Septic Tank Replacement
Ecodrain solutions offer professional, reliable septic tank replacements and support services that comply with the latest drainage regulations and laws. When septic tanks are working efficiently, they do not require much thought or effort. However, when septic tank problems do occur, you may need a septic tank replacement. With extensive experience in drainage, we are well equipped to deliver compliant septic tank replacements for customers across the East of England.
Why would i need my septic tank replaced?
There are two common reasons you may need a septic tank replacement. The first is to comply with septic tank regulations. In January 2020, regulations changed meaning that septic tanks can no longer discharge into an open watercourse. Therefore, you may need to replace your existing septic tank with a new sewage treatment system to comply with these regulations.
The second reason your septic tank may need replacing is if it is experiencing problems. Although rare, problems can occur with your septic tank that means it needs removing and a new drainage system installing.
If you are unsure whether you comply with the latest regulations, or are concerned about potential drainage problems, it’s always best to check with our experts. Initially, we will conduct a septic tank survey to diagnose the problem. From here we will recommend the best drainage solution. If you do need a septic tank replacement, we can deliver this with minimal hassle and the upmost professionalism.
What replaces my old Septic tank?
Usually when we remove a septic tank we replace it with a brand new sewage treatment plant. Sewage treatment plants are more environmentally friendly as well as being highly efficient sewage treatment systems. Sewage treatment plants are low maintenance and have low running costs. The sewage effluent is discharged to either a drainage field or watercourse, with care taken to ensure the effluent will not cause a flood risk. Discharges from the plants are usually diluted in rivers, lakes, or other watercourses.
To find out more speak to our team who will advise the best possible septic tank replacement.
Septic Tank Replacement Process
The first sign of a failure is the septic tank “backing up” where the fluids cannot drain through to the soakaway. Common practice is to pump out this excess into a nearby ditch or watercourse as a point of discharge. However, this is a direct infringement of the rules governing sewage discharge governed by the Environment Agency and therefore is illegal.
The next step is a survey. This involves having the tank pumped to establish its condition. A CCTV camera survey follows to clarify the condition of the drainage network.
Any form of septic tank or soakaway replacement will require a Percolation Test. This assesses the absorption qualities of the soil in the garden where the replacement will be sited. It is a Building Regulations statutory obligation and calculates the minimum size of the new septic soakaway or drainage field to safely store underground, the daily discharge from the property whilst it permeates into the ground.
The Survey Report will highlight the extent of the problems confronting the householder. Each measure has a variable cost depending on size and scale of solution.
The least expensive measure is the replacement or extension of the existing septic soakaway. This is in the form of trenches in various widths containing perforated pipes surrounded in pea shingle, the extent of the network is defined by the Percolation Test calculation.
In some cases, it is not possible to discharge flows to a new soakaway, perhaps due to lack of space, poor invert levels or the need to position in higher ground. In these instance’s a simple pump station will be included with the new soakaway. Alternatively, the most appropriate measure is a Retrofit Sewage Treatment Plant which can have a pump included. This is particularly beneficial where a watercourse can be accessed as rules dictate any discharge to a water course must be via a treatment plant.
In these two instances the original septic tank has to be operating effectively. If not the discharge will require treatment from a sewage treatment plant which conforms to national and European standards. The discharge from such a unit is virtually pure water and as such can be safely pumped or gravity fed to the ground via soakaway or drainage field as described above.
A domestic sewage treatment plant is the only ethical and environmentally acceptable method of replacing a septic tank. It is more expensive because it has multiple sections where the raw sewage is subjected to air injection from a compressor activating the sludge causing anaerobic digestion therefore purifying the fluids to the levels where it can be safely discharged into streams and rivers without harming marine life.
What to expect
Step 1 - Book an Engineer
Book one of our expert Engineers to come out at a time that suits you.
Step 2 - Quotation and Report
We will send you a document covering every aspect of the proposed work and showing all the costs incurred.
Step 3 - We Carry out the Work
We carry out all the work to a professional, reliable standard and keep you updated every step of the way.