Why Treatment Plant Installations Are Essential

Sewage treatment plants are one of the most important elements of any modern off-mains drainage system. They provide safe, efficient, and fully compliant wastewater treatment where a mains sewer connection is not available. Unlike outdated septic tanks, treatment plants actively process and purify waste using biological treatment methods, producing a cleaner effluent that can be safely discharged into the ground or watercourses.

Since the introduction of the 2020 General Binding Rules, many traditional septic tanks are no longer compliant. If your system discharges directly into a watercourse, it must be replaced with a compliant sewage treatment plant to avoid hefty fines, environmental damage, or property sale delays. For homeowners, developers, and commercial sites across Surrey, Sussex, Kent, Hampshire, London, and the South East, treatment plant installation is not just best practice—it’s often a legal requirement.

By choosing a professional installation from Clearmasters, you ensure your property is protected against pollution risks, costly enforcement action, and future drainage failures. We install systems that are designed for longevity, reliability, and low running costs, giving you complete peace of mind that your wastewater is being managed in line with Environment Agency standards.

Benefits of a New Treatment Plant

  • Full Regulatory Compliance – Meets UK environmental regulations, including the 2020 General Binding Rules.
  • Environmentally Friendly – Produces clean effluent suitable for discharge to ground or watercourses, protecting local ecosystems.
  • Low Running Costs – Modern plants are energy-efficient, easy to maintain, and designed for long-term use.
  • Future-Proofing – Avoids fines, property sale complications, and the need for expensive emergency upgrades.
  • Improved Property Value – Demonstrates compliance and reduces risk for future buyers.
  • Versatile Applications – Suitable for domestic homes, rural properties, housing developments, and commercial premises.

Clearmasters are experts in the installation, servicing, and maintenance of sewage treatment plants. With over 30 years of experience, our engineers handle the entire process—from site surveys and design through to installation, testing, and certification. Whether you’re replacing a failing septic tank or planning a new build, we deliver a tailored solution that ensures full compliance and long-term reliability.

When Do You Need a Treatment Plant?

A sewage treatment plant installation is not only recommended in certain situations, it is often a legal requirement under the 2020 General Binding Rules. If your current drainage system is outdated or you are building a new property, installing a modern treatment plant ensures your wastewater is managed safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with UK environmental standards.

  • New Builds or Extensions – Where there is no connection to a mains sewer, treatment plants provide a reliable, long-term solution that meets building regulations and Environment Agency requirements.
  • Replacing Septic Tanks – If your septic tank discharges directly into a ditch, stream, or river, it no longer complies with current legislation and must be replaced with a compliant treatment system.
  • Property Upgrades – Many homeowners choose to upgrade from septic tanks or cesspits to reduce running costs, improve system reliability, and protect their property’s value.
  • Commercial Premises – Businesses that generate larger wastewater volumes, such as hotels, campsites, or food production facilities, need systems that meet strict discharge standards.
  • Rural & Off-Grid Properties – Homes in areas without access to mains drainage require treatment plants to process wastewater safely before discharge to ground or watercourses.

Failing to install a compliant system when required can result in fines, enforcement action, pollution risks, and property sale delays. By investing in a modern sewage treatment plant, you ensure your drainage is future-proofed, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective for decades to come.

Our engineers provide tailored, site-specific installations, taking into account your property layout, ground conditions, and discharge requirements. From domestic households to large commercial premises, Clearmasters deliver installations that are correctly sized, properly positioned, and fully certified to UK standards.

What Does a Sewage Treatment Plant Installation Cost?

The cost of a sewage treatment plant installation varies depending on a number of factors, Larger, commercial, or complex installations may require a higher investment due to increased capacity, excavation requirements, and additional compliance checks.

Factors That Affect the Cost

  • Plant Size & Capacity – The number of people or volume of wastewater the system needs to handle.
  • Site Conditions – Soil type, ground levels, and access for machinery can impact excavation costs.
  • Discharge Method – Whether effluent is discharged to ground, a soakaway, or directly to a watercourse.
  • Regulatory Requirements – Sites that need Environment Agency permits or specialist approvals may involve extra steps.
  • Additional Works – Connections, drainage field installations, or the removal of old septic tanks.

Value for Money

While the upfront cost of a treatment plant is higher than a septic tank, the long-term savings and benefits are significant. A properly installed system provides:

  • Full legal compliance with UK regulations.
  • Lower running costs thanks to energy-efficient design.
  • Reduced risk of pollution fines or property sale delays.
  • Decades of reliable service with minimal maintenance.

At Clearmasters, we provide free site surveys and no-obligation quotes, giving you complete transparency from the start. Our experienced team ensures you get the right system at the best possible price, with no hidden costs.

Our Treatment Plant Installation Process

Every installation is unique, but our proven approach ensures a smooth process and long-lasting compliance:

Initial Site Survey

We assess ground conditions, drainage layout, and discharge requirements. Our engineers also check soil permeability to ensure soakaway suitability if required.

System Design

We design a bespoke system, correctly sized for your household or business. This ensures optimal performance and compliance with environmental permits.

