- Pre-checks – know the depth of your incoming pipework and match this to the treatment plant. Also, know the depth of the outfall from the treatment plant and check that you can achieve a gravity outfall to the ditch; if you can’t then you will need a pumped outlet system.
- Know the depth you will need to dig – local knowledge of the ground is a huge advantage here. If you dig down and find water, you will have to dewater and even shore up the hole to prevent collapse. This can be a serious problem if you don’t know what you are doing.
- Ordering the treatment plant – when ordering the treatment plant, talk to us about the installation, let us know what depth your drainage pipes are so we can insure you get the right product for your needs.
- Receiving the treatment plant – you should check to ensure you have everything prior to signing for the treatment plant. If unsure, phone and ask.
- Excavation – excavate the hole and pay attention to what base needs to be laid for the treatment plant to sit on. If you need to make a 200mm base of gravel, factor this into your excavation depth.
- Backfilling – some models can be backfilled with gravel, some require concrete. Read the installation manual of the equipment you have bought to check this.
- Installing inlet and outlet – you will have to do this, and if you have your measurements correct it should be easy. We advise people to have an inspection manhole prior to and after the treatment plant, making it easy to deal with problems should they ever occur in the future.
- Setting up/wiring up – this should be performed by a qualified electrician.
- Commissioning – if you can have the system commissioned by a sewage service engineer, then it is worth it. Someone qualified may spot a problem or mistake that you wouldn’t have thought about.
We can’t stress enough that the competency of the individual installing the plant must be high, this is not a job that anyone should just undertake on their own. Full installation instructions are given with each sewage treatment plant and these must be followed explicitly. There is a lot of health and safety issues involved when excavating holes. If you are planning to install a sewage treatment plant and require assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us on 01844 877030.
What’s next?
Installing a sewage treatment plant can be done yourself, but we always recommend working with a professional if you’re not 100% certain that you have the tools and knowledge for the job. Here’s how Owls Hall can help:
