Hi all, my dad has dementia and it has progressed to the point where he needs a live-in carer. Due to lack of space, we have decided to use a static caravan for the carer. We have purchased one from a dealer, and the seller have already viewed the site, he will be preparing the site, delivering the caravan, siting it properly with stands, etc. However, he won't do the utilities, as its not his business. That said, he gave us a bit of advice regarding electrics, water, grey & black water, etc. Electrics and water is sorted, but not grey & black.
For the black water system, we've decided to get a holding tank and get it pumped out by an outside company when full.
For the grey water system, we have decided on a sump and pump system.
We will get a professional to install and connect everything up.
But here is where my meager knowledge ends.
Which holding tank should we buy for the black water, and where from?
I've found most sump and pump systems are 12v, but our static caravan doesn't have a 12v system (I believe?) so we need a 240v sump and pump system. Is this the right idea or should we get a 12v inverter? Either way, we need a sump and pump system, again, how do we figure which one to get? A dedicated set-up, or a simple plastic tank and a separate grey water pump with a float switch?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated, thank you.
My guess would be that they are 12 volt for safety as is the case with pond pumps etc. It should require a transformer cum power supply unit which can be sited in the caravan or conveniently placed shed etc where a 240 volt supply can feed it. Then a simple 12 volt cable out to the pump.
If you already have a professional in mind for the set-up and installation, they may be the best party to advice on the best type for your particular circumstances.
Alternatively, look for self-build forums, as a high majority will have used a static caravan to live in during the build, using tanks and sump-pumps for the waste water would probably be something that many have first hand knowledge about.
The suppliers of this type of equipment may also be able to give you some advice too (I have attached below one such link, found at random - there will be others).
If this is intended as a self-contained annexe, for sleeping, you may want to check with the local council to make sure that they have no particular requirements - as it is for a carer, they should be very willing to help you but there are aspects that you should be aware of.
Another link attached about annexes and the requirements. https://www.sumpsandpumpsdirect.co.uk/acatalog/Sump-Pumps-Systems.html https://www.iobuild.co.uk/exempt-from-planning-permission/
Thanks for replies. I did ask the seller but he wasn't sure. He's more familiar with purpose designed sites with proper drains etc. Regardless, I found the following septic tank and sump pump with tank, would those work?
I found the Rhino effluent tank - https://www.xoli.co.uk/product/rhino-above-ground-effluent-tank/ - dimensions 2.8mtr Long, 2.2mtr wide and 0.45mtr high.
For grey water - the only thing I could find that would work on 240v would be to buy this tank - https://unifloproducts.co.uk/product/uniflo-waste-water-tank-100l-version-2/
and this pump -
https://unifloproducts.co.uk/product/submersible-sewage-pump-180-series-180-watt-240-volt/
Would those work great for us, or am I barking up the wrong tree?
Finally, who would be able to do the plumbing for this - a normal plumber, or do I need a specific one for this?
I think you may be approaching this from the wrong end.
First find your installer for the plumbing (NOT the party selling you the van), and then ask them what they recommend for your set up. This will probably involve telephoning various local companies, explaining what you want to do, and finding out whether they can do it. The suppliers of the tanks you are interested in may have a list of qualified plumbers in your area, the installer may also be able to advise you on local tanker companies for pumping out.
Otherwise you risk buying the tanks and then being told they are not suitable for your set-up. There are very strict regulations surrounding water connections and waste disposal, and I believe the fines for breaching them can be quite horrendous, so much better to spend time now getting it right.
Who is connecting the fresh water supply? Have you asked them about waste water connections? (Hope the plan is not to run a hosepipe from an outside tap...only joking).
Have you checked with your local council?
My understanding is that to put a holding tank, otherwise known as a cesspit, for the black water you may need planning permission. https://www.gov.uk/permits-you-need-for-septic-tanks/you-have-a-cesspool
Is there really no way you can get connected to the sewerage system?
Oh that makes so much more sense, that's great thank you! Will definitely try that, thank you.
Unfortunately, it's definitely impossible to dig a proper connection to our property's septic tank - we don't have mains sewer here - without spending maybe £10k+ which we don't have. I'd most definitely go down that route, if it was possible.
We'll act on the advice of the plumber, if we can find one, thank you SO much for your help!
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Topic: Utilities for permanent static caravan
via mobile 03/9/2021 at 10:55am
