Sewage Treatment Plants 

Most domestic sewage treatment plants use naturally occurring bacteria to break down waste. Air is introduced into the treatment chamber to encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria, which remove pollutants before the treated water is discharged to a drainage field or watercourse, subject to local regulations.

The correct size depends on the number of people using the property rather than the amount of wastewater produced. As a general guide, manufacturers recommend sizing the system based on the maximum occupancy or number of bedrooms. If you're unsure, our team can help you select the correct model.

A septic tank stores wastewater and provides limited treatment before the liquid flows to a drainage field. A sewage treatment plant actively treats wastewater using biological processes, producing a much cleaner effluent that may be suitable for discharge to a watercourse, depending on your site and current regulations.

Yes. Most domestic sewage treatment plants require a continuous electrical supply to operate the air blower or compressor that supports the biological treatment process. They are designed to be energy efficient, with many systems costing only a few pounds per week to run.

Most manufacturers recommend an annual service to ensure the system continues to operate efficiently. Regular servicing helps identify wear, maintain treatment performance and can be a requirement to keep manufacturer warranties valid.

Most domestic systems require desludging approximately once every 12 months, although this depends on the size of the plant, occupancy and usage. Your service engineer can advise whether more or less frequent emptying is required.

In many cases, yes. A correctly installed and maintained sewage treatment plant that complies with current standards may discharge treated effluent to a watercourse, subject to the Environment Agency's General Binding Rules and any site-specific requirements. Always check that your installation meets the latest regulations.

Yes. Many homeowners choose to replace older septic tanks with sewage treatment plants to improve wastewater treatment and comply with current environmental requirements. In some cases, the existing excavation or pipework may be reusable, although every installation should be assessed individually.

A quality sewage treatment plant manufactured from durable polyethylene and correctly maintained can provide many years of reliable service. Many modern systems have an expected design life of 20 years or more, with routine servicing helping to maximise their lifespan.

In many cases, planning permission is not required when replacing an existing system, but Building Regulations and the Environment Agency's General Binding Rules still apply. Requirements vary depending on your property and where the treated effluent is discharged, so it's always worth checking before installation.

While some experienced groundworkers may install the tank itself, we strongly recommend using a qualified installer. Correct excavation, backfilling, pipe gradients, electrical connections and commissioning are all essential for reliable operation and to maintain the manufacturer's warranty.