Here at CountyClean, we are often called upon to install sewage treatment plants (and many other types of drainage systems) for both domestic and commercial customers. Below is a case study on a recently completed job.
Our expert groundworks and civil engineering team at CountyClean were contacted by a new customer. The customer needed to ensure their existing septic tank was compliant with the general binding rules as a condition of their property sale. A subsequent site visit was conducted to ensure the scope of work was fully understood and to provide suitable recommendations.
As the unit was discharging to a watercourse, the existing septic tank needed to be replaced by a treatment system. CountyClean ascertained what size and unit type would be appropriate for the property to quote for the supply, installation and commission of a new sewage treatment plant.
Installing a Sewage Treatment Plant:
Works commenced by excavating for the new sewage treatment plant. With the unit in place, a 35-metre trench was dug from the existing septic tank to the new treatment plant.
A Klargester BioTec P9 IPS with an integrated pumped outlet was installed. This unit was suitable for a dwelling of up to 9 people. The unit was backfilled in C30 concrete with a topsoil and seed finish. The outlet for the new treatment plant was connected to a neighbours outlet (with their approval during the planning stage). This created a shared line for discharge between the properties.
With the new sewage treatment plant in position and ready for connecting, CountyClean supplied a vacuum tanker to empty the old septic tank. The tank was then backfilled to make the void safe and completed with a topsoil and seed finish.
With all groundworks completed, our electricians and engineers attended the site to commission the new sewage treatment plant.
The project was completed on time and with minimum disruption to the customer. The customer was left with the effluent outfall from the sewage treatment unit working efficiently and safely to Environment Agency standards, ready to complete their house sale.
FAQ’s on Sewage Treatment Plant Installations
How long does it take to install a sewage treatment plant?
The average time for a sewage treatment plant install can take between 5-8 days. This time period is subject to weather and access. During the installation, there is no need to move out of the property and there will be no disruption to day to day living.
Can I install a sewage treatment plant myself?
We do not recommend installing a sewage treatment plant yourself unless you are 100% confident in your ability. If incorrectly installed, an off-mains sewage system can leave you in a nasty mess – both physically and legally.
Hiring a professional contractor to do the installation for you is the best way to give peace of mind that your system is suitable for your needs, reliable and legally compliant.
Where should a sewage treatment plant be placed?
A sewage treatment plant must be more than 7 metres from a habitable property. The soakaway must be a minimum of 10 metres from a watercourse.
Does a sewage treatment plant need a soakaway?
Outlets from sewage treatment plants should preferably be installed into a suitable drainage field. If this is not feasible due to porosity tests failing or the location, then a watercourse/ditch can be approved by the EA (every location varies).
How often should you empty a sewage treatment plant?
The job of a sewage treatment plant is to treat the sewage to a suitable standard for discharge. Over time sludge can build up to a mass of solids and just like a septic tank, it must be removed.
Most manufacturers recommend annual emptying on domestic systems up to a 12 population. Commercial systems can be required to be emptied as frequently as every 6-8 weeks.
How often should a sewage treatment plant be serviced?
Servicing your sewage treatment plant regularly will ensure equipment failure is minimised and keeps your unit operating optimally. We always recommend you follow manufacturer guidelines for your treatment plant.
For a handy guide on sewage treatment plant do’s and don’ts or an in-depth blog on how sewage treatment plants work then please follow the links.
If you would like to find out more about CountyClean Group civil engineering & groundworks services or enquire about sewage treatment plant servicing and emptying, please contact our team of friendly experts today!