Now what-drains and things

[Bayliss]

Our cottage is served by a septic tank system which then out-flows into an open ditch. The system is at least sixty years old but appears to work quite well,except
The open ditch is not on our land and is quite extensive serving neighbours properties as well. Our is 'last on the run' before the ditch runs under the 'B' road to the opposite side into another open ditch. The problem I have is the pipe under the road keeps on blocking (4/5 times year) causing my system to backflow and render the bathroom unusable. This happens more and more frequently with the heavy rains we have. The Council come along and clear the drain and we are back to usual service. This pipe under the road is a maximum of around nine inch diameter and I say that is too small and this is why it keeps blocking with debris. I have contacted my local Council Member seeking assistance regarding the whole matter. The chaps that clear the pipe say I should keep the ditch clear of debris, I know this would help me buy I don't fancy keeping over 100m of ditch and over growth clear whilst trespassing on somebodies land!
Comment and advise gratefully appreciated.

 

[Flyfisher]

Is the chap who clears the pipe suggesting that the ditch is kept cleared just as a precautionary measure or is he suggesting it has actually caused the pipe to block because of backing up?

A nine inch pipe sounds pretty big to me, though I guess the correct sizing will depend on the number of properties being served.

Also, what sort of 'debris' is causing the blockage? If the pipe in question is the outflow of the septic tank then I'm pretty sure it shouldn't actually contain any solids. Is the septic tank itself working correctly?

 

[Owain]

he whose land the ditch is on should be maintaining it.

However this assumes that you have permission from the ditch owner to discharge into his ditch.

Also if you raise ructions, you may find that your septic system no longer complies with current regulations for discharge to a ditch and you may find yourself compelled to put in a new digester or outflow to a reed bed etc.

It may be simpler to just ask a friendly farmer to jet out the pipe with whatever he uses to keep his field drains flowing and not ask/tell anyone about it.

 

[LadyArowana]

Would a grille or mesh over the end of the pipe help to keep debris out of it?

 

[Lime]

Whilt it may be someone else's responsibility to Keep the drainage ditch clear, I'd do it so that I could use my bathroom!

A set of drain rods may be a good investment too.

Alternatively you could install a holding tank and pump out into the ditch regardless of water levels.

 

[Bayliss]

Thanks for replies, decided that in view of possible more problems I will put a steel cage in the ditch to catch debris. Thanks again.