We Found Our 100 Year Old Sewage System!

[@robertnightingale4101]

I used to work for a local authority dealing with the sewage infrastructure. Considering the age of the pipework, its in good condition, you may need to have more root cutting done in a few years, but wouldn't consider lining it just yet. I think the best investment would be in a new septic tank within the boundary of your property.

[@ricoludovici2825]

Absolutely. Put a new septic tank in front of the house. I don't know what they do for leaching or disposing of the waste water in England/Wales, but in Cali, you dig a vertical seepage pit and the sanitized water out of the tank flows in there. In Nevada, where I now live, you are obligated to use a leach field; a network of perforated pipes that drain into a gravel bed starting at +/-3 feet or so below the top of the soil. You could make a right turn at the access point and put that tank in front of the house. But I would keep the existing waste pipe and use it occasionally so you don't passively abandon your right to use it as reserve capacity if you should add on or make guest rooms in the side structure.

[@jamesnegus83]

Spot on advice. I've seen linings done but give it a few years those roots will be back and it's a waste of time and money. Get a new system put in. Do it once and do it properly.

[@theoldstationrenovation]

Hi, we’re planning on putting a new septic tank within the boundary. I know this seems to have worked ok for all these years but it wouldn’t make sense to spend all this time and money on the house and keep an 19th century cesspit.

[@ricoludovici2825]

@@theoldstationrenovation In some jurisdictions where I live, the septic tank/cesspit SYSTEM has to go in first or you can't get a building permit. That is because many people spend all their money on the house and don't have enough for a new waste system. A new system is well worth the expense. The old one is a reserve. Plus, the soil around it is probably saturated by now. In the western US, you have a choice of tank material: concrete, plastic, fiberglass. I would put the tank in front, between the house and the street. It is easy for the pump truck to get there. And I would make sure the tank will resist the weight of a car. This is done by either specifying an extra-heavy lid or pouring a 'traffic plate' slab that reaches a certain distance beyond the limits of the tank to bear on undisturbed soil. All that or the tank is "traffic rated". This sounds complicated, but it is not. As you show here, there are only three parts: the waste pipe system in your house, the cesspool/septic tank and the seepage pit. And a licensed installer can advise you. One more option is an aerobic system which takes up less space. However, they are more expensive and require more frequent observation and maintenance.

[@OzziePete1]

+1 on asking council if there's sewer mains line nearby. In the years that the station was built, you might have a sewer mains right at the back fence where the other platform was? Or at the driveway entrance. It also might be ideal, if you can, to get a copy of the whole plan of this property so you know where the drainage, water, sewer pipes are. The old sewer line was set up to accommodate a train line. You don't have to do that now, so it may end up a better, less costlier exercise to hook up to mains nearby.

[@andreakessner5772]

Hi. Midwest American here. Couple of note others have already mentioned. 1) Your heating is called forced air & it can be linked to an air conditioner as well so you’ll have hot & cold air circulating when needed. 2) Treat your steps please. They get slimy-slippery so easily. A textured paint is probably cheapest. 3) If you have all that land, I would just put in a new septic tank & leach field. I rebuilt on my parents old land & was told I had to do a new system since theirs was over 30 yrs at the time. May be more money up front, but probably best in long run. Keep up the good work & best of luck.

[@Thunderer0872]

Yep sleeper are/were treated with a tar substance and leak in hot weather so paint them or have a matt cover the walking area to stop that from getting in the caravan.

[@HYUKLDER1]

Sewage quandary: A surface tank can be hired as you said and a macerator pump to fill it. It would be set up for you and is a common commercial hire. The providers would be firms that hire to large construction sites with temporary site welfare facilities (so they can't bury the tanks) and large festivals hire similar temporary setups. The hire firm would empty it from time to time too. Yes it does cost £ but you are going to need it. Also, consider now in your planning if you hire workers onto site what facilities you will be required by H&S regulations to provide for them if not your personal caravan!

[@_PJW_]

That last sentence is a very good call! Since the toilet inside the station house can no longer be used.

[@ricoludovici2825]

@@_PJW_ They have toilets in the auxiliary building off to the side. Probably empty into the the line they had scoped, since it is right off the corner of that side structure. N.B. I would avoid permanent above-ground sewage storage that requires scheduled pumping. That means you are dependent on a third party for the use of your own bathroom/toilet facilities.

[@theoldstationrenovation]

Thanks for mentioning this, I hadn’t thought about facilities for workers on site. I’ll discuss it with them when the time comes, maybe the outbuilding toilet will be ok if it’s cleaned up. If not I guess hiring will have to be the way to go.

[@conniearancivia7599]

We call that type of heating in the U.S. a forced air system. It is very common here. I have it in my home.

[@theoldstationrenovation]

When we were at the caravan place this was one of the only ones they had with this type of heating. Have to say we are very impressed with it. Laura’s brother lives in upstate New York and he has this type of heating as well.

