A septic tank is still the most cost effective way of dealing with sewage when not on the 'mains'. Where there is suitable ground conditions and sufficient space for a Sub Soil Irrigation system or soakaway pit then this would be your 1st option. It is advisable that Percolation and Porosity tests are carried out as per BS6297 or the Building Regulations (Section H) to determine the suitability of your ground. Other factors will also need to be considered such as proximity to a watercourse and the topography of the land.

If mains drains is available but a gravity fall cannot be achieved it is always worth considering a crude sewage pump station to delivery the sewage to the 'mains'. Various pump stations are available to cover all eventualities.

Cesspools are normally the last option you would consider. A cesspool is simply a large holding tank with no outlet pipe. Whenever the cesspool is full it will require emptying. The greater the number of residents the more expensive it is to empty per year. However, a cesspool is a good option when there is nothing else suitable.

Increasingly Sewage Treatment Plants are becoming the answer to most people’s problems. Sewage Treatment Plants produce such a high standard of effluent quality that it is possible to obtain permission from the Environment Agency for discharge to a Watercourse or a Borehole. There are numerous manufacturers of Sewage Treatment Plants varying from very cheap and cheerful to very complicated computerised systems. Each system has its advantages and is totally site dependant to which will be the most suitable. We would advise that a site visit is undertaken by SL Services or various manufacturers before you decide which system to install.