Approximate overall costs of differing systems of sewage treatment for a single property in the UK

The Cesspool

Typical Installation Costs

  • Tank Cost = £2600
  • Installation Cost = £2300
  • TOTAL COST = £4900

Typical Maintenance Costs (Emptying only is required)

  • Average family of 3 persons x 200 litres per day = 600 litres per day volume discharged.
  • Min. tank capacity = 18,000 litres Storage capacity = 18000 / 600 = 30 days
  • Therefore tank will require emptying - 365 / 30 = 12.2 times per year = SAY 12
  • With an average emptying cost of say £80 per 1000 galls, a complete emptying of 4000 galls will cost £320
  • Average annual cost = 12 x £320 = £3840 per year

The Septic Tank

Typical Installation Costs

  • Tank Cost = £500
  • Installation Cost = £700
  • Land drainage system (assuming 100 metres of drains) = £3500
  • TOTAL COST = £4700

Typical Maintenance Costs

  • Emptying once per year = 1000 galls x £80 = £80 per year.

The Modern Packaged Sewage Treatment Plant

Typical Installation Costs

  • Plant Cost = £2700
  • Installation Cost = £2500 (including power supply to unit etc.)
  • Land drainage system (assuming 100 metres of drains) = £3500 (or this may be a similar cost as an outfall pipe to a stream)
  • TOTAL COST = £ 8700

Typical Maintenance Costs

  • Emptying once per year = 1000 galls x £80 = £80 per year
  • Power consumption = say £60 per year
  • Maintenance = say twice per year at £85 = £170 per year
  • TOTAL COST = £310 per year

The Modern Reed Bed Sewage Treatment Plant

Typical Installation Costs

  • Total supply and Installation Cost = £ 6500 (including power supply etc.)
  • Land drainage system (assuming 100 metres of drains) = £ 3500 (or this may be a similar cost as an outfall pipe to a stream)
  • TOTAL COST = £10000 (Note - there may be a cost for the larger area of land required)

Typical Maintenance Costs

  • Emptying once per year = 1000 galls x £80 = £80 per year
  • Power consumption = zero
  • Maintenance = zero
  • TOTAL COST = £80 per year

Please Note

  1. These are only comparative guide prices and may not be the same for your situation.
  2. Please do not use these costs in your case as here may be circumstances which would change the overall costs. (particularly the site topography.)
  3. These budget costs are based on prices obtained in 2004.
  4. These costs do not include any local fees, professional fees, taxes, or any costs for approvals.
  5. These costs are for a single property. Where there are more properties to be connected to a single system costs will vary.

For further impartial advice on any problems associated with all types of sewage and effluent treatment contact Johnston Smith Consulting - The Independent Specialists.