Solutions for all your drainage needs!

A drain survey will indicate the condition of the system and where the process falls down. We recommend a drainage survey when you are purchasing a domestic or commercial property, It helps you understand exactly what you are taking on and to ensure you don't experience problems after completing on a property purchase. 

How do sewage treatment plants work?

A sewage treatment plant operates by circulating air to encourage the growth of naturally-occurring bacteria that breaks down sewage. The goal is to deliver a cleaner effluent that is kinder to the environment. The process itself involves removing any harmful contaminants before discharging non-polluting wastewater into a nearby stream or river without posing a threat to fish or plant life living in the surrounding area.

Five key benefits of having a Sewage Treatment Plant

• Minimal odour– modern sewage treatment plants give off very little odour
• No sewage bills– using the public sewers incurs regular bills. Having your own independent wastewater treatment plant will save you from having to pay to send your wastewater into already overstretched public sewers
• Little maintenance required– once your sewage treatment plant has been installed it will need little looking after to keep it ticking over. Sludge may need to be removed roughly every two years, and it’s advisable to have the system serviced often
• Reuse and recycle– once the wastewater has been treated, the environmentally-safe product can be reused or released back into the environment. Many people are now also using sludge produced by sewage treatment plants as a source of green energy
• Environmentally-friendly– sewage treatment plants use natural processes to filter contaminants and produce clean, non-polluting effluent that can then be released directly into a stream or ditch.

Bespoke sewage treatment plant solutions

Choosing the right plant for your requirements can be tricky because there are many different manufacturers and products to choose from. As a truly independent company, we install a wide range of treatment plants from well-known suppliers such as Klargester, Tricel, Vortex, Falcon, Condor and Bio Cell. During an initial consultation, we will discuss the specifications of your building and your wastewater output before providing you with an expert opinion on which product best suits your requirements. All the products we install at both commercial and domestic premises, are EN12566-3 certified and CE Marked – a legal requirement in the UK for all new plants.

Commercial sewage treatment plants

We install tanks of all different capacities, ranging from 6PE up to 200PE, and often beyond for larger commercial properties. As with domestic sewage treatment plants there are many different types of system, including electric and non-electric plants, each with their own advantages. We will provide informed advice on the pros and cons of each system – along with their suitability for your requirements – to help you decide on the best option.

How does a septic tank work?

A septic tank collects wastewater from a building, which is then separated into different layers.

The water is treated through a natural biological process that separates solids, oils and greases, and water. A layer of grease or oils forms on top, while at the bottom sludge and heavy particles gather.

The bacteria in the septic tank breaks down the heavier parts that are biodegradable, and those are in turn washed out too. The liquids are released into the ground slowly to that they can be absorbed over time. Some waste remains in the tank to be emptied periodically.

Why do you need a septic tank installed on your property?

Septic tanks are needed because if you don’t have this sort of equipment, wastewater and effluence will build up around your property that is hazardous and potentially toxic. For businesses, there are a list of benefits below. However for residential properties it is a more pressing  issue because plenty aren’t connected to the main sewage system. You will be known as the tanks operator. The anaerobic bacterial environment that develops in the tank is what gives the name “septic”. If you are still unsure as to whether or not you are classed as a tank’s operator, then you should contact the Environment Agency for clarification.

Benefits of installing a septic tank

Whether you own a house or a commercial property, if the building produces wastewater you could benefit from the installation of a septic tank. They are not only useful for those properties that don’t have access to a nearby sewage system, but also provide an efficient solution for those seeking an environmentally-friendly way of recycling wastewater without relying on already overstretched public sewers.

Environmentally-friendly– septic tanks recycle water using a natural filtration system. No chemicals are used, waste is broken down by naturally-occurring bacteria, separated and then clarified. Water can then be recycled and released back into the environment. Cost-effective– installing a septic tank is usually cheaper than having a whole new pipe system installed. It allows you to dispose of your wastewater independently so there is no need to make regular payments to a sewage company. Low maintenance– your septic tank will generally only need emptying and servicing once annually to keep it working efficiently. Long-lasting– a well-maintained septic tank should last between 20 and 40 years, sometimes longer!

Bespoke septic tank design

At S.A. Hewitt's, every septic tank we install is a bespoke design to ensure optimum performance.

Our experience in the industry enables us to devise systems that efficiently dispose of liquid waste while adhering to relevant building regulations for either commercial or domestic premises. To achieve this, we consider the size of the property and its estimated usage because incorrectly sizing the tank can lead to problems caused by overloading the system. We also consider the distance of a tank from buildings, structures and property boundaries because each site has a minimum distance that must be adhered to comply with wastewater legislation.

S.A. Hewitt's septic tank maintenance 

Our drainage services include septic tank servicing and maintenance by an off-mains drainage specialist to keep your system operating efficiently for longer, and to help prevent costly problems. If your septic tank has been damaged, we can undertake an assessment to determine what repairs are needed or whether a new one is required. We are also experienced in dealing with assessments and installations for insurance claims, getting your system back up and running as soon as possible.