[@lindaroyal8161]

I'm in the US/Florida, it's exactly what I have. Heating and AC combined unit.

[@David_B_Dornburg]

@@theoldstationrenovation I'm in Schenectady, NY and also have forced hot air heating. Just got a new furnace a year ago (the original was over 40 years old) and quite pleased with its performance. Already seeing a reduction in my heating bills. 👍

[@daydreambeliever6603]

I’m in Michigan and that is exactly what we put in the house we just built. Runs on gas.

[@mandelstamm]

I too have forced air in NC. I have a packaged 2 stage gas & ac system. However, I prefer hydronic heat (boiler).

[@acdallas6356]

It was like watching a giant robot colonoscopy!!! Always interesting to see what pops up next.

[@theoldstationrenovation]

🤣 now I’ll never not see it!!

[@xroaddog934]

@@theoldstationrenovation Well one of the Joy's of having NOT 1 but 2 Colonoscopies is I received a Photo of both surgeries...🤣

[@theoldstationrenovation]

😮 🤣

[@ynot6473]

i would recommend some chicken wire on the sleepers used as steps.

[@flybywire5866]

Great idea🤗

[@andrewpowellnz]

That' s what I was going to say, great anti slip prevention some chicken wire & metal horseshoe nails

[@theoldstationrenovation]

Great idea, they were incredible slippery when they got wet, I jet washed them which has helped but we’ll need to get something on them, chicken wire seems a perfect solution.

[@seanohalloran]

As a temporary measure have a look at a composting toilet which has separate components for wee and poo. The solid matter is bagged and placed in the bin for landfill and the liquid is emptied down the drain. These toilets are used in camper vans. Not ideal but maybe the less expensive option for the time being.

[@theoldstationrenovation]

We’ve used these, they have them in a lovely place we go camping (one per tent thankfully). Took a bit of getting used to!

[@smarties410]

Great video showing the 100 year old system. Good opportunity to replace with one of those Home Wastewater Treatment Systems. Costly but worth the thousands of pounds. It will be interesting to see the end result of what you actually did?

[@SyedAsadHasnainBukhari]

And I'm impressed by your calm and positivity 😊

[@theoldstationrenovation]

Thank you very much! ☺️

[@robertking2672]

Same situation happened to my house, all original drainage from 1929. The china pipework looked very similar to yours with misalignments etc. the septic system worked well for many years until, following heavy rain we would notice that the tank (first chamber) could be full after 2-3 days rain. This was diagnosed as rainwater penetration and were advised to have the pipework lined. Thankfully only a 23 meter run, work completed in a day but with tank pump out etc., the bill was nearly £3,000. Two plus points though, firstly this completely solved the problem and secondly our insurance covered the bill less the excess.

[@douglasburch2320]

Tough decisions! Thanks for taking us along on your journey.

[@theoldstationrenovation]

You’re welcome and thank you for watching, we’re very grateful 😊

[@alanjones9718]

We had a similar issue with our house in France some years back, just get a new modern system put in on you property as you have plenty of land make sure it’s positioned in the right place to give easy access from the property for the waste pipes for the new pipe work that you are going to install, look after it don’t use anti bacterial cleaning products and feed it regularly with the various Bio products that make it look after it’s self 20 years in and the “fosse septic” has never give us a days problem!

[@thomasstambaugh5181]

That corner drain was part of a "grey water" system that older structures often used. Water from sinks, bathtubs, showers, and the like -- NOT toilets -- was collected as "grey water" and often allowed to drain near and away from the structure. In my first Victorian-era home, the original grey-water field was next to the house behind what was originally a butler's pantry. That part of the site sloped away from the house and was covered with about a foot of small stone and "rip-rap" -- the "grey water field". Grey water was released at the top (see 4:25) and expected drain away from the structure. Such grey water systems have not been been legal in New England for decades.

[@CaptainChuckles]

As mentioned below there are a number od temporaray solutions to the caravan toilet. Regarding a long term solution in my opinion the best place to site a digester would be at the left hand side of the Station (when looking from the front) as this is your own land easily accessible and appears to be easier from the point of excavation. The tank could be sited toward the end of the building thus reducing pipe runs. There are many system out there but a digester system is one of the better as it needs less attention only requiring the undisolved solids to be removed circa 3 to 5 yearly. Scan the tinternet again in my opinion Digesters are the way forward albeit slightly more expensive in outlay you save on cost to empty the septic tank and iam assured they are better for the envronment. Good luck

[@debbievogt9881]

You will get dust blowing at times with a forced air system so keep the cold air return cleaned

[@siameseire]

Compost toilets are pretty awesome and you can DiY one or more with 5 gallon bucket, a seat lid and sawdust/ mulch. You could put one in outbuildings for day use to cut down on use in the caravan. They are better than they may sound and could be just part of the solution.

