What are the two types of foul tanks discussed in the presentation?

• Cesspits and septic tanks

• Reed beds and pump stations

• Sewage treatment plants and cesspools

• Brick-built tanks and drainage fields

What is the purpose of a cesspool?

• To store sewage until disposal

• To separate liquid and solid waste

• To treat sewage to a high quality

• To pump sewage to a suitable watercourse

Why are older brick-built cesspools no longer recommended?

• They leak sewage into the ground

• They require frequent maintenance

• They are not watertight

• They have poor effluent quality

What is the main difference between a cesspit and a septic tank?

• A cesspit has no outlet pipework, while a septic tank allows liquid to flow out

• A cesspit is made of brick, while a septic tank is made of fibreglass

• A cesspit is suitable for rural areas, while a septic tank is suitable for urban areas

• A cesspit requires regular maintenance, while a septic tank does not

Why are septic tanks only partially treating sewage?

• To save costs on maintenance

• To reduce the size of the tank

• To allow for easier disposal

• To allow for biological breakdown of organic matter

When can septic tanks be installed?

• When the soil is of suitable porosity

• When the installation complies with Building Regs

• When it will not contaminate any watercourse

• All of the above

What is the purpose of a soil porosity test?

• To determine the size of the drain run needed

• To calculate the average time for drainaway

• To establish the suitability of land drainage

• To check the levels in the vessel

What is the recommended frequency for emptying a foul tank?

• Every week

• Every month

• Every 6 months

• At least once a year

What should be done if the flow of effluent into and from a foul tank is poor?

• Contact the local authority

• Install a reed bed

• Empty the tank immediately

• Seek help from a licensed contractor

What can happen if a foul tank is not regularly maintained?

• The tank can overflow

• The tank can leak foul effluent

• The drainage field can become blocked

• The tank can become contaminated