Septic Tank Installations
Septic Tanks act as a storage for sewage, with the associated dwell time allowing solids/sludge to fall to the bottom of the tank, while the untreated liquid flows from the septic tank typically to a drainage field/soakaway. Even where a septic tank is possibly followed by a drainage field, as the waste is untreated the life of the drainage field is significantly reduced versus using a sewage treatment plant.
Septic tanks are suitable for specific applications where either further treatment or where soil conditions can treat the outgoing untreated liquid. Typically, the pollutant water level of the water will only have been reduced by 30-40% as opposed to a 97.5% removal from a modern sewage plant.
Step 1: Pre-Construction
Before the installation can begin, we will need to carry out a site visit.
Depending on current drainage systems, this stage can also include various checks on the existing drainage network against "the binding rules" and in some instances require a Drainage Survey.
Step 2: Construction Phase
Once the pre-construction phase has gathered all the information required to install the new Septic Tank you will be provided with a start date. On average an installation takes 5-10 working days including any landscaping which may have been disturbed during the installation.
Step 3: Construction
Upon completion, our Construction Manager will visit site to sign off the work as complete. Finally, Building Control Certificates are issued for the completion of the installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the life expectancy of a Drainage Field?
A typical life expectancy of a Drainage Field is anywhere between 10-30 years. This is highly dependent on how much use the system gets and the ground conditions it is installed in.
I don't have room in my garden for a new Drainage Field, what do I do?
There are a few different options available, including Drainage Mounds, Surface Water Connections & Sewage Treatment Plant Installation. Give us a call to arrange a site visit, where we can assess the most suitable option for you.
Is my system compliant with the latest binding rules?
Without a Compliance Report being carried out it is difficult to be certain. The new rules are all to do with ensuring the that your Drainage Network is not polluting the environment, many people and companies are getting these new rules confused with building control! If you think your system is in breach of “the Binding Rules” or if you are moving home click onto our Compliance Reports page or contact us for more information.
What happens if I don't get my Septic Tank emptied?
In short, whichever system you have will ultimately breakdown and emptying charges can see dramatic increases if the waste can not be removed and disposed of in the normal manner. Failure to empty a Septic Tank or Waste Treatment Plant regularly causes an excess build up of solids. For systems connected to Drainage Fields, if the solids enter the outlet they will cause a complete backup of your system which can only normally be repaired with a replacement Drainage field installation! For Sewage Treatment Plants please think of the Environment that we all share, Sewage Treatment Plants that don’t get Emptied and Serviced on a regular basis have additional problems and breakdown much faster than their Septic Tank counterparts due to the mechanical components inside of them, also being more likely to cause pollution due to being usually directly connected to our water courses. It can be easy to miss a breakdown on these so please check them regularly, if you need advice please contact us.