[@Hellsbells888]

Ooh, that is a blast from the past. I grew up in a house with a hot air/ cold air conditioning system. Being in a house, the air vents were larger. They are fantastic for drying clothes. My mum took off the grills when wallpapering once and never got round to putting them back on in some rooms. My rabbit thought it was a warren and lived in the heating system during the winter. He only came out for food ,water, and to play with the dog. My dog spent his time pressed up against the vent in the living room. The room always had the smell of wet dog. I would rather have a heating system than the radiators that l have now. Minus the wet dog smell. I can't help you with your sewage problem, but good luck. ❤

[@mervallan1822]

Install a small sewage tank adjacent to caravan and put in soakage trench just on temporary basis. Explore more permanent solutions over time.

[@ji8044]

Fascinating subject and once again, your narration was great.

[@theoldstationrenovation]

Thanks so kind, thank you very much 😊

[@craftycalley]

Interesting to see what you’re doing.

[@lindak8664]

Ahhh, the joys of septic systems. 🤦🏼‍♀️ We had to replace ours a couple of years ago. All the regulations had changed since the house was originally built, so we couldn’t just replace the old set up. The old system was no longer legal (or working!) it cost an absolute fortune. It still annoys me, because there is no sewerage in our street, so it’s not as if we simply chose to be contrary and not connect to it. It shouldn’t be so expensive if that’s your only (unwilling) option. We joked about getting a porta-potty! Keep a close eye on your sleeper steps. They look fabulous, but they can get dangerously slippery. I had to get some sort of, it might be moss? Mould? Slime? Slippery green stuff! Inhibitor. 😊

[@TheBart49]

They also make backflow presenters also. Keeps any water or sewage from coming back into the house.

[@happierinthesunshine]

We went through something similar with our home/septic in America. Our septic system and drain field was 60 years old and we kept getting back ups into the house (basement) or smelly sewage seeping up from the ground in the yard. We spent a ton of money trying everything to just repair what we had and in the end, we had to do a complete replacement. If I could do it all over again, I would have just made the move to do a full replacement sooner. It would have saved us thousands of dollars in services that ended up just being a waste and problems to solve every few months. Now we have peace of mind that we aren't going to have any other sewage catastrophes. Good luck with it all!

[@flickr4jazz]

I kept thinking "what?" every time you said caravan. In my part of the USA a "caravan" would be a wooden covered wagon traveled in by gypsies, tramps, and thieves. We'd call your digs a "Trailer" or "Mobile Home". There are a number of country songs about people who live in trailer parks. :-) The heating system you have looks like any I've seen in "pre-manufactured" housing. They can be electric or natural gas here in the USA. Although, I suppose if one lives in a double-wide trailer you could get a heat pump for heating/cooling. Your USA title would be, "Trailer Park Princess!" The station looks awesome!

[@peterhunt2723]

Gosh, you have got quite a following now with your quest and I must say deservedly so!!!

[@theoldstationrenovation]

Thank you very much! It’s so humbling that people are watching and enjoying 😊

[@dereknash3638]

In the short term I would install a composting toilet. Long term install a new Sewage system closer to the station which I am sure would be a lot less expensive than repairing the existing system. Caravan looking good, although for safety put some kind of mesh on the steps.

[@JOHNKIRBY1000]

You and Gil are heroes! Stick with it! XX

[@theoldstationrenovation]

Thank you!! 😊

[@tperki2322]

It's raining in England, imagine that. Your caravan looks really homey. Wow, this looks like a colonoscopy. Sort of enjoying your postings from Connecticut USA. Cheers!

[@PhilG0BVD]

The cheapest option will be a chemical loo for #1 & #2 very popular in caravans and motorhomes or a composting toilet sat in a shed in the garden. As for the future for the house new septic tank and plastic sewage pipes. PS please put wire over the step sleepers we had them in Malvern they are very slippy!

[@sherylchapman4168]

It is a good thing that this happened early in the restoration process. It would be a shame if you were almost done remodeling and the septic problem suddenly showed up. I don’t know how you would fix it, but it’s a vital part of the infrastructure. I’m curious to see what you end up doing. Everything is coming along and it’s inevitable that there will be bumps along the way. The caravan is beautiful and I know You’ll work out a solution to the septic problem. Let us know how it’s going because I’m curious to see what you do.

[@theoldstationrenovation]

Absolutely!

[@tabbycat8323]

I already wish your videos are longer. Such a wonderful job you both are doing. But I must admit almost a whole video going down sewage pipes was a disappointment. That could have been sped up 😅

[@theoldstationrenovation]

Good point well made 😊… it reminded me of.. It 🤡

[@synicyst9925]

When I bought my 1870 farmhouse it had stacked stone basement and sewage pipe that went into a hand dug hole for a septic pit about 10 feet from the wall. Over the years rain filled it and it spilled back through the gaps between the stones and was 3 feet deep in the basement when I bought it. My first job was to pump it out, get a proper septic system and pour concrete round the outside of the foundation.

