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How much does a domestic sewage treatment plant cost in the UK?

Installation of the Ecoflo biofilter sewage treatment plant in the UK.

If you're considering a domestic sewage treatment plant, one of your biggest questions is likely: How much is it going to cost me?

Total project costs range from £8,000 to £15,000 for a typical system, making it a significant investment for most homeowners. But with so many factors influencing the final price, it’s not always easy to understand the cost.

In this guide, we’ll break down the elements that affect domestic sewage treatment plant costs, provide total project costs for Premier Tech Water and Environment’s main treatment technologies, and suggest a few ways to help you save money along the way.

What is a domestic sewage treatment plant?

A domestic sewage treatment plant is a system designed for homes that aren’t connected to the mains sewer. Common in rural areas of the UK, these systems treat household wastewater so it can safely be released into the environment.

You may also hear them called residential wastewater treatment plants, packaged treatment plants, or mini treatment plants.

People often confuse sewage treatment plants with septic tanks. There are some key differences:

  • Septic tanks
    These systems receive raw wastewater and separate solids from liquids. Effluent is piped to a drainage field where wastewater filters into the ground. Septic tanks are not permitted to discharge into watercourses without additional treatment processes.
     
  • Sewage treatment plants
    Treatment plants do more than just separate wastewater. They treat it to break down harmful pollutants. Because effluent meets higher environmental standards, it can be discharged into the ground or directly into a watercourse.

Now, let’s look at two of the most popular domestic sewage treatment plant technologies in the UK to see how they work.

Biofilters

Septic tank and Ecoflo biofilter installation.

Septic tank and Ecoflo biofilter installation.

Biofilters offer a natural way to treat wastewater, combining physical and biological processes to remove contaminants.

Premier Tech’s Ecoflo biofilter takes this process a step further by using renewable coconut husk fragments to filter wastewater. The best part? This sewage treatment system requires no electricity, making it one of the most sustainable options available.

Sequencing batch reactors

Rewatec Solido Smart sewage treatment plant installation in the UK.

Rewatec Solido Smart sequencing batch reactor installation.

Sequencing batch reactors (SBRs) use energy to aerate and treat household wastewater in optimised cycles.

Premier Tech’s Rewatec Solido Smart stands out in this category for its reliability, flexibility, and energy efficiency.

This treatment plant reduces electricity costs by using intermittent aeration cycles. This is different from competing products, which continuously force air into wastewater, requiring electricity 24 hours a day and increasing energy bills.

The Rewatec Solido Smart can also be programmed to handle variable loads, offering more flexibility than similar systems that require a constant inflow of wastewater.

What influences the cost of a residential sewage treatment plant?

The cost of a residential sewage treatment plant is influenced by several factors, including the type of system, its size and capacity, the quality of its construction, and the discharge area.

Installation location and site conditions can also play a role, with more complex or remote sites potentially increasing costs.

Type of system

The type of sewage treatment plant you choose affects both the initial cost and your long-term expenses.

Gravity-based systems are typically less expensive to install and maintain. More advanced systems, like aerated units, are costlier due to their reliance on mechanical pumps, which increase energy consumption and maintenance requirements.

Size and capacity

The size and capacity of a sewage treatment plant are primarily determined by population equivalent (PE). PE refers to the estimated amount of wastewater generated by a person per day, which helps to define the plant’s required capacity.

For instance, a typical household of four people might need a system with a capacity of 5 to 6 PE. Larger households may require a system designed for 10 PE or more. The higher the PE rating, the larger the system needed to handle the wastewater.

Quality and construction

While the size and capacity of a sewage treatment plant are important, the quality of the tank also plays a role in determining the cost. Two tanks of the same size could vary in cost, depending on the durability and overall quality of the materials used.

Discharge area

The discharge area can also influence the cost of a sewage treatment plant. There are two typical discharge options: ground discharge and watercourse discharge.

If treated wastewater is discharged to a drainage field, the septic system is relatively simple, which helps lower costs.

Watercourse discharge is a bit different. It requires more advanced treatment technologies or “bolt-on” systems. These additional components are necessary to meet environmental regulations and can increase the overall cost of your project.

Premier Tech installing a domestic sewage treatment plant in the UK.

A home's wastewater output determines the size and capacity of the treatment plant — two key factors that affect cost.

Other costs to factor into your budget

When planning for a domestic sewage treatment plant, it’s important to think beyond the price of the system itself. There are related expenses that ensure your system is designed and installed for the long term. Understanding these costs will help you budget for your project.

Site assessments and surveys

A site assessment is a crucial first step before installing a domestic sewage treatment plant. It identifies your treatment technology options based on your property’s conditions and local regulations.

The process includes a percolation test to evaluate how well your soil can absorb treated wastewater. Other factors, such as groundwater levels, site topography, and proximity to water sources, may also be assessed to ensure a safe and compliant installation.

At Premier Tech, we offer free site visits in the UK to help homeowners better understand their options. Our experts will assess your property and ensure compliance with all local regulations.

Get a free site visit

System design

System design involves selecting the right sewage treatment plant for your property and sizing it based on your household’s needs. It also includes creating detailed plans for the system’s layout.

