SEPTIC TANKS
Septic Tank Replacement or Repair?
OVERVIEW
We have made a list to help guide you through your options regarding the replacement or repair of your current septic tank.
As you are reading this article, you may be asking yourself if you should repair or merely replace your faulty septic tank. Below, you will find various factors to take into consideration that will help you make your decision.
Costs of septic tanks
Septic tanks offer an ideal value for money solution when dealing with the wastewater from your property. However, the cost of the tank is not the only expenditure to take into account. Indeed, the installation cost, the maintenance cost and the size of soakaway required, will all have an impact on your end spend.
Lightweight, low profile tanks such as the Tricel Vento are easy to transport, manoeuvre and only require a small excavation for installation, which all saves you money.
Septic tanks require soakaways or drainage fields as part of the effluent treatment process. As such, this can be viewed as a hidden cost or constraint: you might not have the space available, or you might want to leave the area for a future extension, garage, etc.
In such cases, a small and compact wastewater treatment plant such as the Tricel Novo offers a more suitable solution, as they do not require any drainage field.
Desludging: why is it important to get your septic tank serviced regularly?
All sewage treatment systems require desludging as part of their maintenance. A good practice is to have your tank emptied once a year. It protects your soakaway system, protects the environment and of course helps your tank to function properly and at optimum levels of efficiency.
Septic tank emptying should be carried out by approved personnel only and as such require a waste disposal licence. Check on the Environment Agency website the register of waste carriers, brokers and dealers.
We also have further information about septic tank maintenance available, including yearly and quarterly maintenance, how to take care of your tank and the maintenance requirements of your soakaway.
Why is it cost-effective to replace its old septic tank?
Replacing an old septic tank can be cost-effective for several reasons:
Improved Efficiency
Older septic tanks may become less efficient over time, leading to issues such as frequent clogs, slow drainage, or backups. These problems can be costly to repair and maintain. By replacing the old septic tank, you can install a new, more efficient system that operates smoothly and minimizes the need for repairs and maintenance.
Long-Term Savings
Upgrading to a modern septic system can result in long-term cost savings. Newer septic tanks often incorporate advanced technologies and design features that improve their performance, such as better waste treatment, improved filtration, or more effective leach fields. These advancements can reduce the risk of system failures and the associated costs of repairs and cleanups.
Regulatory Compliance
In some cases, older septic tanks may not comply with current environmental regulations or building codes. Non-compliance can lead to fines and legal issues. By replacing an outdated septic tank with a newer one that meets current standards, you ensure compliance with regulations, avoiding potential penalties and legal troubles.
Increased Property Value
Installing a new septic system can enhance the value of your property. Buyers often prefer homes with updated, reliable, and environmentally friendly septic systems. If you plan to sell your property in the future, having a new septic tank may make it more attractive to potential buyers and increase its overall market value.
Environmental Considerations
Old septic tanks may not be designed to handle wastewater efficiently, potentially leading to groundwater contamination or harmful effects on nearby ecosystems. Newer septic systems are often designed to be more environmentally friendly, with features such as better waste treatment, enhanced filtration, or the use of alternative technologies like aerobic treatment units. By replacing an outdated septic tank, you contribute to protecting the environment and preventing pollution.
It’s important to consult with professionals such as septic system installers, local health departments, or wastewater management agencies to assess your specific situation and determine the most cost-effective approach for replacing your old septic tank.
Drainage failures
A septic tank not being regularly emptied can lead to issues with the drainage fields. Indeed, unlike a wastewater treatment plant where the wastewater gets treated inside the unit, a septic tank separates the waste into three distinct layers, the “scum,” the “separated wastewater,” and the “sludge.”
Only the separated wastewater should leave the tank, if the tank does not get emptied regularly, part of the scum or sludge can flow into your soakaway or drainage field and block the pipes. If this occurs, there are unfortunately no solutions or repairs available, except to replace the system.
Read more about the maintenance of your septic tank soakaway.
2020 deadline for Septic Tank Upgrades in England and Wales
If your dwelling is located in England and Wales, you are required to ensure your septic tank is compliant with the Environment Agency’s General Binding Rules: small sewage discharge to surface water.
In place since January 2015, the new septic tank regulations deadline is fast approaching. Indeed, by 2020 all septic tank systems which discharge directly into a watercourse will be in breach of the General Binding Rules.
As the homeowner, you are responsible for the sewage treatment plant which is on site and the impact that it has on the local environment. Upgrades to your current septic tank or a septic tank replacement may be necessary to ensure you don’t face penalties.
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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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