[@theoldstationrenovation]

Oh no! What a disaster. I guess that’s just the kind of challenge the old buildings throw up. We’re going to replace the pit with a septic tank closer to the property, it’ll cost in the short term but it’ll be easier to maintain so worth it in the end.

[@synicyst9925]

@@theoldstationrenovation It turned out beautiful and worth it in the end. The nails were all square hand forged. The house was built by an earnest young man for his family. I set about propping up and preserving as much of the original within my renovation. I am glad I did it. I could not be happier with the result. I am sure your renovation will be beautiful and I am happy that you are letting us see it. 😃

[@Cotters]

I also bought from Caravantastic and moved in December 2022. I fitted an IBC cube septic tank, it uses the standard 110mm waste pipe fittings. Mine came with plastic crates you bury for the soakaway rather than using gravel/pipe and its worked very well since fitted! Just need an excavator to dig hole for tank and short soakaway. I can’t add link as youtube removes my comment if i do!

[@theoldstationrenovation]

THANK YOU!!!!! I am looking that up now, why are these things not more well known. I must have spoken to dozens of people with only the flat, super expensive ones recommended. ❤

[@Cotters]

@@theoldstationrenovation no worries, search IBC septic tank and you will find companies selling the kits (£300-400 including soakaway crates and delivery)i think its the cheapest and most reliable option, i havn’t emptied mine yet its still working very well. If you go for it make sure you add a vent from the pipework somewhere under the caravan ideally to roof height. In the summer it will push smelly gas into the caravan if you don’t! (Ask me how i know 😂) A simple strap boss adapter onto the 110mm plastic waste pipe allowing a 40mm pipe to be connected as a vent will do the job.

[@SpanishEclectic]

The caravan looks so homey. I love the fireplace and how the built-in cupboards look like furniture. Great choice. My thought is renting the sewage storage tank temporarily, that way you don't feel pressured to make decisions right away for the station system. Our house is 92 years old. We are on the city sewer, but had cast iron to the sidewalk and clay pipe under the street to the main line. SO MUCH money and trenching to replace the iron pipe in an emergency, when black water was coming up in our bathtub. We had the clay lateral lined years later. My husband's uncle specialized in backflow plumbing for residential, and for commercial, including oil change businesses and restaurants. I imagine in the UK there are backflow valves that can be added to the line. Researching, comparing prices, checking out local ordinances, permits, etc. will take time, and using the temp tank would allow you to move into the caravan sooner. Someone mentioned workers; I'd suggest just renting porta-potties when you expect to have crews working. Possibly the company that rents the tank will give you a deal. Good luck!!

[@theoldstationrenovation]

We’re going to install a new septic tank, I know the cesspit has worked fine for a century (roots and blockages aside) but modern times call for modern solutions! I wish I had a bit of plumbing knowledge myself but I’m afraid I’ll have to leave this one to the professionals!

[@ChixieMary]

I've been living in an RV (caravan) with gray water going to garden and a compost toilet since 2015. In California ❤

[@BigGeordieBaz]

Absolutely loving the site and following your journey - Would be great to see some more vocal interaction from Gill and maybe a Q&A video in the future. Maybe some longer videos too! Cheers. 😀

[@theoldstationrenovation]

Thank you! I’m a little bit shy but I’ve promised Laura I will try to talk more as we go on 😃 😶

[@justinstephenson9360]

For the caravan get a temporary septic tank, doesn't need to be that big. Better to spend on that now and take your time on a permanent system than rush a decision of the permanent system, get it wrong and do it twice (a lot more expensive) Permanent sewage system for the Old Station depends on 2 things, where is the nearest water company sewage mains that you could tap into and topography of the land. Foul water pumps are very reliable these days so if necessary you could have a refurbished septic pit that then pumps into the local water company sewage system - just make sure you invest in some non-return valves!!

[@lindak8664]

Ahhh, the joys of septic systems. 🤦🏼‍♀️ We had to replace ours a couple of years ago. All the regulations had changed since the house was originally built, so we couldn’t just replace the old set up. The old system was no longer legal (or working!) it cost an absolute fortune. It still annoys me, because there is no sewerage in our street, so it’s not as if we simply chose to be contrary and not connect to it. It shouldn’t be so expensive if that’s your only (unwilling) option. We joked about getting a porta-potty!

[@richard3004]

Have a look with council and see if you can get a mains sewer connection. If long term you want to stay with sess pit then dig the old out and replace with a new Ceptic tank, keep in mind they need power now, iv connected a lot up this last few years.

