Septic Tank Installation & Sewage Treatment Plant Installation
Compare septic tank and sewage treatment plant installation quotes for new systems, replacements and private drainage upgrades.
- Free to compare
- No obligation to accept a quote
- New systems, replacements & upgrades
Planning a new septic tank, replacing an old private drainage system or considering a sewage treatment plant? TankEmptying.co.uk can collect the project details once and help connect the enquiry with suitable installation companies.
Compare septic tank installation quotes without starting from scratch each time
Installation is a different job from routine tank emptying. An installer needs to understand the property, the existing drainage arrangement, the likely discharge route, access for excavation and where the project has reached in planning or building-control terms. The form below collects those points before the enquiry is reviewed.
What installation projects can be submitted?
- New private drainage systems where a property cannot reasonably connect to the public foul sewer.
- Replacement septic tanks where an older system is failing, undersized or needs to be brought up to current requirements.
- Sewage treatment plant installations for properties where a treatment plant is the appropriate private drainage solution.
- Private drainage upgrades linked to renovations, extensions, property purchases, conversions or changes in occupancy.
Septic tank or sewage treatment plant?
A septic tank normally discharges treated effluent to the ground through a drainage field. In England, a septic tank must not discharge directly to a watercourse. A sewage treatment plant treats wastewater to a higher standard and may be used in circumstances where a septic tank is not appropriate, subject to the applicable rules and site conditions.
Rules to consider before installation in England
For a new discharge, official Environment Agency guidance says you should only install a private sewage treatment system where it is not reasonable to connect to a public foul sewer. New systems require Building Regulations approval, and planning permission may also be needed. The system, capacity and discharge arrangement must also meet the applicable general binding rules or any permit requirements.
What affects an installation quote?
- Existing system: removal, decommissioning or working around an old tank changes the scope.
- Ground and discharge route: the available area and suitability for a drainage field can be fundamental.
- Property loading: system sizing depends on the property and expected population or use.
- Excavation and access: narrow lanes, retaining walls, steep ground and restricted plant access can materially change a project.
- Permissions and surveys: planning, building control, drainage design and environmental constraints can affect both programme and price.
Current local installation pages
Questions about septic tank installation
Can I simply replace an old septic tank with a new one?
Not always. The installer needs to consider the current discharge arrangement, available drainage field, property loading and the rules that apply to the site. A replacement project can therefore involve more than swapping the tank itself.
Do I need Building Regulations approval?
For new septic tanks and small sewage treatment plants in England, Building Regulations approval is required. Planning permission may also be required depending on the project and local circumstances.
Can a septic tank discharge to a stream?
In England, septic tank effluent must not discharge directly to a watercourse. A drainage field to ground is normally used for a septic tank, subject to the applicable rules and site conditions.
Can TankEmptying.co.uk install the system?
No. TankEmptying.co.uk is an independent enquiry and comparison service. Installation work is carried out by third-party companies, and customers remain free to decide whether to proceed with any quote.