Sewage Treatment Plants
Sewage Treatment Plants – also known as “package sewage treatment plants” are more sophisticated than septic tanks, they are roughly the same size but there are a few key factors you should know about which are listed below:
- They CAN outlet to surface water drains and water-courses (with EA approval)
- Typically there is no need for an expensive drainfield or soakaway unlike septic tanks
- Treats sewage fully unlike septic tanks which only partially treat the effluent
- Suitable for single or multiple houses, caravan parks, business units, schools etc
- Tanks MUST have EN12566 – Part 3 Certification (which proves they meet EA discharge standards)
- Owners must abide by the EA’s General Binding Rules which help keep the discharge clean
- There are two main types, mechanical aeration (rotating disc) and air-blower aeration
- Bacteria in the tank require oxygen to process sludge
- Normally require emptying on an annual basis
- They require an electric supply to provide aeration (approx. 60W for a 3-bed house)
- Running costs approx. £400pa for de-sludging, a service and power for a three bed-house
Practicalities of owning a sewage treatment plant
An annual service is essential to ensure efficient operation and prevent major problems. We offer a cost-effective annual service that will help you comply with the EA’s General Binding Rules and keep the system running smoothly and efficiently all year round.
A small domestic system will typically take 3 to 5 days to install and usually there will be no disruption to services so you can still use the toilet and shower etc whilst the works are being carried out.
Many home owners are being required to switch from old septic tanks to the newer, cleaner sewage treatment plants, especially if their old tank discharges into a ditch or a brook.
If you are buying or selling a house that is not on the mains sewage system we would recommend you request a tank inspection (call or email us) that will help determine several important things:
- The type of tank that serves the property
- The tanks structural integrity
- Whether the tank is a suitable size for the property/ties it serves
- Which drains enter the tank and which don’t
- Where the outlet is and where the tank discharges to
- Whether the tank legally complies with the EA’s current and future
- discharge regulations
- Any repairs needed and likely costs
- If the tank is not compliant with EA regulations we will provide an estimate for a suitable replacement system