[@waynenicholas144]

Use a Saniflow system relatively cheap, chips it up and pumps through a small hire pipe a good distance, further still if not pumping upwards

[@abigailgerlach5443]

Bummer on the sewer pit! I'm on city sewer so I have no idea how you'll deal with this. My aunt had a septic tank and had to replace it years ago. You're right - it's pricey! If you do replace it, you can at least pick a place for it that will be a better location than you have now. God luck on fixing this conundrum.

[@theoldstationrenovation]

Thank you! We’ll have to install a new septic system, we’re going to put so much into this project that sticking with a 19th century cesspit that is not even on our land would make no sense.

[@user-Tortured-soul]

I love your static. ❤Please be careful those sleeper steps they can become very slippy.You are both doing a great job and working so hard.Well done.The sewerage issues issue is a concern. I hope some clever people out there can offer you a solution.❤

[@theoldstationrenovation]

Thank you! 😊 I’ve jet washed the sleepers and they are less slippery but we will need to pop down something with a bit of grip. The rain will soon make them slippery again!! 🌧️ 🌧️ 🌧️

[@kelvinhoughton7953]

Looking at narrowboats they may offer a short term solution ideas to the caravan sewage, I don't know much about composting toilets but that may be a way forward, other options used on boats are cartridge (elsan) waste system although you need somewhere to empty it and pump out tanks not unlike those sugested by other comments

[@reallylittlewhy]

Do you have enough extra sleepers to expand the steps and create a veranda that is level with the door sill? It would give you more room for removing boots, and setting things down while going in and out. If you have some extra boards or timbers and some roofing material, you could have a covered area just at the door, too. It would make it easier going in and out and help keep the inside of the caravan cleaner. If you put a temporary septic system in, and can move in sooner, will you save money on housing? That could be a factor in your choice, as well as giving you time to choose the best permanent system. If your temporary system needs to be pumped out, the less water going down, the fewer times you need to pump. Using buckets or other containers to catch rinse water or cooking water or shower water will lessen the amount going down the actual drain, and could be used to water outside plants in the summer. (I have done this while living in a place with septic and a well, and needing to conserve as much water as possible) I think you made a good choice on your caravan; it looks like it will be quite comfortable for you when you move in! I look forward to your videos, and the news on your project!

[@theoldstationrenovation]

Hi, thanks for the comment. We have loads of sleepers lying around. So far we have used them to make steps to the caravan and benches so that I can sit outside and watch football and eat from my barbecue 😋

[@donnahong5998]

Your heating system in the caravan is what we call a heat pump (even though it can reverse in the summer and blow cold air) and that is what can be used in the southern parts of the US. Our northern states would find it would not feel warm enough in the harsh winters.❄

[@narvik6136]

Wondered how you were going to use the sleepers. However, be careful as they tend to become slimey & slippery. Friend attached strips of coarse roofing felt as a DIY fix, but there as products that will be better suited.

[@Kennytyrer3989]

I believe regulations changed a couple of years ago involving septic tanks and drain fields a standard survey wouldn't pick any of this up as we found out when we purchased our place. At the time new tank and drain field worked out around 15K

[@deanlawson8595]

All the wood your taking out the building I’d be keeping as it will come in handy for future projects saving up money in the long run

[@theoldstationrenovation]

Absolutely, it’s all been put in the outbuildings in case it can be used again!

[@jimkemplin9079]

I have worked in the RV industry for over 50 years we offered set up temporary septic systems which you would need to have pumped out from time to time and this will work until you have a new septic system put in

[@amdfanatic86]

Another option for you would be a home biogas system from the company with the same name. Had to get a decent amount of fresh cow manure to charge the system, but the gas heats our water and is used for cooking with the included stove. The other byproduct is a high-nutrient slurry -type fertilizer which we use on our vegetable garden to great effect.

[@theoldstationrenovation]

Interesting, not sure we could do it (no cows) but the self sufficiency of it sounds amazing

[@amdfanatic86]

A couple of high capacity paint buckets worth would do, but they would need to be filled out to the absolute maximum and then sealed until you are ready to dump it in the digester.

[@richardweaver9682]

Since the mobile home is semi temporary... you could have a leach pit dug which is a poor man's septic tank. A pit about 3 merers square and filled with gravel. Connect you sewage pipe to drain under ground here and into it and the waste will drain though the rock and the liuids will disolve the solids.

[@sevsteve9344]

Is there any sewage system on the property behind your back fence that you possibly could feed into,

[@theoldstationrenovation]

No, it’s all going to that old cesspit 😬

[@ianhaggart1438]

Great vid. now remember that sleepers with stain clothing so problem when sitting on them for any length of time.. stay safe 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@theoldstationrenovation]

I have noticed that they are very oily! Looks like we’d best stay off them.

[@lizstevenson7801]

What ever you do to fix the sewage problem always install throw back valves on all waste pipes to stop anything flowing back up.

[@iamwhoiamd7056]

I don’t live anywhere close to you but I wish I could help you. Great luck finding a real solution and I love your videos.

