ConSept Installation in a Listed Building
- 20 September, 2020
The ConSept is a piece of equipment designed to fit inside a septic tank (brick or GRP) so as to convert it to a functional Sewage Treatment Plant.
These are generally accepted by the EA after a permit has been applied for. The site was a grade 2 listed building in Takeley, Essex.
See the sketch plan for reference.
Construction Site Visit
Jason Bradley had previously visited the site in order to assess the suitability and depth of the septic tank. As each septic varies in depth, the ConSept is tailor-made for each site at the factory unit in Sleaford. James and Miles, the site engineers, were on site early to ensure that the Septic Tank de-sludger had emptied the tank properly.
The ConSept was duly installed and connected to the blower, the only moving part of the whole unit. A short length of air pipe connects the blower to the diffuser in the ConSept. The ConSept also has the very useful facility of raising the treated effluent to ground level. This means high water levels in the ditch or ground really don’t matter!
ConSept Installation
The blower is housed in a GRP kiosk and in this case was raised a few inches to prevent flood damage. This picture shows the top of the ConSept and the base of the kiosk with the blower.
The introduction of a constant stream of air into the tank encourages the aerobic bacteria. They breakdown organic matter far better than anaerobic bacteria and the quality of the final effluent enables it to be discharged to the ditch.
Now for the hard work, laying the electricity cable!
In this case, our engineers were able to use the owner’s own digger to trench over 50 meters from the blower, to the Isolating Switch on the wall of the stables. A simple job then to connect to a 13 amp power point inside the building.
The septic tank covers were corroded by sewage gases; not uncommon actually. The two engineers replaced them with new galvanised covers and frames. Another job done!
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 to 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.