OK, we live in a 50s house in the S Lakes. It was built during post-war austerity, and has had some cheapo alterations before we bought it, but generally seems sound.
A drain got blocked recently (no suprise there), one that collects rainwater from half the roof, and the drainage from the utility - though no blackwater, which is collected at the other end of the house and drains into a septic tank.
I went to clear the drain this morning (nice!), and lifted a flag next to it, which revealed a pit into which it drained. That's about 50cm square, and was about 30 cm deep, so I started to dig out the accumulated muck to a depth of about 75cm, expecting to find a pipe carrying away the waste. Instead I hit a layer of pebbles, that l assume had been put there deliberately. So, my questions are 1) was it ever common practice to just have a soakaway so close to the house, 2) is it possible that there is a pipe there so I should just keep digging and clear it, or 3) if it is a soakaway is it large enough to cope with the roof (which itself is large enough to accommodate 18 solar panels.)
The answers I would like are yes, no and yes but I'd be interested in a more expert opinion!