Why use a sewage treatment tank over a septic tank?

If you’re investing in a waste treatment system for your premises, a sewage treatment tank treats any wastewater that enters the system. Water entering the tank will come from toilets, sinks, washing machines and other household appliances.The sewage treatment tank operates a filtration process to remove molecules and debris from the water, making it suitable for reuse under certain conditions (see Can I use treated water from a sewage treatment tank?).Septic tanks store wastewater but do not treat it. The water is still contaminated and may contain pathogens hazardous to the human body and the environment, making it unsuitable for repurposing.Sewage treatment tanks help recycle water, and this is especially useful if you’re not connected to a municipal water supply. A sewage treatment tank provides treated water for reuse, reducing overall water consumption rates.

Will a sewage treatment tank create noise and smells?

It is recommended to place the sewage treatment plant at least fifteen metres away from any domestic premises to minimise the risk of noise pollution since sewage treatment tanks operate 24/7.During operation, oxygenated water moves through the tank while air is pushed into the water through an air blower. The air blower operates either on a piston or a diaphragm and moves to-and-fro in rapid succession, and it is this operation that causes the noise.To avoid bad smells developing from the sewage treatment tank, it is recommended to have it cleaned once or twice a year. Residue, blockages, or neglect cause bad smells to materialise over a period of time and signify a need for maintenance.

Can I use treated water from a sewage treatment tank?

There are two types of treated water processed in sewage treatment tanks, blackwater and greywater. Neither are fit for human consumption, but both have the potential for repurposing.Greywater comes from sinks, showers, washing machines, dishwashers, et cetera. It is water that does not contain waste from flushing toilets. Greywater contains soap, dirt, or debris from washing your body, mopping your floors, or doing the dishes, either by hand or dish washer. Greywater is suitable for watering the flowerbeds or the lawn.Blackwater is wastewater from flushing toilets and contains harmful substances such as faeces, urine, and toilet paper. Blackwater is toxic to both human and environmental health as it contains harmful pathogens.Once treated in a sewage treatment tank where matter particles are filtered out, blackwater is suitable for reuse in flushing toilets but cannot and should not be used for any other purpose.

Do I need any licenses for a sewage treatment tank?

Anyone with a septic tank or a sewage treatment plant is under legal obligation to have their system registered with their local Environmental Health Agency. Failure to register is considered a criminal offence.Should your sewage treatment tank or septic tank sit close to a local water source or flow into it, it is a mandatory requirement to inform the Environmental Health Agency. You may require a permit to continue using the system if you cannot connect to municipal foul water systems.Upon registering your septic tank or sewage treatment tank, the Environmental Health Agency will advise you on whether you require a permit or not.

What size sewage treatment tank do I need?

When it comes to selecting the right size of sewage treatment tank for your premises, there is a basic rule of thumb to follow so you know you’re getting the right size for your requirements.For a three-bedroom house, a five-person sewage treatment tank is required. With every additional room or person per household, the tank size should increase per person. For example, if you have a four-bedroom house, you should go for a six- or seven-person capacity tank.The capacity increase provides enough storage for the tank to handle daily water intake for the number of people in the household. If the capacity of the tank is exceeded from excess usage, the tank will overflow, releasing wastewater into the area which is hazardous to both human and environmental health. For communal sewage treatment tanks, the number of houses plus their occupants is taken into consideration. If you have seven three-bedroom houses, each with five occupants, then you would require a 35-person capacity tank.If you require a tank for more than 50 people, a sewage treatment plant will require planning and installation through a qualified sanitation professional.

How do I maintain a sewage treatment tank?

Sewage treatment plants require maintenance but through evolving designs, they are becoming easier to manage on an annual basis.To maintain your sewage treatment tank, it is recommended you have it cleaned once a year and remove all residue to keep the treatment facility in working condition. You can do this yourself or hire a professional.To keep on top of any circumstantial problems, it is advised to do a routine inspection of the tank every month to observe the appearance of leakages, cracks, or wear. These can lead to more problematic developments over time if left unattended.Protect your sewage treatment tank from rainwater entry. Rainwater causes varying levels of damage to a sewage treatment tank and can force wastewater to overflow, polluting the area.