Septic tank conversion to treatment plant - best system

rootless45

Hi all. I'm wondering if I can draw on any wisdom here. We're having our septic tank converted to comply with 2020 regs, and I'm wondering if anyone here has done the same and what system they would recommend? We've had a quote for the Mantair, which our neighbour has had done and seems pretty happy with. I'm also aware however that there are non-electric versions that may also be good, and may involve fewer maintenance charges (but I don't know). Our septic tank is old but solid (may need covers sealed better, but otherwise in good nick). Thanks.

canaldumidi

Avoid a system with internal moving parts, for obvious maintenance reasons.

If your property is going to be under-occupied, make sure the system can cope. Most require an appropriate through-put to work properly so if your sytem is sized for a 4 bed house but only 1 or 2 peope live there, you need one of the few systems that will continue to function properly.

We installed a WTE Apex which can handle low volumes and works with an external blower for the air bubbles in the tank .

We did a lot of reading/research of the different systems and how they work, had site visits /quotes for several different systems, and then once we decidedon the Apex had 2 different WTE-recommended installers to quote.

rootless45

canaldumidi said:

Avoid a system with internal moving parts, for obvious maintenance reasons.

If your property is going to be under-occupied, make sure the system can cope. Most require an appropriate through-put to work properly so if your sytem is sized for a 4 bed house but only 1 or 2 peope live there, you need one of the few systems that will continue to function properly.

We installed a WTE Apex which can handle low volumes and works with an external blower for the air bubbles in the tank .

We did a lot of reading/research of the different systems and how they work, had site visits /quotes for several different systems, and then once we decidedon the Apex had 2 different WTE-recommended installers to quote.

Thanks. Can I ask which systems you checked out? It's our permanent residence and there are three of us, so I doubt it would ever be underoccupied. I'll check out the Apex.

canaldumidi

The size of the system has to be based on the number of bedrooms (not number of occupants, which can vary). Building Regulations! Some info here:

https://www.ukseptictanks.co.uk/Size-Sewage-Treatment-Plant

I know we started out looking at Kingspan Klargester biodisc but it's pricey + has an internal rotating arm which is dificult/expensive to repair or replace.

I forget which others we considered I'm afraid, but as we were 2 4-bedroom houses occupied usually by 3 people we soon realised WTE were one of the few that operated well at both full and minimal capacity. That may not be an issue for you.

As well as reading various installer's and manufacturer's websites we also duckducked (OK, googled if you insist!) 'sewage treatment forum' and similar to find discussions eg useful discussion here:

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=1733182