[@theoldstationrenovation]

Thank you so much! Sorry it’s taken so long to reply 😊

[@rontanser9369]

My mum had a hot heating system in her house which was quite noisy, but I found out you could turn the fan down. Also there was a filter which she had to clean once a month. Do you have a filter

[@martincornford1999]

Hello had another thought maybe if it's going to be a soak away drain after being treated maybe it could be a well or resivwhile for water to be stored for watering the garden and plants when it's hot summer

[@gregbolitho9775]

Chook looked a bit frazzled in the rain. Nice caravan nice natural light. Bit up s*i* creek with sewage prob but, I think you'll adapt and overcome. Stay vertical

[@witsend101]

For now... Compost toilets? Grey water pit?

[@philmulrooney7020]

Build a bit of a timber porch for the caravan

[@alisonheppell9748]

70;s Barratt houses had that heating* system but we had glass panels above bedroom doors that let the heat and light in unfortunate ly

[@tchads_57]

The standing water around the 25m mark indicated a low point in the pipe which will collect solids and be a constant maintenance issue. Cesspools (pits) will fail over time as the soil around them becomes clogged with the suspended solids. Depending on soil conditions, you may be able to remove the existing pit and the soil around it. Replacement with a precast concrete pit with stone around the outside may work. If the cesspool is on the neighbor’s property, there could be an easement for it. IDK how to proceed in the UK, in the US a title search would be done. Title insurance (available in UK?) should cover this, your’s or your neighbor’s.

[@jensschmidt]

That sounds like the perfect job for a good, old-fashioned outhouse. Just kidding, I hope you get the sewage problems sorted out quickly. Have been following since about a 1000 subscribers and I love what you're doing there.

[@theoldstationrenovation]

Thank you very much! 😊 Sorry it’s taken so long to respond, we’ve been so busy we just haven’t been able to keep up!

[@marciamacías-v5y]

two ideas come to mind ,one is using a composting toilet, as someone suggested below,can be ok as a temporary measure. The other (and here i don,t know what the current uk rules are on this,) is get a digger in and put in a fibreglass biodigester .You may have considered this,its pretty much the same a s a septic tank except you don,t have to worry about the surrounding water levels. I put one in about twenty years ago on my property in Spain ,and i,ve never had a problem ,just throw in abit of yoghurt from time to time ,don,t use bleach and off you go.Worth looking into,as i recall the tank cost me about 800 euros.Good luck. Jon

[@theoldstationrenovation]

Thanks Jon, since we’ve had the septic tank for the caravan a few people have mentioned yoghurt will help (and to avoid bleach)!

[@martincornford1999]

Hello well I was thinking if can't find a main sewage line well if possible and viable would perhaps with in rules and regs would be to have it treated in a new septic tank and then when its full it runs into a soak away drain or ditch some where the over flow soil pipe to it before it gets too full and over flowing after being treated

[@briankirton7309]

Hi, Please take a look at the house or buildings insurance policy. you have roots so may come under accidental damage or a natural act of god. The drain is holding water so may have a bow or has sank so in my opinion renew the line and if you do get a septic tank inform the council as you may need to have a ground test as well. Good luck.

[@garfstiglz3981]

Until you get your pipes and tank sorted I would suggest a composting toilet like that on a canal boat.

[@andrewmacgregor8717]

I'm in Canada, so this may not be of much use in your part of the UK. Get a holding tank for the short term. Abandon the cesspit. You say it's not even on your property? WOW. IF, and it's a big if, you have enough room on your lot (an acre lot should be large enough for the station, drive and parking and leave enough room for the system) you should have a buried septic tank and then pump the liquids up to a raised effluent filter bed where they a evaporate and leach away. Anyway, good luck!

[@colleenvarlow8764]

Hi thanks for showing us. Wondering in the meantime of sorting your sewage out, a composting toilet for your van?

[@dizheller2101]

For immediate handling of the sewage problem, I would use composting toilets until a permanent solution for sewage from the caravan and the house can be installed.

[@Vault57]

Maybe you won't need a tank anymore, is your property serviced by a municipal sewage facility? We don't typically have tanks on our systems unless municipal services are not available. Then, the property would require tanks as part of a septic system. An anaerobic or aerobic sewage treatment plant based on soil and site conditions of that property. Otherwise, any outdated or abandoned cesspit or holding tank would likely be required to be backfilled. Talk to your city services (?) department and see if newer lines have been installed closer to you in the intervening century. Maybe you can tie into a newer, closer sewer line and bypass the old cistern. Since it is on someone else's property, that's a bit of a deal breaker anyway. If you have to have a tank, could it be installed in the flat area near your current drain location? Having part of your sewage system located on someone else's property is not typically allowed here to avoid problems like yours. That property where the tank is located would have to have been part of your property, or, they would have had to install a new tank on your property in order to sell it.