Premier Tech provides free system designs as part of its installation services. It’s a money-saver for our clients as the typical cost for system design is anywhere from £500 to £1,500.

Request system design

Premier Tech Water and Environment's pre-installation septic services in the UK.

Premier Tech's free site assessment for residential properties in the UK.

System installation

The installation process is where the rubber meets the road. It covers site preparation, excavation, and the actual placement of your sewage treatment plant.

Assuming your site has permeable soil, a gentle slope, and easy access, the cost to install a sewage treatment plant starts at £7,000 to £8,000. Costs are higher for more complex sites.

At Premier Tech, our experienced team can handle the installation of your system. With decades of expertise, we make sure you get the right system and that it’s installed correctly — the first time.

Get an installation quote

Regulatory fees

Installing a domestic sewage treatment plant may involve some fees and permits to ensure compliance with regulations.

  • Planning permission fees
    You need to get planning permission if you’re installing a sewage treatment plant in a new location or if you’re expanding your site and need a larger system. The fee is usually around £350. Permission and fees are not required if you’re replacing an existing system with one of a similar size.
     
  • Environment Agency permits
    You don’t need a permit from the Environment Agency if your system discharges less than 5,000 L per day and complies with all requirements of the General Binding Rules. If your system doesn’t meet these rules, you will need to apply for a permit and pay the application fee of £125 .

At Premier Tech, we offer a complementary consultation to help you navigate this process. Our team provides guidance on planning permissions, permits, and all necessary documentation, making it easier to get your system approved.

Get planning support

Ecoflo biofilter installation by Premier Tech Water and Environment.

Premier Tech installing the Ecoflo biofilter sewage treatment plant.

What are the total project costs for Premier Tech’s sewage treatment plants?

Now, let’s get to the total project costs for Premier Tech’s two main sewage treatment plants: the Ecoflo biofilter and the Rewatec Solido Smart.

Whichever system you choose, we’ll give you a clear picture of the total investment required. This includes not just the price of the treatment unit itself, but everything that goes into getting your system up and running:

  • site assessments
  • system design
  • permits and fees
  • materials
  • installation
  • commissioning

Ecoflo biofilter sewage treatment plant costs

For residential properties and holiday homes, the Ecoflo sewage treatment plant is available in models ranging from 5 to 20 PE.

The total cost for a domestic Ecoflo system is between £8,000 and £15,000 (excluding VAT), assuming your site has permeable soil, a gentle slope, and easy access.

If you have a more complex site, our team has you covered. We can handle any challenge and provide you with a personalised quote to suit your needs.

Talk with an expert

Rewatec Solido Smart sewage treatment plant costs

The Rewatec Solido Smart sewage treatment plant is another option for residences and holiday homes. Its models range from 8 to 25 PE.

The total cost for the domestic Rewatec Solido Smart system is between £8,000 and £12,000 (excluding VAT). Again, this assumes that your site has good soil permeability, a gentle slope, and easy access.

Don’t worry if your property isn’t quite so simple. Our experts can help you determine your needs and give you a tailored quote based on your site’s conditions.

Talk to an expert

An Ecoflo wastewater treatment system being installed

Total costs for the Ecoflo biofilter start at £8,000, excluding VAT.

Ways to save money on your domestic sewage treatment plant project

There are plenty of ways to keep costs under control when planning your sewage treatment plant project. With the right approach, you can save money without cutting corners. Here are some tips to help you get the best value for your purchase.

Plan ahead

Waiting until the last minute to start your septic project can limit your choices and may lead to unexpected costs or delays. Planning ahead gives you flexibility to make the best possible decision for your property, and it can save you money in the long run.

Check for grants and subsidies

Government subsidies for septic upgrades and replacements aren’t currently available nationwide. But there is good news: Some local councils may offer financial assistance or incentives.

These programs vary by region, so it’s worth checking with your local council to see if it offers grants or funding to offset your system’s costs.

Find a one-stop shop

Choosing a company that offers a turnkey package can simplify your septic project and save you money.

With a one-stop provider, you get a sewage treatment plant and bundled services, including site surveys, system design, installation, commissioning, and even service and maintenance.

If this option interests you, reach out to Premier Tech. We specialise in affordable turnkey packages that keep your project stress-free from start to finish.

Get multiple quotes

A domestic sewage treatment plant is a major investment and it’s important to shop around. Don’t settle for the first company you find and don't always go with the cheapest option.

Instead, take time to get quotes from at least three reputable companies. A quote should give a detailed scope of works, including treatment units, parts, materials, labour, installation, and any additional services.

To protect yourself, be sure to ask about hidden costs like disposal fees or charges for remote or challenging sites.

By comparing multiple quotes, you can identify areas where savings might be possible and choose professionals that best meet your needs.

Premier Tech sewage treatment plant installer.

Premier Tech is the one-stop shop for septic projects.

Premier Tech technicians installing a septic tank in the UK.

Start your septic project

Now that you know the costs of domestic sewage treatment plants, let’s get your project started.

Send us a few quick details, and we’ll prepare a no-obligation quote tailored to your needs.

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