How to install a septic tank
Septic tanks and sewage treatment plant systems can offer a useful and beneficial method of dealing with wastewater for a variety of homes and businesses. They are an ideal solution 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 see lower running costs and greater water efficiency than those connected to the public sewers, while the method by which septic tanks recycle water can also offer environmental benefits. However, installing heavy-duty equipment of this kind can be a complex process that’s fraught with potential risks for those who are inexperienced with this type of work.
As such, property owners who are considering investing in a septic tank would be well advised to research all of the considerations and responsibilities involved during the process, as well as looking into the benefits a professional installation service can provide in facilitating this.
If you’re looking to have a septic tank installed on your premises and require expert guidance, then give Lanes a call on 0800 526 488; by offering the right advice and support, we can ensure that you are able to experience the full benefits of your new septic tank system with a minimum of fuss.
Learn about the regulations and apply for a permit
Before making any decisions about the installation of your septic tank, it’s vital to get a handle on the various permissions you’ll need to obtain and regulations you’ll have to adhere to before, during and after the installation process.
As well as securing the standard planning permission and building regulations approval, you’ll need to make sure you’re aware of how much sewage your property is likely to discharge, where the treated wastewater will be released – whether this is to the ground or to a body of water – and find out whether your property is in a protected zone. Depending on your expected discharge rate, you may required to a pay a fee to apply for a specific permit.
You can find out more about the basic permissions process for septic tank installation here; it’s also worth noting that a key change to the Environment Agency regulations governing septic tanks came into full effect in 2020, meaning septic tanks can no longer discharge directly into a watercourse. Failing to comply could lead to a fine of up to £100,000 so make sure that your understanding of these laws is up to date.
Decide on a location and evaluate your space requirements
Once you’ve cleared the paperwork, it’s time to think about where on your property the new septic tank will be housed. Because these tanks need to be installed underground, you’ll have 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.
The nature of the terrain and the surrounding area also needs to be considered carefully – placing a septic system on level ground is important to help avoid flooding or seepage, while there also needs to be space to provide the proper ventilation. Moreover, 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 this matter, then it’s well worth consulting an organisation with professional installation expertise about the factors that determine an ideal location.
Test the soil quality
Soil quality should be another key consideration during this initial surveying process, as the geological characteristics of the land can have a big impact on the way the system needs to be set up and the design of the corresponding soakaway.
Generally speaking, sandy and undisturbed soil tends to deliver the best results, with dense ground preventing water flow and gravelly soil sometimes causing the water to drain very quickly. As such, the size and location of the soakaway needs to be adjusted according to the permeability of the terrain, with highly absorbent ground working best.
Select the right type of system
Septic tanks come in a variety of shapes and sizes, working by different mechanisms for various needs and applications. The most common options are gravity systems, which simply rely on natural gravity-assisted water flow from the pipes to move effluent through the tank and into the drainfield, but pump-activated pressure distribution systems and oxygen-assisted aerobic treatment units are also available.
Property owners will also need to consider which type of septic tank design will suit their requirements best – concrete tanks, for example, tend to be long-lasting but prone to cracks and damage, whereas 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.
Arrange the installation
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.
How can Lanes help?
For property owners who are keen for their septic tank installation to go off without a hitch from start to finish, it’s worth giving Lanes a call.
We offer industry-leading septic tank installation services for both domestic and commercial customers, and 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, before having our expert team of engineers fit the new tank 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 their installation, while also providing advice on how to avoid back-up, blockage and odour issues further down the line.
For a free quotation, call us at 0800 526 488; you can also find out more online about our domestic and commercial septic tank and cesspit services, or download our septic tank best practice guide for further insights from the Lanes team.
