Question 1

Why should I have my sewage pump or sewage treatment plant regularly maintained?

Accepted Answer

If your property is located in a low-lying area or sits far from the main sewer network, having a reliable sewage pump, sump pump, or sewage treatment plant is essential for the safe and efficient management of wastewater. These systems play a vital role in protecting your property from drainage issues, flooding, and costly damage — but regular maintenance is key to keeping them operating at peak performance.

Over time, wastewater systems naturally accumulate oils, grease, fats, sludge, and other waste materials that can cause blockages, reduced efficiency, unpleasant odours, and even complete system failure if left untreated. Even the highest-quality systems require routine servicing to ensure long-term reliability and compliance with environmental standards.

We recommend servicing your wastewater system every six months to maintain optimal performance and extend the lifespan of your equipment. Regular maintenance allows potential problems to be identified early, helping to prevent emergency call-outs, minimise downtime, and keep your drainage system running efficiently all year round.

Question 2

What is involved in servicing a sewage pump or sump pump?

Accepted Answer

Regular sewage pump maintenance and sump pump servicing should always be carried out by a qualified and experienced professional. Without routine maintenance, sewage pumps and sump pumps can become blocked, fail unexpectedly, or operate inefficiently, leading to costly repairs and potential property damage. Our thorough maintenance visits typically include: removal of grease, fat, sludge, and waste build-up from pumps, inlets, level controls, and pump guide rails; inspection of all pipework, valves, and non-return valves; removal and inspection of pumps including impellers, bearings, oil levels, and cable entry seals; visual inspection of electrical cables, float switches, and level control devices; full operational testing; and electrical safety testing. We recommend servicing your sewage pump or sump pump system at least every six months to keep your wastewater system operating at peak performance throughout the year.

Question 3

What can I put down my toilet?

Accepted Answer

Your sewage system, sewage pump, and sewage treatment plant are designed to safely process human waste and toilet paper only — both of which break down quickly within the system. Many everyday household items, including products labelled as 'biodegradable' or 'flushable', can cause serious drainage and pump problems when flushed. Never flush: wet wipes or cleaning wipes (including 'flushable' wipes), sanitary products such as tampons and sanitary pads, paper towels, cotton buds, dental floss, nappies, grease or cooking oils, or disposable gloves and masks. Even if these products appear harmless, they can accumulate inside pumps and pipework, eventually causing blockages and equipment failure. A simple rule to remember: if it doesn't break down as easily as toilet paper, it should go in the bin — not the toilet.

Question 4

Can I use bleach if I have a sewage treatment plant?

Accepted Answer

In short — it's best to avoid excessive use of bleach and harsh chemical cleaners if your property has a sewage treatment plant or septic system. Sewage treatment plants rely on naturally occurring bacteria to break down waste through a biological treatment process. Strong chemicals such as bleach, disinfectants, and antibacterial cleaners can kill this bacteria, disrupting the treatment process and potentially leading to poor system performance, unpleasant odours, or complete system failure. While the occasional small amount of bleach is unlikely to cause immediate damage, repeated or heavy use over time can significantly reduce the effectiveness of your treatment plant. Choose cleaning products specifically labelled as septic-safe, sewage treatment plant-safe, biodegradable, and low in harsh chemicals.

Question 5

Why do my pumps keep blocking?

Accepted Answer

One of the most common causes of pump breakdowns is blockages created by non-biodegradable materials entering the wastewater system. Sewage pumps are specifically designed to handle foul wastewater, human waste, and toilet paper only. Anything beyond these materials can lead to blocked pipework, damaged impellers, pump overloads, and complete system failure. Common items responsible for sewage pump failures include: wet wipes and cleaning wipes, 'flushable' or biodegradable wipes, sanitary towels and tampons, paper towels, cotton buds, dental floss, nappies, and grease or cooking oils. These materials do not break down quickly enough and can easily become tangled within the pump mechanism. One of the most common misconceptions is that wipes labelled 'biodegradable' or 'flushable' are safe to flush. In reality, they do not degrade quickly enough for modern sewage systems and often accumulate within pumps and pipework. The rule is simple: only flush toilet paper and human waste. Everything else belongs in the bin.

Question 6

Why is my sewage treatment plant smelly?

Accepted Answer

A properly maintained sewage treatment plant should operate efficiently without producing strong or unpleasant odours. Persistent foul smells are often a sign that the biological treatment process is not functioning correctly and that the system may require professional attention. Common causes include: disruption or loss of beneficial bacteria, excessive use of bleach or harsh chemicals, system overload from excessive wastewater, blocked pipework or restricted airflow, mechanical failures, faulty air pumps or blowers, poor maintenance, and build-up of sludge or grease. Ignoring foul smells can lead to reduced treatment efficiency, system blockages, sewage pump failures, and environmental compliance issues. Having your system inspected early by a qualified wastewater engineer can help identify the root cause quickly and prevent further damage. Our experienced engineers carry out comprehensive inspections, pump servicing, and wastewater system maintenance to restore your system to full working order.

