You’ve invested in a modern sewage treatment plant for your off-mains property. It’s working like a charm (so far). Life couldn’t be better. But there’s one factor that still needs consideration: servicing.
Common sense dictates that, if you’re responsible for an expensive piece of machinery – a car, a boiler etc. – it should be serviced regularly. A domestic sewage treatment plant is no different. Even the very best-made equipment, such as Biocell and Clenviro Matrix plants, should be inspected and serviced by professionals annually.
To appreciate why servicing a sewage treatment plant is so important, it helps to look at all the factors that go towards the running of a healthy system. You also need to factor the financial and legal obligations. Here are 4 important reasons why you should service your sewage treatment plant once a year.
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It’s the law
Many off-mains property owners are not aware that it is a legal requirement to ensure that their septic system is operating efficiently. UK law states you must carry out regular maintenance and inspection of your sewage treatment plant – no excuses. It’s all laid out the Environment Agency’s Environmental Permitting Programme (EPP2), updated in 2018. In extreme cases, pollution caused by a faulty sewage treatment plant can be punished by heavy fines and even imprisonment.
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Safer for the environment
Jail time is admittedly an unlikely result of failing to adequately maintain a sewage treatment system. But there’s no avoiding the elephant in the room: environmental protection. The sole purpose of recent changes to the laws governing the use and operation of septic systems is limiting human impact on the environment (see our blog on 2020 septic tank regulations).
If you own a septic tank that doesn’t discharge into the ground, you needn’t worry. But for everyone else, preventing pollution is both a legal and ethical responsibility. And for those with a drainage field, servicing your sewage treatment plant is crucial to prevent any blocking or “binding”, a common issue associated with poor septic system maintenance.
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Your manufacturer’s warranty may depend on it
A good quality sewage treatment plant from a reputable brand will be covered by a comprehensive warranty. This ensures long term peace of mind having invested in a new system. However, property owners must maintain the system in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions for the warranty to be valid. This means keeping the sewage system in good working order, as well as emptying and desludging as required. The only way to guarantee this is to get your system professionally serviced once a year.
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Save money and prolong your investment
Just like a car, annual check-ups and maintenance will prolong the life of a sewage treatment system. Identifying potential issues – with the pumps, air filter, filtration media etc. – before more costly problems occur. This will save you money in the long run by reducing the likelihood of a full system replacement. As with any investment, the aim is to get the most value from your purchase and to keep it working as efficiently as possible.
At CESS, our team are approved installers and maintenance contractors for Biocell and Clenviro and we have experience in . To arrange a professional service for your sewage treatment plant, get in touch today via phone or email. We offer both annual agreements and one-off servicing appointments based on your needs and budget.