Wednesday 29 June 2011

What Is Sewage? New Post Added to wordpress!

What Is Sewage?



Sewage, also known as waste-water,  is water based waste that normally needs to be removed from an area.  It commonly contains physical, chemical or biological waste.  There are different types of sewage, ranging from commercial, agricultural, sanitary and surface water -waste.  Sewage is often discharged from a property through a underground drainage network.  It then need to be carried off to be treated before being released back into the environment.   There are many different ways to treat sewage, and many countries vary there approach.  Amazingly, with advanced technology, Singapore can now produce drinking water from sewage.  However this is the only place to do this, and as you can imagine this drinking water is not very popular.



Any sewage that is emitted from residential properties will contain human waste, cleaning products, including soaps and bleach, garbage and other materials. More often than not sewage will be toxic, and therefore needs to be dealt with as soon as possible.



In most countries there is a national sewage system, however not all properties are connected, depending on their location.  If this is the case then you will have to install and maintain either a septic tank, sewage treatment plant or a cesspool.  Cesspools are only used as a last resort if a soak away cannot be installed.  A soak is where the treated sewage water is discharged over a large sewage area.  It consists of a network of perforated  drains or crates, that lets the water drain naturally over a period of time back into the ground.   Most people currently prefer the sewage treatment plant, as it is literally a mini sewage plants, and the end result can be a staggering 98% cleaner than raw sewage.



Sewage often contains organisms that contain disease, which have the potential to kill humans and animals.  It will also cause great damage to the environment.  This pollution affects plants and organisms within a large radius of the raw sewage discharge.



For so many reason we need to make sure that all forms of sewage are collected in a safe manner and the dealt with, making sure that all toxic substances are removed before the treated material is then reused.

Tuesday 28 June 2011

The Sewage Treatment Plant Shop (Now Open)

Here is some good news.  We have just opened up our second shop called the sewage treatment plant shop.


Here you can buy sewage treatment plants.






















Visit http://www.thesewagetreatmentplantshop.co.uk for the best deals and advice.

EN 12566-3


Simply put it is the new customary for sewage treatment plants that are sold within Europe.  The Construction of Products Regulations from 1991 now state that any sewage treatment plant that are sold within the EU must have the subsequent specifications -

1)  Should be a hundred percent watertight
2)  The sewage treatment plant has to be structurally sound 
3)  Must have a reasonable capacity to hold waste water for an enough time before needing to be emptied.  This lets a maximum a period of time for the sewage to be handled, for that reason the discharge will be more environment friendly and the sewage treatment plant will be a lot more effective. 

All of these necessities are complying with the British Environment Agency commandments, which is not optional.  All manufacturers and suppliers in the United Kingdom need to be able to prove that the sewage treatment plants that they sell are compliable with the regulation set out buy the British Environmental agency.  Which means all sewage treatment plants must give evidence that is satisfies the standards in paragraphs, five, six point two, six point three, six point four and six point five of the B S EN 12566-3. 

And the British Standard Institute  said that they only want sewage treatment plants with a EN12566-3 2005 Certificate on the United Kingdom market.  The Environment Agency have also said that only sewage treatment plants that have the EN 12566-3 2005 Certificate are allowed to obtain the Environment Agency Exemption Certificate which you have to apply for, however it is highly recommended. 

Because these restrictions apply to all of Europe you will be unable to import an inferior sewage treatment plant from mainland Europe. 

Although the EN 12566-3 has very high guidelines and tests, it requires only a percentage reduction of the sewage effluent and therefore it does not guarantee that the final effluent will please the Environment Agency Consent Standards that must be satisfied.  Another abnormality is that the manufacturer may test a certain quantity of litres of sewage each day for only four people, nevertheless they have the right to sell the tank for 6 individuals if it has the adequate space. 

