated and used as water reservoirs.
In order to use the basin as a rainwater storage tank, a number of conditions should be met:

  • Location near rain gutters
  • near the garden
  • Top access

In order to be able to convert the clarifier later, it must be possible for the water to be removed again. For this purpose, the pool should be accessible from above. A pump is usually required for implementation so that the water can later be used for the garden or as service water in other areas.

Notice: When converting, an opening could be made on the top later, but the effort with old pools is usually very large.

Empty the septic tank completely

Before starting the conversion, it is particularly important that the clarifier is completely emptied. If the pool contains faecal residue, the entire water can be contaminated within a short time and the entire collected water has to be emptied again.
Many underestimate how much remains are still contained in a disused tank. Added to this is the fact that closed tanks are not always completely leak-proof. This may have already led to water ingress, which mixes with the remains in the pool.

Tip: Farmers sometimes do the pumping out cheaply and take the leftovers to the nearest sewage treatment plant.

Clean pool

Before you can use the pool as a water reservoir, a thorough thorough cleaning is essential. It is ideal if you do this with a high-pressure cleaner. It is usually necessary to clean the pool several times and to dispose of the water again and again.
Suitable clothing is essential for this, especially if you want to take on this task yourself. However, there are also professional cleaning companies that take on this task. If you do this yourself, you should have the following equipment:

  • waterproof suit
  • safety goggles
  • high rubber boots
  • long gloves

remodel pelvis

The advantage of converting a septic tank to a water storage tank is that the effort involved is relatively small. Before filling with water, you can check whether the pool is tight and, if necessary, seal it afterwards with waterproof sealant.
However, the most important point in the implementation is a suitable pump system so that you can also pump the water up again. A simple water pump, which is commercially available for a few hundred euros, is usually sufficient for this. The pump also has the advantage that you get enough pressure in the garden to easily water other distant areas with the hose.

winter preparations

It is important to maintain the pool regularly so that you can use your water reservoir for as long as possible. The effort is relatively low, because you only have to empty it in winter. This reduces the risk of frost damage.
To empty, proceed as follows:

  • Pump out tanks in late fall
  • Leave about 10 cm of water in the basin
  • Check the basin for damage after emptying
  • Also drain the water pump

To prevent new water from entering the pool during the winter, also close all inlets to the pool.

frequently asked Questions

Does the tightness of the water tank have to be checked?

No, if a septic tank is used as a cistern, there is no legal obligation to check it for leaks.

How long can the water stand in the catch basin?

In principle, there is no limit to how long service water can stand in the collection basin. However, it is advisable to empty the tank regularly so that the germ load does not become too high.

What is the cost of emptying the pool?

The costs depend on the respective disposal company. Delivery and disposal costs may apply.

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Category:

Garden design