SEPTIC TANKS
Septic Tank Replacement or Repair?
We have created a helpful guide to explain your options when deciding between septic tank replacement and repair.
If you are dealing with a faulty system, you may be asking yourself whether a repair is sufficient or if a full septic tank replacement is the better long-term solution. The decision often depends on factors such as the age of your tank, the cost of septic tank replacement compared to ongoing repair expenses, and the overall condition of the drainage system.
Below, we outline the key points to consider – such as warning signs that your tank may need replacing, potential repair costs, and when replacement becomes the most cost-effective choice.
Costs of septic tanks
When considering wastewater solutions for your property, septic tanks are often seen as a cost-effective choice. However, the price of the tank itself is not the only expense to factor in. Installation costs, ongoing maintenance, and the size of the required soakaway will all influence the overall cost of ownership – and may even make septic tank replacement a better long-term option in some cases.
Lightweight, low-profile tanks such as the Tricel Vento are easy to transport, manoeuvre, and require only a small excavation for installation, helping to keep installation costs lower.
It is important to note that septic tanks require soakaways or drainage fields as part of the effluent treatment process. This can be considered a hidden cost or limitation – especially if you do not have the space available or wish to reserve that land for a future extension, garage, or other use.
In situations where a soakaway is not suitable, a compact wastewater treatment plant such as the Tricel Novo may be a more practical solution. Unlike septic tanks, these systems do not require a drainage field, making them an excellent alternative when planning restrictions, space limitations, or future property developments are a concern.
Why Septic Tank Replacement Can Be a Cost-Effective Choice
If you are considering whether to repair or replace your old system, septic tank replacement can often be the smarter investment. Here are some of the main benefits:
Improved Efficiency
Older septic systems often lose efficiency over time, leading to problems such as frequent clogs, slow drainage, or sewage backups. These recurring issues can result in high repair and maintenance costs. A septic tank replacement allows you to install a modern, more efficient system that runs smoothly and reduces the need for constant servicing.
Long-Term Savings
The cost of septic tank replacement may seem high initially, but it can lead to significant savings in the long run. New septic systems often feature improved waste treatment, better filtration, and stronger leach fields. These advancements lower the risk of breakdowns and reduce the likelihood of emergency repairs or costly clean-ups.
Regulatory Compliance
Many older septic tanks do not meet current environmental standards or building regulations. Non-compliance can lead to penalties, legal issues, or forced upgrades. By investing in a septic tank replacement, you ensure that your property meets current regulations and avoids potential fines.
Increased Property Value
A new septic system is a valuable selling point for homeowners. Buyers are often willing to pay more for properties with updated, reliable, and environmentally safe septic solutions. If you plan to sell your home in the future, septic tank replacement can increase its appeal and overall market value.
Environmental Benefits
Outdated septic tanks may not properly treat wastewater, which can result in groundwater contamination or damage to nearby ecosystems. Modern septic tank installations are designed to be more environmentally friendly, with advanced filtration and treatment technologies. By choosing septic tank replacement, you are protecting both your property and the environment.
Consult the Experts Before Replacing Your Septic Tank
Every property is different, so it is important to seek advice from licensed septic system installers or local health authorities. They can help you assess whether repair is sufficient or if a full septic tank replacement is the most cost-effective solution for your home.
Why Regular Emptying Prevents Septic Tank Replacement
Failing to empty a septic tank regularly can cause serious problems for your drainage field. Unlike a wastewater treatment plant, which treats wastewater inside the unit, a septic tank simply separates waste into three layers: the “scum,” the “separated wastewater,” and the “sludge.”
Only the separated wastewater should flow out of the tank. However, if the tank is not emptied often enough, scum or sludge may escape into the soakaway or drainage field, blocking the pipes. When this happens, repairs are rarely possible, and a full septic tank replacement is usually the only solution.
You can read more about proper septic tank maintenance to help prevent these costly issues.
2020 deadline for Septic Tank Upgrades in England and Wales
If your property is located in England or Wales, you must ensure that your septic tank complies with the Environment Agency’s General Binding Rules: small sewage discharge to surface water.
These septic tank regulations, introduced in January 2015, set a clear deadline: by 2020, any septic tank that discharges directly into a watercourse is considered non-compliant and in breach of the General Binding Rules.
As a homeowner, you are legally responsible for the sewage treatment system on your property and the effect it has on the surrounding environment. Depending on your current setup, you may need to upgrade your system or consider a full septic tank replacement to remain compliant and avoid fines.
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Key features
Reliability
Over 50 years in business, currently treating over 30 million litres of wastewater per day.
Low Profile
Septic tanks have a low profile allowing a smaller excavation, minimal disruption to your garden.
Certified
All Tricel Vento septic tanks are tested to the highest quality standards and are EU Certified to EN12566-1
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