For more information visit http://www.theseptictankshop.co.uk/EN12566

Thursday 23 June 2011

Wednesday 22 June 2011

How to carry out a percolation test

To get a effective soak away you must have good soil.  If the subsoil is well drained along with well oxygenated (has a supply of oxygen) then it will typically be a reddish, brown or yellow shade.  The most effective subsoil consists of chalk, gravel, sand, clay loam and sandy loam, whereas silty clay, clay and sandy clay are certainly not very good for percolation.    Please note that the first place to look should be with the Environment Agency and the local authorities to find out if your land will be eligible for a soak away system.  In case your entreaties to get a septic tank as well as soak away system is denied then you will need to install a cesspool.

To begin the percolation analysis you should dig a hole at least one meter squared and 2 meters deep, or one and a half meters under the invert of where you wish the drainage field to be.  It is worthy of acknowledging that you must take into consideration the likely groundwater levels in the winter and in the summer to obtain the most accurate test.  This may requires a test in both seasons.

Inside the hole previously dug, dig another hole 300mm cubed, and remove any free debris.  You should then fill the 300mm square hole with water and let it drain naturally over night.  Day after today you should refill the test hole, however now you need to see how long it takes, in seconds, to seep away.  Record final results from 75% full to 25 percent full.  For example the depth at 225mm, then 150mm and at last at 75mm.    You need to then divide the answer by 150, this will provide the average time it takes in seconds for the fluids level to drop 1mm.  To find the most accurate results you should carry the test out no less than three times, with at least two unique trial holes. Take note that you should not carry the test out when it is raining heavy, when you have a drastic drought or frost.

You should only install a soak away when the experiment implies that the average outcome for the liquid to drain away is between twelve and one hundred.  In case your test results are outside of these limits then soak away isn t likely to be affective.  Nonetheless this could be overcome should you have an alternatively 2nd treatment for the sewage effluent.

To calculate the dimensions of the soak away you require you should use the following equation -

The area in meters squared = [the typical time in seconds for your water to drop by one mm in the test hole (V) x the maximum number of people that the septic tank is designed for (p)] x 0.25 for septic tanks (in case you have a sewage treatment plant then times the amount by 0.20)  Please note you should first times V by p before times the result by either 0.25 or 0.20

Easier mathematical arrangement -


Septic tank area = Vp x 0.25

Sewage treatment plant = Vp x 0.20

Sewage Discharge Info

If you are developing a new house that is not connected to the main sewage system, you need to install a septic tank, based on the property.  There are presently strict guidelines that you must follow, and you should register with the Environment Agency.  Most of the time they'll accept your requests, if completed correctly.  However if your property is near to a conservation area your requests could be denied.

 You may want to note that if youre just replacing your old septic tank, and have formerly been issued with a Consent to Discharge‚ or have an Environment Permit For Sewage Effluent within the last 20 years then you don t need to apply for one yet again.  Additionally cesspools don t need to be approved because they are a sealed unit and have no discharge.  As a result they aren't believed to be a hazard to the environmental surroundings.

 New systems need to be constructed, designed and installed in accordance with the British Standards, and also the same is true if you are installing an upgraded or any new devices.

 If you are installing a septic tank as opposed to a cesspool, you have to make sure that the neighboring properties don t have any drinking wells, springs or boreholes within a fifty meter radius of where the sewage effluent will be discharged.

 Once you obtain the okay from the environment agency, you must make certain that your septic tank is in kept in good maintenance.  These include draining you tank at least once per year, whether it is necessary it.  This would remove any excess slush, and should only be done by authorized companies.  You have to make sure that you keep good documents of all maintenance and repairs.  It is suggest that you keep all documentation for at least 5 years.  In addition you need to make sure that you are not creating any pollution to the environment.  For anybody who is experiencing difficulty with your septic tank then you definitely need a qualified engineer to inspect the problem, and correct is as quickly as possible.

 You should take your time and read the full guidance which is issued from the Environment Agency, as it is your duty.

