Regular servicing and desludging are essential for maintaining the quality of effluent and ensuring the long-term functionality of sewage treatment plants. By adhering to the following Do’s and Don’ts, homeowners can enjoy many years of trouble-free service from their treatment system. It’s crucial to understand that a sewage treatment plant operates as a biological process, rather than relying solely on mechanical components.

Do's

  • The electrical supply to the treatment plant must be maintained constantly.
  • Check the aeration pattern in the treatment zone is evenly distributed.
  • Check the air pump inlet is free from dirt and the filter is changed if necessary.
  • Be aware before you put anything down the sink, toilet or drains.
  • When using cleaning products little and often so the treatment plant isn’t overloaded.
  • Bleach can be used sparingly.
  • It’s best to spread your washing throughout the week.
  • Use the same washing, cleaning, dishwashing, and all other cleaning products. The bacteria in the sewage treatment plant work more effectively with cleaning products they are familiar with.
  • Service engineer to carry out regular service schedule in accordance with you ‘Operation and Maintenance Manual’.
  • The tank to be emptied of excess sludge – the interval is based on the size of the plant and its loading.

Don'ts

  • Turn off electrical supply to the sewage treatment plant.
  • Strong chemicals, house hold bleach, medicine, mouthwash, garden chemicals, disinfectants, ect. down toilet or sink.
  • Put incontinence pads, cotton wool, baby wipes, disposable nappies, tampons, sanitary towels, condoms, ect down the toilet.
  • Service the sewage treatment plant unless your trained service engineer.
  • Use any replacement parts other than recommended manufactures part.
  • Make any alterations, modify, repair, other than permission from the manufacture. Works must be carried out by a trained service engineer.
  • Surface water or roof water to enter the sewage treatment plants.
  • Macerator fitted to the kitchen sink.

The Environment Agency ask the owner to keep log-book of the past 5 years of all servicing, repairs, and tank emptying. Please check the ‘General Binding Rues’ to make sure your discharge to watercourse or soakaway complies to Environment Agency.

SIGNS OF PROBLEMS

  • Inspection lid lifting.
  • Wastewater backing up from the sewage treatment plant.
  • Sewage treatment plant causing unpleasant odour.
  • Land around the sewage treatment plant or soakaway wet, soft, or waterlogged.
  • Effluent produced cloudy in colour or grey.
  • Septic at discharge point e.g. sample point, watercourse, sewage treatment plant.

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