Why does your business need a sewage treatment tank?

Although the phrase ‘septic tank’ still sometimes features in common parlance, not many people know too much about the tanks themselves or even what they are for. In this edition of our blog we’ll go through the basics of septic tanks and sewage treatment systems, and we’ll also explain how and why they are of benefit to the businesses that need them.

What is a septic tank?

A septic tank is basically a plastic, fibre glass or metal chamber. Why do you need a septic tank? It is the recepticle into which wastewater (from your toilet, bathroom, kitchen, laundry etc) is directed, then stored and sometimes treated (through the process of biological decomposition and drainage, sometimes chemically aided). Septic tanks are relatively straightforward in their design, being watertight containers which are either round or rectangular in shape, and they are most often positioned underground, a distance away from the property. 

How do septic tanks work?

The wastewater from your property feeds off into the septic tank, where the process of decomposition begins. Bacteria inside the tank breaks down the solid waste, and liquids separate off. The solids will settle down to the bottom of the tank (and become ‘sludge’), while oil and grease will float to the top (and is referred to as ‘scum’). The layer between is wastewater (along with small waste particles). After this separation has occurred, 

the liquid wastewater (otherwise known as ‘effluent’) can then exit the tank into the drain field, where it will percolate through the soil, which naturally removes any remaining nutrients and nullifies harmful elements including bacteria. The efficiency of septic tanks is only moderate in terms of the total requirement. It’s a first stage - referred to as ‘primary treatment’. As part of the general maintenance associated with having a septic tank, the remaining contents will need to be removed, and there are many companies nationwide which can be contracted to do this.

How do sewage treatment systems work?

A sewage tank is a holding tank for your waste – but it provides treatment for it whereas a septic tank does not. Sewage treatment systems represent progress for the wastewater industry, as they provide a safe and efficient solution for the treatment of domestic wastewater. Across the range of products available here at Tanks R Us are Harlequin systems, manufactured from durable Medium Density Polyethylene (MDPE) material and easy to install. They use a bio media system which can deliver 96.2% pollutant removal.

Is there a difference between commercial and residential systems?

Ultimately, there’s very little difference other than in terms of size and in terms of the amount of associated pipework etc. Both commercial tanks and residential tanks have the same purpose – to store (and treat) wastewater from premises where it is not possible to have a mains drainage connection or, for whatever reason, one is not available.  

• Residential tanks: These are for home plumbing systems, where the use of the system is moderate in terms of frequency and the number of people using it. Residential septic tanks are, in essence, a fairly straightforward system. 

• Commercial tanks: Installed at buildings and properties with a much higher usage, and designed to be capable of far more intensive use. The capability for the volume of wastewater discharged to commercial septic tanks is much higher than a residential system, and the necessary maintenance issues are much more complex.

At Tanks R Us we are able to supply you, whether you require a domestic / residential septic tank, or a commercial septic tank, enabling you to efficiently, safely and correctly manage your waste. There are a range of capacities available, featuring capacities of up to 20,000 litres (appropriate for approx. 50 people).

What sort of businesses use commercial septic tank systems?

The type of business which may need to use a septic tank is one where there is no (or very limited) mains sewerage. This could include:

Offices

Shops

Schools

Care Homes

Caravan Parks

Campsites

Comnmunity Centres

Farms

Hotels

Football clubs

Golf clubs

Legal obligations of septic tank system installation

An important factor to note is that, pursuant to regulations which came into force in 2010, sewage treatment systems and septic tanks must be registered. The legal regulations vary between England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and there are different stipulations whether you are a commercial business or organisation of any kind and have a tank system installed at your premises or are a residential property. The Government’s website very clearly sets out guidelines, and what you need to do to comply with regulations.