[@theoldstationrenovation]

They are not available where we are

[@martincarolpiper9964]

When I was a child our group of four houses had their own miniature sewage works using what I remember was called a clinker bed. it was about 10 foot by 8 foot and was easily able to cope with the waste from four houses. Perhaps a modern version of one of those might be worth looking into.

[@petercross8871]

Hi, you may recall I made comment about your waste from the caravan before..... Hire a tank, with a service arrangement as it's only temporary until you put in your permanent system, it will be your cheapest quickest option. , You also need to screen under your caravan as in the winter everything in it will freeze and you will feel the chill effect of the wind. Cheapest way is sheets of OSB cut and fixed to the bottom edge of the van, paint them with old engine oil to make them waterproof.

[@robertbrewer2190]

In USA this is called skirting and is quite necessary! May need some venting with screen mesh over the holes.

[@bobhaze5324]

I can’t believe there are no environmental regulations in England to forbid using old engine oil in the manner you suggested. That is an absolutely bonkers idea as even a small quantity of oil can contaminate an extensive area as well as many gallons of groundwater. Please stop suggesting that people use any engine oil for anything other than its intended use. When in water: - One drop of oil will cover the area of a two-car garage. - One pint of oil can cover one acre of water surface. - One quart of oil can cover two acres (or nearly 3 football fields) of water surface.

[@petercross8871]

@@bobhaze5324 it's the site of an old railway station, the ground is contaminated with oil etc from the train's couple of gallons of oil on the OSB ain't going to make any difference at all.

[@petercross8871]

The old railway sleepers that are being used as step's and benches would have been " pickled" in tar, oil and creasote to stop them rotting, the elements within them are considered poisonous by some but not by others. . The dust off car tyres is polluting the planet more than plastic or oil. . Biggest producer and consumer of tyres after China, is the USA

[@bobhaze5324]

Well then we shouldn’t try to clean up any of the places we’ve polluted then. I mean they’re already polluted, right? Let’s just continue to wallow in our own filth forever. Your approach is not helping anyone.

[@Pamalumpa]

That's a lot! Good luck on this very important issue.

[@theoldstationrenovation]

Thank you! 😊

[@markbernier8434]

Something to consider, can a fiberglass tank fit inside the old cesspit? That plus some new tile might be able to be installed up to code. You did not address the other drains you showed. The kitchen waste and wash water likely ran to a french drain system that is likely a mass of roots also. You need to see it you can still use that sort of drain at all and then find out what sort of nick it is in. Similarly, the down spouts from the roof need to be proven or else they will saturate the foundation. If it has worked this long, it may still be good, but knowing is the key. Unmanaged water is the worst thing for buildings. That includes water vapour. As you renovate you must constantly consider how the water moves under the roof and through the walls. Old stuff lasted because they allowed water vapour and drafts to just go through the walls so you wore coats all winter and burned tonnes of coal to keep it warm and mostly dry. As soon as you change that to a more modern standard you have to account for vapour movement or you will have rot and freeze damage that never happened before. You can ruin a hundred year old sound building in just a few years.

[@rontanser9369]

Did the hundred years have they not put any main sewers down the main road that you could connect to?

[@theoldstationrenovation]

No unfortunately

[@lesthiele4921]

That was a good tour through your sewage pipes😣 I do hope you get tnis issue sorted out, nothjng worse than backed up pipes, best regards to you all from a Kiwi living in Australia

[@theoldstationrenovation]

Thank you! 😊 And 👋 from south Wales🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@Kitty_cat2001]

This video was so interesting, with the camera following the pipe, heating, water connection etc., what about a septic tank my daughter had one on their farm in Australia-which is very common here. Not sure on the price for you guys but surely it could be connected to both station & caravan. Also maybe the caravan can be rented out as an air bnb after you’ve used it to make money. I still think of caravantastic & how fantastic they are! Do you guys go out to work or is the renovation your full time jobs? Central Victoria Australia 🇦🇺

[@johndonlon1611]

A modern septic system makes a lot of sense rather than pouring money into an ancient drainage system. However, if that system is still moving rain water (and it appears it is--albeit slowly) then it might make sense to rod it out anyway and pour in massive amounts of "Root Rid" compound to dissolve roots annually. Once you dig out the rest of your main driveway you may find long-buried storm drain openings along the curbs.

[@gailconway5037]

Hope you sort it and it don’t take to much money ❤

[@CoffeeWalksandWhatever]

There is only so much you can do without sewer hook up. Hope you have a good weekend my friends ☕️

[@theoldstationrenovation]

Thank you! 😊

[@annrae1597]

There is such a thing as a composting toilet.. I'm not sure how they work but it might be worth while looking into.

[@brianconway4275]

Assuming you don't have access to a municipal sewage system, your only choice is a new septic system (new tank, pump(s) and a leach field somewhere on your property. I would think you would have budgeted that into your renovation plans.

