Friday, February 12, 2010

The great white porcelain loo

The Septic System.

Never did I imagine, in my wildest dreams that such a benign phrase could strike fear into my heart so easily. I have become an expert at septic systems. (If you are unaware of the joys of septic tanks, click here)

I have learnt about weeping tiles, holding tanks, and alternatives such as incinerating toilets and composting toilets. I have also learnt, with horror, the cost to replace a septic system.

It's very difficult when viewing a rural home to determine if the septic system is in need of replacement or not. Most home owners claim not to know the age of the septic system, and many feign ignorance when asked if they maintain it.

How am I to know if they flush things down the white porcelin bowl which should not be put into the septic system? Even something as small as a hairclip can wreck havoc.

So when we view a farm, we flush, and watch the swirling water leave the bowl, and we try to determine if things are copesetic.

These are the things that keep me up at night.

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