What is the difference between a treatment plant and a septic tank?

A septic tank is a tank based system that separate the solids and allows the waste water to disperse into the ground via a soakaway system. A treatment plant treats the waste to a higher quality/separation and then discharges into a soakaway system or a water course, ditch.

Why would a treatment plant be used rather than a septic tank?

Waste which has gone through a septic tank needs to be discharged via a soakaway, whereas treated waste from a treatment plant can be discharged into a water course, ditch or smaller soakaway. A septic tank is reliant on the soakaway performance and this will have a life span where as a treatment plant can, if connected to a water course or ditch, be considered a permanent discharge point. 

Will a treatment plant require a soakaway?

Only if there is not a better suitable option to discharge the water such as a water course or a ditch. What is a water course? A water course can be; a stream, river, running water source, it is important to check with the environmental agency as there are some protected zones.

What is a water course?

A water course can be; a stream, river, running water source, it is important to check with the environmental agency as there are some protected zones.

What is the average life span of a treatment plant and will it require maintenance?

Treatment plants require routine maintenance, but less frequently than a septic.  A treatment plant which is installed and maintained correctly should not require replacing, however different manufactures will offer different warranties on their products.

How would a treatment plant work with my current drainage field?

A newly installed treatment plant can be connected to an existing soakaway, if its known to be working but there is no guarantee to the soakaways performance without prior testing.