[@dontknowbrian]

Send your sewage to your government offices! They deal with that sort of matter everyday! They’ll love you for giving them more!

[@jeanneashburn9197]

Use a composting toilet, they are very effective and could be your answer.

[@54mgtf22]

Oh the joy of old property

[@theoldstationrenovation]

😂 oh yes!!

[@tucobenedicto109]

Could you put in tanks for the meantime (used tanks or rented)? I think if you abandon the sewer line put in a new septic and new pipe. Fill the old hole. One think i would worry about is the drainspouts from the station. If they go into a storm water system great. If not they might undermine the station. Watch Gate City Drainage and foundation from the states right here on you tube?

[@alantorrance6153]

Do you have a public sewerage system to which you could connect??

[@theoldstationrenovation]

No, it’s all going to the cesspit which is not really a long term solution so we’ll be looking for a more modern septic tank system.

[@raytalbot5890]

Did your survey pick up on the septic tank problem?? Was it the man hole for the toilet block ?? Or did that have something else?? What did the previous owners do?? Is there a local/near by sewer system? 🇬🇧🇬🇧👍👍

[@robdeaton9910]

I hope you have plans for recycling some of the lumber that you are pulling out of the building. I have used one of those temporary black water tanks, as we refer to them here in North America. For a single person i didn't have to get it pumped that often, but for a family your size could get expensive. Either way its best to install a good system that can handle your future needs plus place it where it's convenient for future pumping of solids out. Talk to a few pros and get the estimates coming. Good luck and keep up the great work and videos.😊

[@theoldstationrenovation]

Thank you very much! 😊 All of the wood has gone into the outbuildings for safe keeping, might save a few quid which will be very welcome! We’re pretty set on installing a new septic system in the station. The cesspit is basically a 19th century hole in the ground which doesn’t fill me with confidence, especially with the amount of rain we seem to get… it feels like it hasn’t stopped since the autumn!

[@jaquesaulait]

Interesting. Nice to see you using metric units! Welcome to the C20th. Have you thought about electric toilets..?

[@MrsBrit1]

That heating system is what's been used in most homes stateside for at least 50 years. It's far superior, imo.

[@theoldstationrenovation]

I have to say that five nights in were very happy with it, lovely and warm 😊

[@Melicoy]

New septic tank and field. Can do a small temporary one say 500 gallons and one weep field run to supply caravan. Then later do a proper one at the station. Even if a holding tanl Only run black water poop not grey water. Grey into a french drain

[@thorstenwolters9025]

I can't tell you anything about your sewage problem. But please be careful with the stairs. The planks can be extremely slippery when wet, especially in snow! Unfortunately it has already happened to me! Greetings from Hamburg!

[@flybywire5866]

Algae and moss can make them really slippery, indeed. Add a bit of surface rot and you´ll go flying. Greetings from Neuss.

[@_PJW_]

You mean the old railway sleepers. I grew up with those, from 2 to 7 years old. They are impregnated, so they won't gather algae or moss, nor will they rot any time soon. And you learn to mind your step. Brush off the snow and sprinkle some de-icing salt.

[@ralfoverbeck5127]

Warum legen sich eigentlich alle Sondermüll vor die Haustür? Gruß aus Krefeld

[@thorstenwolters9025]

@@ralfoverbeck5127 Vielleicht weil das billiger ist oder aus falsch verstandener Nostalgie, wegen Bahnhof und so.....

[@theoldstationrenovation]

Hi 👋from south Wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿! Thanks for the tip, we don’t get much snow but we make up for it with rain 😆!

[@dzagge9799]

I am amazed that cesspits are even a thing in the UK?? In Switzerland, where I live, they are banned except for really, really remote buildings such as mountain huts. But for a building like the Old Station, which presumably must be near some civilisation, a connection to the public sewage system or the installation of a mini water treatment plant would be the only option ... as you have a pond nearby, the threat of water pollution would make a cesspit impossible. Otherwise I'd also recommend a compost toilet, I think these are really great:-).

[@lioninwinter9316]

In the US, a septic pit for the solid waste, andca drainfield for liquid would be required. Authorities would force you to put in a whole new one, and collapse the old, since it isn't on your property. Hope you don't have to do all that!

[@mikeduda3173]

You should look into getting a porta potty.They are much less expensive than other methods

[@stevethirdcitymo6527]

What warming system was your family used to? As a resident of the US, we have central heating and air (a blower system), or radiant heat (radiators or under floor heat), pellet stoves, and mini-splits. Just curious what you grew up with.

[@theoldstationrenovation]

We had gas central heating at home and the station has oil heating. We would like under floor for the station, I’ve been told it’s very economical.

[@locallyn5643]

Try a portable composting toilet in the caravan while you are figuring out what to do, good luck.

[@slowride453]

its cool to see peopel liven in trails all around not just in AL