Excelsior

Sizing is based on population, not just bedroom count — Building Regulations use a standard occupancy formula, so a typical 4-person household would need a tank rated for at least that daily flow with headroom for guests or future extensions. The Excelsior range is available across several capacities to cover single dwellings up through small developments. If you're unsure, tell us the number of bedrooms and occupants and we can confirm the right model.

Yes, but installation method matters more than the tank itself in difficult ground. Excelsior tanks are designed for correct anti-flotation measures — typically a concrete base slab and ballasting or strapping — which becomes essential where groundwater is high. Always follow the manufacturer's installation guide for backfill material and compaction, and get a groundwater assessment done before digging if you're on clay or near a watercourse.

Septic tank installations don't usually need planning permission, but they do need to satisfy Building Regulations (Part H) and, in most cases, Environment Agency general binding rules for discharge to a drainage field. If you're replacing an existing system or the discharge goes to a watercourse rather than a soakaway, you may need to register with the Environment Agency. We'd always recommend checking with your local authority before installation starts.

A septic tank simply separates solids from liquid and relies on a drainage field to treat the remaining effluent in the ground. A sewage treatment plant goes further, using mechanical aeration to actively break down waste so the discharge is clean enough to go to a watercourse in some cases. Choose based on your soil percolation test results and whether you have suitable land for a soakaway.

Excelsior tanks are delivered on a flatbed or crane-offload vehicle depending on size, so you'll need reasonable vehicular access to the drop point and enough clearance for the delivery team to unload safely. For larger models, a suitable offloading point close to the excavation saves a lot of manual handling. Let us know your site access details when ordering so we can arrange the right vehicle.

Most septic tanks need emptying roughly once a year, though this varies with occupancy and usage — always use a licensed waste carrier for this. It's worth checking the tank annually for sludge and scum levels and inspecting inlet/outlet pipework for blockages. Keeping fats, wipes and harsh chemicals out of the system will extend the interval between emptying and reduce the risk of the drainage field clogging.