South Shields specialist in converting, replacing, maintaining & emptying septic tanks.
All homes and buildings must be connected to the local main sewer line for the disposal of wastewater and sewage. However, in scenarios where this is not possible alternative solutions to sewage and wastewater disposal must be used. Call Smart Flow - NE Limited to discuss your requirements in South Shields.

The most common alternatives to a sewage line connection include a septic tank or a sewage treatment plant. A septic tank is a tank that is installed into the ground which collects the sewage and wastewater coming from a building or home. They can contain a single chamber or multiple chambers, and they utilise the power of gravity to separate solid waste from liquid waste. The liquid then flows out of the tank into a soakaway or drainage field where the liquid naturally disperses into the surrounding soil. The solid waste is left behind and over time bacteria will break down the remaining solid waste. Again, gravity works its magic where the lighter solids float to the top and the more solid waste sinks to the bottom for the process to continue with liquid dispersing to the surrounding soil leaving behind the sludge.
Over time as solid waste builds up, the septic tank will need to be emptied occasionally. But due to the naturally occurring processes, it will need to be emptied far less frequently than a typical cesspool. There are stringent environmental and building control rules that regulate where septic tanks can be used and how they are used, therefore it is advisable to consult a professional when installing one.
The other common waste disposal method is to use a wastewater treatment plant. This may sound complex, however, there are many small-scale domestic units as well as larger units for commercial properties, and many at an affordable price. These systems work in the same way that a septic tank does, but with some additional processes. A sewage treatment plant has a holding chamber where the solids and liquids separate. The liquid then flows into a second chamber where oxygen is introduced to the chamber which promotes the growth of bacteria. The bacteria break down the sewage into a cleaner effluent which travels into a final chamber where the liquid and bacteria separate. The liquid is then discharged in the same manner as in a septic tank, and the bacteria is recycled back into the first chamber for the waste treatment process to continue.
A less common wastewater and sewage disposal option is the use of cesspools. These often cost less to install, however, need ongoing maintenance and management. The big difference between a cesspool and a septic tank or sewage treatment tank is that the waste is not treated in the tank but simply stored to be removed at regular intervals. This may sound much less convenient, however, there are circumstances where a cesspool must be used for example in scenarios where the building is located on a sensitive site or close to drinking water supplies and the soil is unsuitable to soak away wastewater. The big downside to cesspools is the cost of disposing of the waste. The tank will need to be emptied regularly and this can cost in excess of £300 each time the cesspool tank is emptied.
Another consideration when installing a septic tank is the use of a pumping system. A septic tank pump or a sewage treatment plant pump is often required when the effluent from the tank needs to be pumped to a higher level. Or perhaps the soakaway or drainage field is located on the upper side of a slope. With gravity naturally sending wastewater and sewage downslope, the use of the pumping system pumps the effluent upslope to the soakaway.