Two Tanks and a Digger

Posted by Simon

Today I planned to get the 'fosse septiques' installation started, but the starting part seems to be taking a bit of time. This was not helped by the gravel for the filter beds turning up - four 10 tonne lorry loads throughout the day. Also a neighbour wanted to borrow my ladders so I had to sort that out. Then due to the chickens being confined at the moment and having to get the digger through their enclosure I had to get everything across to the work area before we could let the chickens out. All this took some time.

Then I had to plan where the tanks and pipes are going. Easier said than done. I had an outline plan but this went to pot because of all the old systems and pipes that are all over the place. Although I had some idea where most of these old works are I have not been able to find the all essential toilet waste - and I do not want to end up a certain creek without a paddle! Well after digging around I find an old cesspit and in true French style the manhole cover was under the ground by 40cms - at least it was covered by an old plastic fertiliser bag and a bit of rusty corrugated iron. And it definitely needs emptying!

So I then spent the rest of the day planning where everything could go, but each idea I had would not quite work or there was a problem with the old system being in the way. And I did have to spend half the afternoon repairing the dishwasher which had blocked up. Anyway, eventually I came up with something which I hope will work. I checked out my plan with the person who did the initial report on what we can or cannot do and after a couple of tweaks I'm finally ready to start - well tomorrow maybe.