Excavation & Installation

Using modern equipment, we carefully excavate and install the plant, minimising disruption to your garden, driveway, or business premises.

Connections

The treatment plant is integrated seamlessly with your existing drainage network and discharge point, ensuring smooth system flow.

Testing & Commissioning

We fully test the system, making sure it runs efficiently, quietly, and meets compliance standards before handover.

Certification & Handover

You’ll receive all necessary documents, including compliance certificates, and guidance on proper use and care.

Types of Sewage Treatment Plants

There are several different types of sewage treatment plants available in the UK, each designed to process wastewater safely and effectively. The best choice for your property depends on factors such as size, location, soil conditions, and discharge method. At Clearmasters, we supply and install systems from leading manufacturers, ensuring you get a solution that is both reliable and compliant.

Main Types of Treatment Plants

  • Activated Sludge Plants (ASP) – Compact systems that use aeration to break down waste. They provide high treatment efficiency and are ideal for domestic and small commercial sites.
  • Rotating Biological Contactors (RBC) – These systems use rotating discs to support the growth of beneficial bacteria that treat the wastewater. Known for durability and low energy use.
  • Submerged Aerated Filter (SAF) Systems – Wastewater passes through a submerged filter media with air pumped in, allowing bacteria to treat the effluent effectively. Often used for larger flows.
  • Sequencing Batch Reactors (SBR) – Advanced plants that treat wastewater in timed batches, ensuring maximum efficiency. More common in larger or commercial installations.
  • Packaged Treatment Plants – Pre-manufactured systems designed for straightforward installation, suitable for domestic households and small developments.

Which System Is Right for You?

The correct treatment plant depends on:

  • Property size and occupancy – Ensuring the plant has enough capacity for peak flows.
  • Discharge method – Whether effluent is released to ground, a soakaway, or watercourse.
  • Ground conditions – Soil type, water table levels, and site access.
  • Commercial vs. domestic use – Larger sites may require more advanced technology to remain compliant.

Our team will carry out a full site survey and recommend the most suitable system for your property, ensuring it is correctly sized, positioned, and installed for long-term compliance.

Treatment Plant Installed

Why Choose Clearmasters?

Clearmasters have been installing treatment plants for over 30 years across Surrey, Sussex, Kent, Hampshire, and London. Our team are experts in both domestic and commercial installations, working to the highest industry standards.

We are approved installers for leading treatment plant brands, ensuring you get reliable equipment with strong manufacturer support. From small households to large industrial sites, our tailored solutions guarantee efficiency, compliance, and long-term peace of mind.

Alongside installation, we offer ongoing servicing and maintenance contracts to keep your system in peak condition, helping you avoid costly failures and fines.

  • Fully compliant with Environment Agency standards
  • Decades of installation and servicing expertise
  • Approved installers for multiple UK treatment plant manufacturers
  • Competitive pricing with no hidden costs
  • 24/7 emergency support available

Sewage Treatment Plant Maintenance & Servicing

Installing a sewage treatment plant is just the first step—regular servicing and maintenance are essential to keep it running safely, efficiently, and in line with UK regulations. A poorly maintained plant can lead to blockages, odours, pollution incidents, or even prosecution for non-compliance.

Why Servicing Is Important

  • Compliance – The Environment Agency requires treatment plants to be properly maintained to meet discharge standards.
  • Efficiency – Regular checks keep the system working at full performance, avoiding costly breakdowns.
  • Longevity – Proper maintenance extends the lifespan of your investment, saving money in the long term.
  • Early Problem Detection – Catching small issues early prevents expensive repairs and disruption.

What’s Included in a Typical Service?

  • Visual inspection of tanks, chambers, and covers
  • Checking and cleaning air blowers, pumps, and filters
  • Sludge level measurement and desludging recommendations
  • Testing effluent quality to ensure regulatory compliance
  • Full service record provided for compliance documentation

How Often Should You Service a Treatment Plant?

Most manufacturers and the Environment Agency recommend at least one service every 12 months. For commercial or high-occupancy sites, more frequent servicing may be required. Our team offers flexible maintenance contracts tailored to your property type and usage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do treatment plants replace septic tanks?

Yes. Treatment plants are the compliant alternative to septic tanks, producing cleaner effluent and avoiding fines under the 2020 General Binding Rules.

Where can a treatment plant discharge?

Effluent can discharge to a soakaway, drainage field, or watercourse depending on permits and soil conditions. We assess and design the correct solution for your site.

Do I need planning permission?

Small domestic plants are usually permitted development. Larger or commercial systems may require planning consent and Environment Agency approval.

How long does installation take?

Most domestic systems are installed in 3–5 days. Commercial or complex installations may take longer depending on access and site conditions.

What maintenance is required?

Treatment plants require regular servicing (usually annually) and desludging to stay efficient. Clearmasters offers planned maintenance contracts.

Are your installations guaranteed?

Yes. All installations come with a warranty and certification. We only install high-quality systems from trusted brands, ensuring long-term reliability.