Monday 20 June 2011

Common Septic Tank Problems

As with everything, difficulties can easily develop, and septic tanks are no exclusion.  The most common problem right now, the lack of bacteria.  The bacteria helps to break down the waste that enters the tank, but with today, modern cleaning produces, these necessary bacteria can easily been erased.  Therefore in you are having a smelly septic tank, it might well be because you need more bacteria.  And hopefully it will be, because this is the most inexpensive and easiest problem to sort out.  A large number of organisations offer it in dissolvable bags, and you simply need to flush it down the lavatory.  Also if you are finding that you are emptying your tank more often, you sound 1st add more bacteria and see if that helps.

Yet another common issue with septic tanks, can be a faulty soak away.  For anyone who is discovering that there s sewage effluent coming up from your soil, then there's probably a problem with your soak away.  Additional common indicators include your toilet taking awhile to flush, pollution is nearby steams, slow draining drains, overflowing toilet.

The soak away drain can easily be cracked by roots , so try not to design your soak away close any large trees.  Over time the root and break into the drain, causing all of the sewage discharge to come out at that damaged spot.

Yet another septic tank problem is maintenance, even if it, it would be sensible to to empty your septic tank once a year.  This would get rid of any slush at the bottom of the tank, which can, over time, cause the tank to decelerate.  This can have an impact on all the drain system within your house.

Also a regular problem is the failure of the T bar.  This T bar is located inside the septic tank where is joins to the outlet pipe.  This baffle is very basic, but I does the job.  One of the reason it is there is to stop any solids going into the soak away.  In case the T bar falls off you will find that solids will go into your soak away, this would cause a blockage.  It may thousands to replace your soak away.  The simplest way to solve this problem is just to install a septic tank filter.

Sunday 19 June 2011

Septic Tank Bacteria

Septic tanks really are a must for those who are not linked to the major sewage structure.  Sometimes they can start to admit horrendous smells, normally from the break down of rotting waste.  It is not normal, if the tank is healthy then it simply does not emit any of these horrible smells.  Normally undesirable fumes occur longer any micro organism.  The fashionable cleaning products like bleach, soaps, powers and such things can, eventually kill the bacteria in your septic tank that works so hard to digest material within the tank.

The most simple solution to this problem is simply to add extra bacteria.  Nowadays most companies sell bacteria in one hundred % dissolvable bags and aren't toxic.  You simply drop each of these dissolvable bags down the lavatory, and wait five minutes prior to flushing.  This bacteria will go straight into your septic tank, and it will all dispel within 2 to 3 hours.  The terrible smell will disappear in two to three days.

However how can this very bacteria function?  Basically bacteria is just natural organisms.  They break down bad produces and so the outcome is a cleaner, more environmentally friendly product.  This helps your septic tank work better.  It breaks down clogged waste in pipeline, helping liquid flow better and stopping any blockages.  It helps to keep your soak away following better, and can put years to its life span.

Whatever you do, by no means try to inspect the septic tank by yourself.  A lot of people have deceased because of the powerful fumes, that can easily defeat a person.  This can cause unconsciousness, therefore in you are having a challenge with a stinky septic tank, then I would suggest septic tank bacteria as your first port of call.

99 % of times is it the lack of bacteria that causes a smell, nonetheless, if after using the septic tank bacteria treatment, and if the smell still continues, you might have an issue with your soak-away.  Soak-away normally serve a lift time, however roots can break a sock away.  If your soak-away is damaged, then the discharge from the septic tank is unable to naturally steep into your soil over a large surface area.

