What determines if the sludge separator is ok

How do I know if my existing septic tank is OK?

Your sludge separator is ok

– It has at least three chambers (there are models that are only one tank, such as Fann) and holds at least 2 cubic meters if it takes care of water from a water toilet without chemical phosphorus precipitation.
– It has at least two chambers and holds at least 750 liters if it handles water from bathing, dishwashing and laundry (BDT)
– If the sludge separator does not meet the requirements above, there is documentation showing that the sludge separator is approved for its purpose, such as a type approval or a P-mark or CE marking.
– It has full partitions and the well is sealed between the rings if it is a concrete well.
– T-pipe or screen around the outlet.
– The separation in the chambers works fine. There is a sludge cake or collection of sludge in the first chamber and there is no or little sludge in the last chamber.
– The water level in the sludge separator is level with the bottom of the outlet pipe.
– It only receives wastewater, for example no roof water or drainage water.

Your septic tank needs improvement

– It has no T-pipe or screen around the outlet pipe.
– The T-pipe is broken.
– Roots grow in between the rings or water penetrates between the rings.
– The partition walls are bad or broken. However, this may mean that the sludge separator needs to be completely replaced if they cannot be restored.
– The water level in the sludge separator is above the bottom of the outlet. This means that the subsequent treatment process is blocked.
– The water level is below the outlet. There is probably a leak that needs to be sealed.

Your septic tank needs to be replaced with a new one

– It takes care of water from a water toilet and has only one or two chambers and holds less than 2 cubic meters.
– It takes care of water from BDT (bath, dish and laundry) and has only one chamber and holds less than 0.75 cubic meters.
– It lacks documentation, such as a type approval or a CE marking, showing that it is fit for purpose if the above requirements are not met.
– It has other shortcomings, such as water leaks and broken partitions that cannot be repaired.