Septic tanks and sewage treatment plant systems can provide a valuable and beneficial method for managing wastewater in various homes and wastewater treatment businesses.
They are ideal solutions for remote properties that cannot be connected to the public sewage network and can also offer unique advantages over publicly operated drainage systems.
Properties with their own septic tank often experience lower running costs and greater water efficiency than those connected to the public sewers. The method by which septic tanks recycle water can also offer environmental benefits.
If owning a septic tank is the best option for you, this article provides detailed information on everything you need to know about installing a septic tank.
Installing septic tank equipment can be a complex process and carries potential risks for those without experience in this type of work.
Homeowners considering investing in a septic tank should thoroughly research all the considerations and responsibilities involved in the process. You can find out who's responsible for a blocked sewer in our article ‘Blocked sewer drains: Who is responsible?’.
Find below a list of the steps you need to take before installing a septic tank.
When planning to install a septic tank, it's important to secure both standard planning permission and approval for building regulations.
You should also consider:
For more details on the basic permissions required for septic tank installation, check out the official resources on the Gov.uk website.
It's important to note that septic tanks can not discharge directly into waterways. Failing to comply with these regulations could lead to hefty fines, so make sure you stay informed and up to date on the laws.
Once you’ve completed the necessary paperwork, it’s time to think about where the new septic tank will be housed on your property. Since these tanks need to be installed underground, you’ll need to find a patch of land that’s big enough to bury a large piece of equipment, without accidentally hitting a utility line or a dense tree root.
Placing a septic system on level ground is important to help prevent flooding or seepage, while there also needs to be space to provide the proper ventilation.
Don't forget, you’ll need to consider whether the heavy equipment that may be needed to install the system would be impeded by surrounding structures in your chosen location.
If you’re in any doubt about the best location for your septic system, the engineers at Lanes Drainage Services can provide valuable insights on what makes a location ideal.
Soil quality should be another key consideration during this initial surveying process, as the land's geological characteristics can significantly impact the setup and design of the corresponding soakaway.
Generally speaking, sandy and undisturbed soil delivers the best results, as dense ground prevents water flow, while gravelly soil can sometimes cause the water to drain very quickly. As such, the size and location of the soakaway need to be adjusted according to the terrain's permeability, with highly absorbent ground working best.
Septic tanks come in various shapes and sizes, working through different mechanisms to meet various needs and applications.
The most common septic tank options are:
Gravity systems
Gravity systems rely on natural gravity-assisted water flow from the pipes to move effluent through the tank and into the drainfield. They require good soil and enough space for the drainfield to absorb water.
The benefit of a gravity system is that it is low-maintenance, as it doesn’t require pumps or electricity.
Pump-activated pressure distribution systems
These systems still rely on gravity to carry wastewater to the septic tank. After settling in the tank, the water flows into a pump, which evenly distributes it across the drain field. The pump helps spread the water evenly and prevents overloading in one area.
The benefit of this is that it can be used on uneven terrain or poor soil.
Oxygen-assisted aerobic treatment units
Aerobic treatment units use oxygen to break down wastewater when it enters the septic tank. The wastewater is then disinfected before it reaches the drainfield. This is best suited for effluent that requires advanced treatment by law.
Although it requires regular maintenance and electricity, it's one of the most effective ways to treat wastewater to a high level. For more information on your maintenance responsibilities, you can read our guide ‘Septic tank maintenance: what you need to know’.
Property owners must also consider which type of septic tank design best suits their requirements. Concrete tanks tend to be long-lasting but prone to cracks and damage. Fibreglass tanks cannot crack but may be more vulnerable to above-ground weight, and plastic tanks are seen as more affordable but potentially less robust.
By getting the right expert advice, you should be able to pick out a tank that meets your specific needs and usage demands.
Once all of the key decisions have been made, it’s time to proceed with the actual installation of the tank itself. Some property owners choose to take on the process of transporting the tank, digging the necessary trenches, fitting the system and finishing up by themselves, but this can be a difficult and challenging process due to the size of the equipment and the complexity of the work involved.
For those who do have the capability to handle this process alone, it remains a good idea to call upon expert guidance to ensure the land has been properly surveyed, and that the work conforms to the necessary building codes. Mistakes during this process can result in damage to your property’s drainage infrastructure or a potential sewage overflow, which can be extremely expensive to repair.
As such, the easiest and safest way to ensure the installation is completed with minimal disruption is to call in the services of a professional partner.
For property owners who are looking for a professional septic tank installation, don’t hesitate to give us a call.
We offer industry-leading septic tank installation services for both domestic and commercial customers. Our team can support you through every stage of this complex procedure, from determining the ideal location of the tank to sourcing and supplying the equipment itself. Our engineers will ensure that your new tank is installed quickly and efficiently.
What’s more, we can offer regular maintenance services to keep your septic tanks regularly emptied and in good working order for years after installation. We also provide helpful advice on how to avoid backup, blockage and odour issues further down the line.
For a free quotation, call us at 0808 506 8505. You can also find out more online about our domestic and commercial septic tank and cesspit services via our dedicated service page.