Wouldn't Even Know It Was There: Septic Tank Conversion Installation
- 10 June, 2020
This blog post documents the installation of an Allerton ConSept septic tank conversion, in Carlton Scroop, Lincolnshire.
In the above photo, you can see the ConSept unit is standing beside the existing septic tank ready to be installed. At the end of the trench is where the air blower will be placed. The air blower needs to be near the ConSept, however, it also needs electricity to run. To solve the no electricity issue we dug this trench to lay an armoured cable 300 mm under the lawn. This connects the air blower to an isolated power source. We also dug another shorter trench from the ConSept to the air blower, to allow the pipes to connect within the existing septic tank.
Why did we install a ConSept?
The Septic Tank was discharging into a ditch and breaking the General Binding Rules. The customer had to treat the effluent and get permission from the Environmental Agency to do it. Rather than installing a Sewage Treatment Plant, costing too much money, it was much cheaper to install a ConSept in the existing Septic Tank. A Sewage treatment plant would clean the wastewater better and allow it to be discharged into a ditch safely and legally. Our ConSept transforms a regular septic tank into a sewage treatment plant once installed, having the same effect! The change saved them from wasting money and time, and from breaking the law. Always ask, “what are the General Binding Rules?” for your local area, before having a new septic tank or sewage treatment system installed.
How did we install the ConSept?
ConSept installed!
We then laid the electric cable in the trench from an isolated power source to the air blower. The air blower is housed in a kiosk which sits on the surface. We also laid an air pipe from the blower to the ConSept. Ideally the closer the blower is to the Septic Tank the better. However, for aesthetic purposes the customer can choose where the kiosk is placed. In this case the customer wanted it at the edge of the lawn.
Our engineers did such a good job that you wouldn’t have been able to tell there had been a trench in there earlier in the day, or indeed that a sewage treatment plant had been installed! You could say you… Wouldn’t even know it was there!
Photo Gallery
FAQ
Q: What is a ConSept?
A: A conversion of a septic tank, a cesspool, a well, or some other underground tank to a sewage treatment plant. You can learn more about the ConSept on our Septic Tank Conversion page.
Q: if my septic tank goes into a soakaway, do I need permission to install a ConSept?
A: NO. But you do if you decide to outfall it into a ditch.
Q: Can I outfall ConSept treated water into a ditch?
A: YES, but only if you obtain a permit from the Environmental Agency. Though Allerton will help you with it. Contact us for more details.
Q: What does the engineer do in a service of a ConSept, what does it entail?
A: Check pumps, insitu, takeout, strip and clean, check distributor head/wiring junction box/panel and timer if applicable. You can find out more about what our engineers do in this A Day in the Life of a Service Engineer Blog Post.
Q: How long is it before we can use toilets while the ConSept is being installed?
A: Immediately, and you can use both shower and washing machine later in the day.
Q: When will my unit need emptying?
A: With the ConSept in a GRP tank, once every 2 years, but in a brick built tank better to empty every year. Discuss with the Service Engineer. He is in a better place to make judgement.
