Addressing a often overlooked topic, this article explains why it is important to treat wastewater even in vacation homes and what the most suitable systems are for this type of residence.
Criteria for Wastewater Treatment in a Vacation Home.
Local authorities require compliance with health regulations for wastewater disposal, whether it is a primary or secondary residence (vacation home). This means that the water from the vacation home must be free of pathogens and pollutants, just like that of the primary residence.
Traditional Systems vs. Approved Systems
Traditional systems for wastewater treatment are becoming less and less used because they take up a lot of space in the garden, up to dozens of square meters.
Approved systems, on the other hand, are increasingly widespread due to their compact size that does not ruin the garden. Not all approved systems are suitable for vacation homes.
The ideal system for a vacation home must be able to:
- Withstand strong variations in hydraulic and organic load
- Operate without electricity in case of a blackout during the owners' absence
Micro Station or Compact Filter?
- Micro station: not recommended for vacation homes. This is because the system requires a continuous supply of oxygen to function properly, and a power outage would cause the death of the bacteria necessary for water purification. Additionally, long periods of disuse would damage the bacterial flora, which would take time to regenerate once the system is reused.
- Compact filter: the ideal solution for vacation homes! Unlike the micro station, the compact filter does not require electricity for the oxygenation of bacteria as it uses a ventilation system. This type of filter is highly resistant to load variations, periods of disuse, and requires little maintenance.
Moreover, installation is quite quick and the compact filter can fall under zero-interest eco-incentives, with financing up to 10,000 euros repayable over 3-15 years.
Maintenance of the Compact Filter
Although the annual system check is not mandatory, it is highly recommended to ensure proper functioning and prevent potential failures. Generally, the filter should be changed every 4 years, but the frequency may vary depending on use. It is also necessary to remove the sludge accumulated in the primary clarifier when it reaches 30% of its volume.
The filtering material used for water purification, often of natural origin, should be replaced approximately every 15 years. The emptying and recycling of the filtering material must be carried out by qualified and certified professionals. Some routine checks can be performed independently, such as checking that the air inlets are not blocked by vegetation.
Finally, to ensure the maximum lifespan of the system, it is important to avoid the daily use of certain specific products. You can find the list of these products in an another one of our articles!
Advantages of the Compact Filter
- Resistance to load variations
- Autonomous operation without electricity
- High efficiency in wastewater purification
- Relatively simple installation and maintenance
- Safe and ecologically advantageous system
- Possibility of accessing state eco-incentives
If you have questions on this topic, do not hesitate to contact us! Our team of experts will be happy to advise you on the best solution for your vacation home.