Low Profile Septic Tanks

Low profile septic tanks have now already been available to buy for quite a few years.  They are also known as cylindrical septic tanks.  They are great for a great number of reason, but a lot of people purchase them since they are very easy to put in.   Because the low profile septic tank is so good, it typically only requires draining once every one to four years.  Of course this mainly is dependent upon the size of the tank and its usage. No concrete in required for installation, and they're roughly half the height of the original, onion shape septic tank.  With many low profile septic tanks only being 5 foot 9 inches tall.  Also they are built to last a lot longer, saving you possible thousands in the long run.  There are a few manufactures in great britan, but the most well liked is Tricel.  They designed and create long lasting low profile septic tanks and low profile sewage treatment plants. 
The low profile septic tanks have two chambers, which you ll find are built to separate the large solid water from the liquid waste water.  Inside the first chamber the heavier materials fall to the bottom of the compartment.  At this site bacteria works to break up the material.  This turns in sludge at the bottom of the area.  Inside the second chamber is when the liquid is once again detached from solids.  Again any solid material is going to fall to the bottom of the tank and then the last purifier and much more environment friendly liquid is then dispatched via a soak away. For the low profile septic tank to operate accurately a very good soak away unit should be installed .  This where the liquid is discharged straight into the soil, slowly over a period of time.  The majority of the people will now use perforated drainage pipes.  This basically signifies that as the liquid streams along the circuit of pipe work,  and also the water naturally weeps out as it travels along.  This manner the discharge is over a considerable surface area, and not just in a single place. 
Of course you can occasionally get troubles with a soak away if they become blocked or collapse.  Normally if a soak away in properly installed they it could last a lift time, nonetheless clogging can occur if you do not possess the bacteria in the tank which would normally break this excess substance .

Wednesday 15 June 2011

Difference between a cesspool and septic tanks

Many individuals inquire, what's the difference between a cesspool and a septic tank?  The simple answer is that cesspools do not have an outlet pipe,  like the septic tanks that can attach to an soak away.  Therefore the cesspool is a sealed unit, on account of this the cesspool need to be emptied more regularly.  Depending on the usage it may have to be emptied anywhere between every two to twelve weeks. Unlike the septic tank of course there isn t any treatment for the sewage.      The cesspool is just a large underground tank that is connected to all waste water outlet pipelines from the given home.

You will find only two types of cesspools that are used in great britan,  domestic and non domestic.  The domestic cesspool are generally only used as a last option, where a sewage treatment plant or septic tank cannot be established.  This is naturally the case if there can't be a soak away installed, often this happens when the residence does not have sufficient land, or the ground is not suitable i.e when the ground is mainly clay.  The new guideline, brought out by the Environment Agency and the building regulations state that the smallest size for a cesspool is now 18,000 liters (4 thousand gallons), this size cesspool would only cater for a one bedroom property.  Some property often connect the rainfall downpipes to there septic tanks, however this is not recommended for cesspools as it just fill the tanks up faster and then require more regular emptying.  The non domestic cesspools are used only for short-term settlements, such as camp sites, caravan parks, constructingbuilding sites e.c.t

Every so often there can be a terrible smell that is generated for the cesspool, the smell normally goes out through the vent or through the pipework.  Should you be facing this problem, please do not enter the cesspool to enquire the situation.  This would be remarkably perilous as the toxic gases are very powerful and can defeat you very quickly, it has been know to kill people!  This problem is normally caused by the micro organism in the cesspool dying, this can happen due to modern cleaning products like bleach and different powders.  The best thing to do is to simply add some bacteria.  The bacteria is often sold according to the size of your house.  The majority of bacteria is simply flushed down the wc once a day over a 3 - 4 day period and typically last for 3 years taking into consideration the application of modern cleaning products.

The other query a lot of people ask is what size cesspool do I need for my home.  The guidelines and regulations from British Water state that the capacity ought to be based on allowing 180 liters of waste water per person per day and that the cesspool should be able to hold that waste for 40-50 days prior to it requires an emptying.  So based on those sums a 18,000 liters cesspool would be fine for two individuals living in a one bedroom property, and for each individual added you need a cesspool that increases by a minimum of 6800 litres.

Monday 6 June 2011