After my success answering Annec's question, its my turn. However, I’m not clever enough for an ‘Italian’ question – so I’ll go for one with a ‘Greek’ connection insteadI’m a ‘sad’ man who likes numbers.
One thing that could be well worth doing whilst you are over there next time.
You can buy a product, by a company called WC Net in most large supermarkets that is a fosse re-activator. Doesn't cost a lot, and you mix it with water and flush it down the loo. It refreshes the bacteria that work in the soakaway pit to digest solids etc. These bacteria tend to die off when the pit isn't used [holiday home/covid restrictions], and should make it last longer without needing emptying [difficult with rocks in].
Also use fosse friendly cleaners, etc., as things like bleach really mess up the workings of a pit
Its a bit odd about it being full f rocks - not something I'd expect.
2 possible reasons spring to mind:-
Its the way they do it in that area -ask about or talk to a local geometra, who would know how things were done 'in the old days'
or
at some stage the pit was no longer required [building not used some time after the pit was built?] and it was filled in to stop people falling in, and subsequently the fill [rocks] settled.
Either way, I'd see how it goes with the existing pit for while, as it won't get a lot of usage if its a holiday home just for you, and you don't let it out.
One thing, if you do have to go for a tank at some time in the future, remember it needs good access for installing it and for emptying it.
I agree with Conor (Ronco) about not getting a mascerator. Too risky with power cuts, (not unusual in the countryside), leaks and breakdowns etc. If you need to fit a new system go for one that relies on gravity.
If the pit isn't giving you problems, idvjust live with it for now and probably get a local farmer to pump it out. That should extend its life considerably. You don't say if the house is lived in permanently, or just used for holidays. The amount of occupation, and number of occupants an really affect how effective a pit is.
One tip - make sure you use 'Eco' cleaning materials in the house, so as not to kill off the bacteria in the pit.
Whst have other properties on the area not in terms of sewage management?
Hsve you tried getting the pit emptied? Before we went on mains drainage, our tank discharged so called clean water, and when the tank was full it discharged sewage, into the village drain that drained into a stream. Every house in the hamlet did the same. The local farmer would pump out the tank when this happened into a browser and spread it on the fields his cattle grazed on. (Delicious farm cheese produced).
I'd have a quiet chat with your neighbours to see what they do.
Thanks for that. Makes sense I suppose. Comune has told me (by email) to pay same as last year in June, but they aren't sending out an F24 for it - hopefully my Italian friend can sort out with my bank how to pay it
Just a reminder to holiday home owners that the IMU etc is due mid june. Normally my Comune sends out the completed F24 form, but they are not sending the June one out, as they haven't set the rate yet. I have to pay the same amount as I did in June 2019, and they will correct any difference on the December F24 when they send that one out.
If you haven't heard from the Comune, try their website or contact a local.
The house tax (IMU) is easily calculated (see stevemonkseatons reply below on where to do it)
If the house is jointly owned then the cost is split between the two people - so technically your agent was also correct.
So IMU is E440, and your share is E220
(Luckily, I insisted that only I bought my holiday place in Italy- the Notary was gobsmacked, as my wife was present at the purchase signing, and he made her counter sign to confirm she wasn't buying)
Comments posted
One thing that could be well worth doing whilst you are over there next time.
You can buy a product, by a company called WC Net in most large supermarkets that is a fosse re-activator. Doesn't cost a lot, and you mix it with water and flush it down the loo. It refreshes the bacteria that work in the soakaway pit to digest solids etc. These bacteria tend to die off when the pit isn't used [holiday home/covid restrictions], and should make it last longer without needing emptying [difficult with rocks in].
Also use fosse friendly cleaners, etc., as things like bleach really mess up the workings of a pit
Its a bit odd about it being full f rocks - not something I'd expect.
2 possible reasons spring to mind:-
or
Either way, I'd see how it goes with the existing pit for while, as it won't get a lot of usage if its a holiday home just for you, and you don't let it out.
One thing, if you do have to go for a tank at some time in the future, remember it needs good access for installing it and for emptying it.
I agree with Conor (Ronco) about not getting a mascerator. Too risky with power cuts, (not unusual in the countryside), leaks and breakdowns etc. If you need to fit a new system go for one that relies on gravity.
If the pit isn't giving you problems, idvjust live with it for now and probably get a local farmer to pump it out. That should extend its life considerably. You don't say if the house is lived in permanently, or just used for holidays. The amount of occupation, and number of occupants an really affect how effective a pit is.
One tip - make sure you use 'Eco' cleaning materials in the house, so as not to kill off the bacteria in the pit.
Unfortunately, in UK at present - would normally be in my place in Piemonte [near Lake Orta] at this time of year.
Dont expect to get over again this year, as I wouldn't want to fly over. May drive down at end of year if all is OK by then.
[I'm Shielding at present]
Whst have other properties on the area not in terms of sewage management?
Hsve you tried getting the pit emptied? Before we went on mains drainage, our tank discharged so called clean water, and when the tank was full it discharged sewage, into the village drain that drained into a stream. Every house in the hamlet did the same. The local farmer would pump out the tank when this happened into a browser and spread it on the fields his cattle grazed on. (Delicious farm cheese produced).
I'd have a quiet chat with your neighbours to see what they do.
Couple of questions.
1. What part of Piemonte?
2. Why do you think you need to get rid of the pit?
3. Have you consulted a Geometra?
Thanks for that. Makes sense I suppose. Comune has told me (by email) to pay same as last year in June, but they aren't sending out an F24 for it - hopefully my Italian friend can sort out with my bank how to pay it
Interesting - but how is holiday home defined?
My place is used by myself and also my chidren with their partners and children No money changes hands. Is this a holiday home?
Taxes
Just a reminder to holiday home owners that the IMU etc is due mid june. Normally my Comune sends out the completed F24 form, but they are not sending the June one out, as they haven't set the rate yet. I have to pay the same amount as I did in June 2019, and they will correct any difference on the December F24 when they send that one out.
If you haven't heard from the Comune, try their website or contact a local.
Good luck
The woman at the commune is correct.
The house tax (IMU) is easily calculated (see stevemonkseatons reply below on where to do it)
If the house is jointly owned then the cost is split between the two people - so technically your agent was also correct.
So IMU is E440, and your share is E220
(Luckily, I insisted that only I bought my holiday place in Italy- the Notary was gobsmacked, as my wife was present at the purchase signing, and he made her counter sign to confirm she wasn't buying)
God luck.