Sewage treatment plants: when and why you should get one

Domestic sewage treatment plants are becoming more commonplace. Your first question might even be who needs a sewage treatment plant?

Also known as ‘package treatment plants’, they are suited to properties that cannot connect to the main sewer lines. Sewage treatment plants are also much kinder to the environment compared to septic tanks, filtering out over 90% of pollutants from wastewater before safely and cleanly being discharged into surface and groundwater.

If you’re wondering when and why you’d need a sewage treatment plant, and what the benefits are, the team at MPH Drain Services is here to answer all your questions.

What are sewage treatment plants?

Domestic sewage treatment plants are a way for buildings that cannot access sewer systems to process their own wastewater from toilets, sinks, showers, baths and dishwashers. The plant chamber is situated underground and usually serves an individual property.

Sewage treatment plants are more sophisticated than septic tanks as they can generate an effluent that can be released into rivers and streams, with approval from the local Environment Agency.

How do sewage treatment plants work?

Sewage treatment plants collect the waste in an underground chamber, separating it into solids and liquids. The chamber is aerated using an electronically charged pump system which encourages good bacteria to break down the bad bacteria in the waste.

This process removes around 90% of pollutants from the effluent, which is then environmentally friendly enough to be released directly into water courses in line with local environmental regulations.

When would you use a sewage treatment plant?

On-site sewage treatment plants are only needed by people whose property is not connected to the public sewer lines, meaning you are required to collect and process their sewage yourself using a treatment plant.

Consequently, those who most commonly have an on-site plant tend to be living rurally or are seeking a self-sufficient, off-grid lifestyle.

If you are going down the route of a sewage treatment plant, whether out of choice or necessity, you must ensure your property has enough space for a drainage field, as this is a key component of a sewage treatment plant.

What are the benefits of a sewage treatment plant?

Sewage treatment plants have a number of advantages for those living rurally or off-grid, including:

• An independent waste treatment system on-site without relying on public sewers and without needing to be in a certain location. This makes them ideal for those who either need or want to live self-sufficiently rather than relying on public infrastructure.
• Sewage treatment plants are an eco-friendly wastewater treatment choice. A high percentage of the pollutants are removed from the effluent, meaning the wastewater is clean enough to be released directly into watercourses.
• Sewage treatment plants are long-lasting with an average lifespan of 20 years, making them a worthwhile investment if you’ll be in your property for the long term.
• Because they are enclosed underground, sewage treatment plants do not produce unpleasant odours, nor do they attract pests and flies.
• Sewage treatment plants are a low-cost choice compared to connecting to the main sewer line. Because they are a robust option, they also require minimal maintenance or repairs except for yearly servicing and emptying.

So, once you get a sewage treatment plant, how do you take care of it?

How often should I empty a sewage treatment plant?

To keep them working at peak performance, sewage treatment plants should be checked and serviced once a year by a specialist company, such as MPH Drain Services. They also require emptying at least once a year, though check with our team for more tailored advice.

The benefit of using experts like the engineers here at MPH is to guarantee a regular servicing and emptying routine that is performed properly and to high industry standards.

How do I replace my sewage treatment plant?

If well maintained, home sewage treatment plants can last up to 20 years. However, if your plant is very old or not performing at its best anymore, it might be time for a replacement. Please discuss this with our specialist team who can advise further.

Do you need sewage treatment plant emptying services in Yorkshire? Here at MPH Drain Services, we empty and service your plant on a schedule that suits you and we also provide replacements. Whether you need domestic or commercial emptying, we have the equipment and the capacity to serve you. Get in touch to discover more.

Call us 24/7 - Freephone 01977 802 283