Question 7

How much does a sewage pump cost to replace?

Accepted Answer

The cost of replacing a sump pump, sewage pump, air pump, or other components within a sewage treatment plant can vary depending on the type of system installed and the complexity of the work required. Every wastewater system is different, which is why professional assessment is important before accurate pricing can be provided. Factors that affect pump replacement costs include: the type and size of the pump, the make and model of equipment required, accessibility of the installation site, the complexity of removal and installation work, electrical or control panel requirements, the condition of the existing system, and whether additional repairs or pipework modifications are needed. Contact CPD Waste Water Ltd today and we will be happy to discuss your requirements, assess your system, and provide a tailored quotation based on your specific wastewater and drainage needs.

Question 8

How much does my system cost to run?

Accepted Answer

The running cost of a sewage pump, sump pump, pumping station, or sewage treatment plant can vary depending on the size of the system, how often it operates, and your electricity tariff. Modern wastewater systems are generally designed to be energy efficient, but ongoing electricity usage should still be considered as part of your operating costs. A small domestic sewage treatment plant with a continuously running air compressor typically uses between 80–100 watts of electricity. Based on the current Ofgem energy price cap rate of approximately 24.67p per kWh, this equates to approximately £0.50–£0.65 per day, around £15–£20 per month, or approximately £180–£240 per year. Regular sewage pump servicing and treatment plant maintenance can help improve efficiency, reduce electricity consumption, and extend the lifespan of your equipment. Poorly maintained systems often work harder than necessary, leading to increased running costs and a higher risk of breakdowns.

Question 9

What are the responsibilities of a landlord?

Accepted Answer

If your property is fitted with a sump pump, sewage pump, pumping station, sewage treatment plant, or septic tank, it is essential to ensure the system is properly maintained and that tenants understand how to use it correctly. Regular maintenance and clear communication can help prevent costly breakdowns, property damage, and environmental issues. Landlord responsibilities include: ensuring regular professional maintenance (we recommend at least every six months), informing tenants about the type of wastewater system installed and how to use it correctly, and responding quickly to any reported issues. Tenants should know how to recognise warning signs such as unpleasant sewage odours, slow-draining toilets or sinks, unusual pump noises, alarm activations, and overflowing drains. Regular maintenance of your sewage treatment plant, sewage pump, or pumping station can help prevent expensive emergency call-outs, extend the lifespan of pumps and equipment, reduce the risk of flooding, maintain compliance with environmental standards, and protect tenants and property value.

Question 10

What are the responsibilities of a tenant?

Accepted Answer

Even if you do not own the property's sewage pump, sump pump, pumping station, sewage treatment plant, or septic system, you still play an important role in helping the wastewater system operate safely and efficiently. Correct use of the system can help prevent blockages, pump failures, flooding, and costly repairs. Tenant responsibilities include: only flushing toilet paper and human waste; never flushing wipes, sanitary products, nappies, cotton buds, or paper towels; avoiding pouring fats, oils, grease, or food waste down sinks; and limiting the use of harsh chemicals or bleach where a sewage treatment plant is installed. If you notice any signs that the wastewater system may not be operating correctly — such as unpleasant sewage smells, slow-draining sinks or toilets, unusual pump noises, overflowing drains, or alarm warnings — contact your landlord or property manager as soon as possible. Prompt reporting can help prevent more serious system damage.

Question 11

What are the General Binding Rules?

Accepted Answer

The General Binding Rules (GBRs) were introduced by the Environment Agency on 1st January 2015 to regulate small sewage discharges from septic tanks and sewage treatment plants in England. These rules are designed to reduce pollution, protect waterways, and ensure wastewater systems are installed and maintained correctly. Since 1st January 2020, septic tanks that discharge directly into surface water (ditches, streams, rivers, brooks, or watercourses) are no longer compliant under the General Binding Rules. If your septic tank currently discharges into a watercourse, you must either replace it with a compliant sewage treatment plant meeting BS EN 12566-3 certification, or install a drainage field (soakaway system) complying with BS6297:2007 standards. If you are selling a property with a private drainage system, you are legally required to inform the buyer, provide details of the system and its maintenance history, confirm whether the system complies with the General Binding Rules, and upgrade or replace non-compliant systems where required. Our experienced engineers can assess your existing system, explain your legal obligations, and recommend the most cost-effective solution to bring your wastewater system up to current standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Maintenance & Servicing

Still Have Questions?