BioDisc Domestic Sewage Treatment Plant
The Klargester BioDisc domestic treatment plant offers peace of mind with the efficient removal of pollutants, a 7-year warranty (terms apply), affordable running costs, no smell & silent operation.
Domestic Wastewater Treatment Plant vs Septic Tank - which to choose?
Homeowners in the UK who don’t have access to mains sewerage are legally obligated to have a system on their property that filters and discharges waste in a non-polluting way. In short, you’ll need either a septic tank, pump station or a wastewater treatment plant.
In most scenarios, we advise that homeowners opt for a treatment plant. Read on to find out why.
What is the difference between a septic tank and a sewage treatment plant?
A sewage treatment plant is essentially a more sophisticated and advanced version of a septic tank that actually treats the wastewater, therefore producing a higher quality of effluent.
Septic tanks use basic gravity to separate solid and liquid waste, whereas wastewater treatment systems use mechanical components to introduce aerobic bacteria, which break down the waste in the liquid. Some other type of wastewater treatment systems (aerated treatment plants) use aerated technology (blowers) to break down the wastewater.
The most significant difference for homeowners is that a sewage treatment plant can discharge into watercourses (e.g. rivers and streams), while a septic tank cannot. This is because the effluent from a septic tank is low quality, and considered polluting to the environment.
Key features of a septic tank
- Separates solid and liquid waste
- Doesn’t treat liquid waste
- Not connected to a power supply
- Requires regular emptying
- Requires less servicing than a treatment plant
- Cannot be discharged into watercourses
Key features of a sewage treatment plant
- Separates solid and liquid waste
- Treats liquid waste resulting in a higher quality of effluent
- Connected to a power supply as it has mechanical components
- Requires emptying, but less often than a septic tank
- Requires more servicing and maintenance than a septic tank
- Can be discharged into watercourses – always check local environmental regulations
What are the main benefits of a sewage treatment plant?
Changes to government regulations made in 2020 mean that it is no longer legal for domestic septic tanks to discharge directly into watercourses e.g. rivers and streams. Instead, they must discharge into a drainage field, or be connected to a public sewer. For most homeowners, this makes a sewage treatment plant the more convenient option.
Do I need to change my septic tank to a sewage treatment plant?
No, not necessarily. If you have a septic tank set up with a drainage field that meets the government standards you can continue using this system. A drainage field allows for the liquid waste from your septic tank to be dispersed through the ground for further treatment – this has a similar filtering effect to a treatment plant.
We advise you to service you septic tank every few years to ensure the efficient and hygenic disposal of wastewater.
Key features of a septic tank
A sewage treatment plant processes wastewater through a multi-stage process to clean wastewater, remove contaminants and produce effluent.
- Primary Settlement: Wastewater enters the primary tank where solids settle at the bottom, forming sludge and lighter materials float to the surface for removal.
- Aeration Stage: The liquid then flows into an aeration chamber where air is pumped to encourage the growth of bacteria that digest organic matter in the wastewater.
- Final Settlement: The treated liquid moves to a final settlement tank where any remaining solids settle out, producing a clear effluent.
- Discharge: The clean effluent, now typically 95% purified, is discharged into local watercourses or drainage systems.
The sludge collected from the primary and final settlement stages is periodically removed for further treatment and disposal.
What do I need to check before installing a new waste system?
If you’re within 30 metres of a public sewer, you’ll need to connect to this rather than installing a new plant. If there is some obstacle preventing you from doing this, you should contact the Environment Agency to find out how to apply for a permit to install your own system.
You’ll also need planning permission, Building Regulations approval, and a permit if you’re close to a designated sensitive area – read more about the new septic tank regulations.
Septic Tanks and Sewage Treatment Plants from Klargester
At Klargester we have over 70 years of experience working with septic tanks and sewage treatment plants, and we’re well positioned to help you make an informed decision about what your property requires.
We sell a range of domestic wastewater plants, which are suited to a variety of households sizes and circumstances. We also offer comprehensive servicing plans ensuring that your system is well-maintained for years to come.
BioTec+ Domestic Sewage Treatment Plant
An economically priced plant, the Klargester BioTec+ offers flexible installation options to suit a variety of domestic sites, has a low visual footprint and is suitable for shallow dig applications.
BioDisc® Large Sewage Treatment Plant
Our Klargester BioDisc® is a single packaged system, which offers affordable running costs due to its design and operational efficiencies.
Clearwater Sigma Septic Tank
The Sigma septic tank delivers a robust, impact-resistant and durable septic tank. Lightweight, watertight and chemically resistant, this unit is ideal for solving your sewage needs.
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Why Klargester?
Klargester has been the byword for water and wastewater management products for more than 70 years.
Klargester BioDisc: the Quiet, Odourless, Sewage Treatment Plant
The market-leading Klargester BioDisc sewage treatment plant is renowned for effectively cleaning wastewater from homes that can’t connect to the sewerage system.
Installing & Maintaining your Off-Mains Drainage Field
Drainage fields are strictly regulated. If your drainage field was installed after January 2000, then it will fall under H2 Building Regulations.
Sewage Treatment Plant FAQ's
It’s important that your sewage treatment plant or septic tank system is emptied and serviced regularly to continue operating optimally.
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