Importance of Servicing
Responsibilities of owning an STP
Having a successful Sewage Treatment Plant or Pump Station on your premises requires maintenance to keep it in good working order. Annual servicing by companies such as Allerton are necessary, but you (as the customer) should occasionally check that it’s working. Servicing and maintenance will prolong the life of your Sewage Treatment Plant. Read our blog post, A Day in the Life of a Service Engineer, to learn more about the steps an engineer will take when servicing your unit. Here are some things you can do to make sure your treatment plant or pump station is working long term.
Caring for your unit
Keep your eye open for warning lights for pump stations and sewage treatment plants. Check this every so often to make sure everything is working okay. The below image is an example of a set of warning lights. On this particular unit, when the amber beacon flashes that means there is an issue with the air blower. If the red light flashes then there may be an issue with the water level. In any case give Allerton a call!
Regarding sewage treatment plants only (including ConSepts), the bacteria are a living organism and, like any other animal, can be killed off by poisonous substances. We therefore recommend that you try and prevent the following from entering the system:
- Excessive amounts of cooking oil and fats
- Excessive amounts of cleaning agents, bleach etc
- Remains of medicines
- Motor engine oils, solvents or paint brush cleaning agents etc
- Nappies, sanitary products, wet wipes or any fibrous materials etc
- Chlorine backwash from swimming pools
For more information about the do’s and dont’s of septic tanks and what to put in them, you can find out more here:
Why is Servicing Important?
A pump station will soon let you know when it breaks down. Either the warning lights are spotted or the lavatory water doesn’t get away! Sewage Units are a different matter. They can fail without you being aware. Warning lights need to be checked to see that they are not flashing.
The consequences of a breakdown or other problems generally mean untreated sewage entering the ditch or river. This means pollution and possibly a fine by the Environment Agency if it’s a persistent breach of your licence. For those relying on field drains to disperse the final effluent, the problem can be ignored but at the real risk that the system gets so blocked that it is useless for further drainage.
This means a costly replacement and in a different part of the garden… If you have the space for it!
Why Allerton?
Having Allerton service your unit each year means that the problem is recognised quickly and the drainage system can be saved.
Types of units we service include WPL, Klargester, Condor, Entec, Mantair, Mono Pump, Waterwise, Clearwater, Marsh and many others… and the Allerton units of course! Some units are no longer being installed, however, we still service them to ensure they remain in good working order. Even if they are 30 years old or more!
So ensure the unit is serviced properly once a year and in the meantime check that it is running properly and that those red lights aren’t flashing. Our engineers will be happy to show you how to do a quick check. Often you’ll also be able to notice if it’s not working if there’s no sound. Watch and listen!
Summary
When you have a septic tank or any sort of sewage treatment system, it is your responsibility to ensure it’s serviced according to the recommended guidelines of that unit, and in line with the EA’s General Binding Rules. This is usually annually, but as the customer, you must do your own regular checks to make sure your system is working correctly! Check your unit’s warning lights often, or if it doesn’t have them, open the manhole to check the observation chamber. If you’re unsure on what issues to look for, check out our video about common septic tank problems – it’ll guide you on what to look for when there are issues. We’re also happy to answer any questions or concerns, just give our friendly office team a call.
The consequence of a faulty sewage treatment system may not just affect your home – untreated sewage entering the ground or water sources can have terrible environmental impacts. This is why servicing is important. It will keep your unit running better for longer, minimise environmental impact, and save you money in the long term!
FAQ
Q: How often does a septic tank need emptying?
A: As a rule, once a year for the average household. It depends on the size of the septic tank and how many people are using it. Two years is possible, depending on the size of the septic tank. If the frequency is more than once a year, it is usually because of a failed soakaway, and that shouldn’t be happening. Check out this table about the pros and cons of septic tanks. Frequent emptying can be quite expensive. Also read our blog post – 5 Most Common Septic Tank Problems – for more information.
Q: Are there septic tanks that don’t need emptying?
A. No. All septic tanks should be emptied to protect the soakaway! Read the section about septic tank emptying on our Septic Tank and Soakaway Problems page for more information.
Q: How do I know when my septic tank is full?
A: It’s difficult to gauge, so have it emptied every year. This will help lengthen the life of a soakaway. Read the section about septic tank emptying on our Septic Tank and Soakaway Problems page for more information.
Q: Does shower water go into a septic tank?
A: Yes. All lavatory, showers, wash basins, sinks etc are classed as foul. These must go to the septic tank. Rain water must NOT go into the septic tank.
Q: Which type of septic tank is best?
A: The best ones are made from GRP, glass reinforced plastic. Or Polyethene. Concrete ring septic tanks are good but need two chambers.
Q: How long do plastic septic tanks last?
A: Polyethene and GRP septic tanks should last 20 years at least, providing they are emptied every year to protect the soakaway and the baffle.
Q: What is the alternative to a septic tank?
A: A sewage treatment plant, a cesspool, or a reed bed. If there is no room for a soakaway then a cesspool is used. These are huge tanks and expensive to install and expensive to have emptied.
Q: How do I clean my septic tank naturally?
A: It should emptied regularly by a registered waste contractor. The mess inside the walls of the septic tank is actually full of bacteria and should be left alone. Do not hose it down!