When your business has invested in a new sewage treatment plant, you naturally want everything to run smoothly from day one. If you chose Mantair, your system will have been planned and installed with careful consideration of your site and its requirements. Whilst this gives you a strong foundation for long-term performance, no sewage treatment plant can simply be left to its own devices.
Once the installation is complete, ongoing maintenance and vigilance are still essential. Commercial systems manage higher flows than domestic units, so staying on top of routine checks will help you to extend the lifespan of your investment as well as ensuring that your business remains compliant.
Below, we have outlined some key maintenance tips for businesses after sewage treatment plant installations. By adhering to these, you are much more likely to keep your system operating efficiently all year round.
How Well Do You Know Your System?
Commercial sewage treatment plants offer a modern upgrade from traditional septic tanks; functioning as stand-alone treatment systems that actively clean the wastewater passing through them. The inside of the plant is designed to support the growth of aerobic micro-organisms. These micro-organisms then break down and treat the incoming wastewater, producing a cleaner effluent that is suitable for discharge into a natural watercourse (subject to approval from the Environment Agency in the UK and Wales, and SEPA in Scotland).
Although different models exist across the UK, including both electric and non-electric options, they all follow the same basic treatment principle which replicates that of a large sewage works but on a much smaller scale.
At Mantair, we work with a wide range of sewage treatment plant manufacturers and aren’t tied to a single provider. This means that we recommend systems based on what is genuinely suitable for your site rather than ones that are tied to brand endorsements. Your installation will always reflect the needs of your location and the volume of wastewater that your business produces.
Monitor Effluent Quality
Once your plant is installed and ready to go, it’s good practice to familiarise yourself with what normal treated effluent looks like. It should be clear, oxygenated and free from strong odours. Later on, if you notice a cloudy appearance or an unpleasant smell, this may be an early indicator that the biological process inside the plant needs attention.
If your system discharges into a soakaway/drainage field, it’s important to monitor the surrounding area periodically. Look out for soggy patches or unusually green grass as these can indicate that the soil is struggling to discharge the treated effluent effectively. Spotting these subtle changes early can often prevent small issues from developing into more serious faults.
Keep An Eye On What Enters the System
Protecting the delicate internal treatment process starts with managing what goes into the drains. Depending on the type of commercial operation you run, the waste entering your system may vary significantly.
Here are some simple steps that can help to protect your treatment plant:
- Businesses in the hospitality sector should be particularly aware of the impact of fats and oils, which can quickly overwhelm a treatment system if not properly managed. We recommend installing grease traps in kitchens which can help to prevent these liquids from entering the treatment plant.
- Make sure that customers know not to flush baby wipes, nappies or sanitary items.
- It helps to brief staff about good drainage habits, as some can be unusual if they are used to a traditional drainage system. Harsh chemicals, food scraps, medicines and even flushable cleansing wipes can all wreak havoc over time.
- To condense into an easy-to-share format; we like to recommend flushing only the ‘3 Ps’: Pee, Poo, Paper!
Protect Power Supply And Equipment
Sewage treatment plants rely on a stable power supply to keep pumps and aeration equipment running. If the power stops, even for a few hours, the treatment process can be disrupted and may take time to return to its optimal state. The installation process from the Mantair team is thorough, however we cannot predict the future and taking simple steps to protect your system can go a long way towards preventing unexpected downtime:
- Make sure that the plant has a dedicated, protected electrical supply and consider a back-up generator if you are in a remote location.
- Keep blower housings and control panels clean and accessible.
- Consider surge protection devices in areas with unstable electricity.
Maintain Safe Access To The Plant
Businesses often forget that engineers need access to the treatment plant for inspection and servicing. Keeping the area around the system clear is an important yet easy-to-overlook part of maintenance but it will keep servicing visits efficient and reduce the risk of accidental damage.
- Avoid placing storage containers, fencing, pallets or heavy equipment over inspection covers or buried tanks.
- Trim back nearby plants and vegetation and regularly check that vents and access points remain clear of all debris.
- Inappropriate loading above buried pipework can also cause damage over time, so avoid parking vehicles or storing materials in these areas.
Plan Early For Business Growth Or Sale
Your new sewage treatment plant will have been designed for your current operations but we also understand that business needs evolve. Whether you intend to expand facilities, which will increase visitor numbers, or introduce new services that will increase usage, changes in wastewater volume will affect the efficacy of your system.
The Mantair team can support with any development plans and assess whether your current setup will continue to support your operations. Planning this ahead of time avoids overloading the plant and prevents costly adjustments later. If upgrades are deemed to be required, they can often be coordinated smoothly, with minimal disruption to your business.
If you’re planning on selling your business, then up-to-date records will be expected to demonstrate environmental compliance, maintenance history, discharge records and service logs. Your Mantair engineer will provide you with a written service report after each visit, making compliance easier to manage. Keeping everything organised means that you are prepared for business-related changes, any regulatory checks as well as offering a clear picture of your system’s long-term performance.
Act Quickly If Something Doesn’t Seem Right
Even with a textbook installation and regular maintenance, no system is immune to the occasional issue. If you notice unusual noises, odours, alarms or changes in effluent appearance, don’t wait for the problem to escalate. Mantair’s experienced engineers are equipped to find and resolve issues quickly and accurately, so you can focus on running your business.
Don’t Skip Servicing
Even the most modern sewage treatment plants need regular servicing. For commercial businesses, this is particularly important because wastewater levels and waste composition can fluctuate throughout the year. Routine servicing helps to maintain tank performance and reduces the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns.
Contact Mantair To Find Out More
A high-quality sewage treatment plant installation from Mantair will give your business a strong foundation but even with the best installation, ongoing care is essential. By keeping to regular servicing, monitoring what enters the system and staying alert to changes, you can protect your investment for years to come.
If your business has recently had a sewage treatment plant installed or you would like support with maintaining an existing system, Mantair is here to help. To arrange a service, seek advice or discuss future upgrades, call 01255 853890 or email enquiries@mantair.com.