We are in the process of installing ours as I write! The man from "Sivom" (Local water authority I guess)initially had to inspect the land to make sure the ground would soak up the waste water, and also to make sure we had sufficient space. he then drew up plans which were passed on to the mairie and which came back with our approved plans for our barn conversion. For our planned two x sleep 6 gites, we had to buy 2 x 3000 litre fosses and a great deal of pipe and mountains of gravel. Our neighbour owns a digger and it is his living to dig holes for people and therefore has experience in fosse installation. He dug the holes and trenches, whilst my husband has plumbed in the pipes and drains. Various inspection chambers and aeration pipes needed to be included and I haven't yet got a final cost. I would estimate about 3000. I know of some one who paid twice this for a similar installation and that, unlike ours, did not include removal of sub-soil. My husband is a qualified pplumber and also worked on drains in his youth. We have completely rennovated our own house by ourselves and yet, he would not tackle the fosse installation without the knowledge of our neighbour and would recommend that you get professional help and, obviously, the legal permission. After all, if the job's not done properly.....
