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Thinking of making the change?

Treatment Plants

In 2020, The General Binding Rules changed to state that discharges from septic tanks directly to watercourses are prohibited. Therefore, you may need to update and upgrade your treatment system to comply with current rules. Our specialists septic tank services include the conversion of a septic tank to a Treatment Plant.

Have you checked your Septic Tanks recently to confirm it is all up to date?

Your tank may be out of sight, but it shouldn't be out of mind. The General Binding Rules regarding Septic Tanks recently changed which may affect you, especially if you're looking to sell your property. 

Understanding The General Binding Rules

What's changed?

The General Binding Rules were amended in 2020 to prohibit direct discharges from septic tanks into watercourses. As a result, you may need to update and enhance your treatment system in order to comply with current regulations. These rules are as follows:

(1) Septic tanks must be installed and operated in accordance with the instructions provided by the manufacturer.

(2) Septic tanks must be maintained and emptied on a regular basis to avoid overflow or pollution.

(3) Septic tanks must not discharge into a waterway unless the environmental standards are met.

Our response

Raw sewage gravitates into the Sewage treatment plant and is then aerated by air released from the bubble diffuser that rises up the distributor tube into the aeration zone. The sewage is completely mixed with the oxygen, which allows the growth of aerobic organisms that breakdown the wastewater contaminants, by biological action.

The air required for the process is provided by an air pump that is located in an adjacent shed, garage or within a purpose-built GRP housing. As the raw sewage enters the tank, this displaces treated effluent from the aeration zone to the final settlement zone until it reaches the discharge point.

The final effluent is discharged via the outlet syphon where it is lifted and flows to the discharge point, which can be at ground level. The discharge flow is controlled with a unti-directional flow regulator.

Have an emergency? Or looking for a maintenance or quote? Call us today on 01386 882324.

25 year guarantee!

As drainage specialists, we can supply and install treatment plants of all sizes. We provide you with both an annual service and annual maintenence contract, so you're never left in the dark and always ensured by the smooth running of your plant. When you have your new treatment plant installed, we promise to return within 4 - 6 weeks for a follow-up to check everything is still running smoothly!

We advise on regular servicing of treatment plants and sewage pumping stations, to always ensure a smooth-running plant! We can offer a bespoke maintenance packages for all types and sizes of tank to ensure you and your system is compliant.

25 years is a long time, but that's how long our guarantee lasts here at Cotswold Drainage.

  • “Very quick and efficient service at a reasonable price - no need to go anywhere else.”
  • “Can’t recommend Luke highly enough, went above and beyond to sort our nasty blockage on a Saturday night in awful weather. Friendly, professional, and I wouldn’t hesitate to use Cotswold drainage again!”
  • “Called today and they were here well within an hour. Polite and cheerful operative did a fantastic job and kept us informed about what and why all the time. I can well understand why your reviews are so good. Would recommend without a moment's hesitation. Thank you!”
  • "Cotswold Drainage were truly excellent. They were very efficient in what was a miserable job, digging out a foul drain and un-blocking it, in cold rainy weather and removing a spirit level!!! and then leaving us after ensuring that everything was left as clean and tidy and as it was before the big dig started. I would have no hesitation in recommending them for a professional and personable service.”