National Inspection Plan

Operation and maintenance

As a homeowner, it is your responsibility to make sure your wastewater treatment plant or septic tanks get used correctly and are properly maintained. This responsibility includes desulging (emptying) of the tank. This maintenance is essential as when a system is maintained and operating effectively, solids will not enter and clog the percolation area and pipework leading to issues.

The findings highlight the importance of regular maintenance in the results of the national inspection plan for a domestic wastewater treatment system report (2016). Indeed, 50% of the sites failed inspection. Sites generally fail inspection due to operation and maintenance issues.

• 29% of inspected systems failed due to operation and maintenance issues.
• 24% of checked systems failed due to lack of desludging.

View full report on the EPA website

Regulations and septic tank grants in Ireland

Find out more information about septic tank regulations and national inspection plans in Ireland, such as your responsibilities, maintenance and the checks carried out during an inspection – Read more here

View more information about the grants available for domestic wastewater treatment systems – Read more here

Other sources of information: guides from the EPA

As part of an engagement strategy, the EPA provides helpful guides aimed at explaining and guiding homeowners.

• “Wastewater systems for building a house” which covers what you should consider regarding wastewater system when building a house.
• “Septic tanks and wastewater systems when buying or selling a house.”
• “Spreading sludge from your septic tank.”
• “Have you completed a septic tank system check.”

You can also visit the householder information on septic tank page, which is also full of useful resources.

Contact Tricel with any questions regarding wastewater treatment solutions for your home & EPA inspections.