Independent Drainage – your local sewage treatment plant specialist.
Sewage treatment plants are one of the best alternatives drainage solutions available today. They produce treated wastewater to a standard that can be discharged directly into a watercourse – and they require less emptying. But what should you know before you upgrade to a sewage treatment plant or move into a property with one?
HOW MUCH DO SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANTS COST?
The plant itself can cost from £2,000 and up, depending on the number of occupants it has to serve. Larger sewage treatment plants for a greater number of occupants are more expensive, with the higher end models for flats or office blocks of up to 50 occupants costing £10,000 or more. Generally, domestic plants cost around £2,000 to £3,000.
Installation costs are more difficult to determine and rely on the property type, ground conditions, power supply availability, piping lengths and finding ways of working that minimise disruption.
For a clearer idea of sewage treatment plant installation costs, get a free consultation.
ARE SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANTS NOISY?
Sewage treatment plants use an air blower to introduce oxygen into the system at a greater rate. This is how the bacteria are able treat the sewage into a good enough condition to release.
The air blower produces a humming sound and mild vibrations. Depending on the installation conditions and the unit, the sound level can vary. Near-silent sewage treatment plants are available, using quality air blowers and damping – but if yours is to be installed a considerable distance from the property, sound may not be an issue.
DOES A SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT NEED EMPTYING?
Yes. Although STPs require emptying less frequently than other off-mains sewage systems, they still need to be emptied and maintained on a regular schedule.
HOW OFTEN DO YOU HAVE TO EMPTY A SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT?
Annual empties are recommended for sewage treatment plants to keep them at peak performance.
WHY DOES MY SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT SMELL?
There can be several reasons, but most are related to maintenance and can be resolved with servicing or emptying.
Power failure or a broken air blower could be causing the process to slow down, causing smells. Overuse of chemicals can harm the bacteria and stunt the treatment process, which can also lead to a build up of odours.
CAN I EMPTY A SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT MYSELF?
No. Besides needing specialist equipment and expertise, you must be a registered waste carrier and comply with environmental and public health protocols to empty a sewage treatment plant.
WHAT CLEANING PRODUCTS CAN I USE WITH A SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT?
Products marked as suitable for septic tanks will also be suitable for a sewage treatment plant. Ecological cleaning products, such as those from eCover, are generally safe to use, too. Homemade cleaners like baking soda and vinegar are effective and can be used with tanks and treatment plants. Do not use biological washing powder or detergents, and try to avoid bleaches and drain unblockers.
CAN YOU USE BLEACH WITH A SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT?
Bleach is not recommended for use in sewage treatment plants in large quantities. You should limit the use of bleach and cleaning products wherever possible, as they can kill the bacteria that keeps your sewage treatment plant working. A small amount of bleach for cleaning fixtures is fine – but large amounts all in one go will halt the anaerobic process.
HOW LONG DOES A SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT LAST?
With regular emptying, servicing and maintenance, a properly installed sewage treatment plant can last for decades – making them a reliable alternative drainage solution.
SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT EXPERTS
If you want to learn more about sewage treatment plants or need any kind of off-mains drainage support, talk to Independent Drainage. Call us now on 0800 0131301 or book a free consultation for a sewage treatment plant installation.
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