For instance, if you’re seeking a reliable, cost-effective, and easy-to-install septic tank solution for your 7-8 bedroom property, our 7-8 Bedroom Septic Tank Soakaway Kit at Builders Yard UK is the ideal choice. Specifically, it is designed for domestic homes, businesses, campsites, glamping sites, and more, making it a game-changer in off-mains wastewater management. Moreover, with full compliance to UK Building Control, Environment Agency standards, and General Binding Rules, our kits offer a hassle-free installation process. Consequently, they can save you £10,000–£15,000 compared to traditional septic tank systems.
In this comprehensive 4000–5000-word guide, we’ll explore the features of our septic tank kits. Additionally, we’ll compare different septic tank materials (plastic, fibreglass, and concrete) and explain why our shallow dig, low-profile design paired with drainage field crates is the best choice for UK properties. Furthermore, we’ll provide detailed insights into installation, cost savings, regulatory compliance, and more, ensuring you have all the information needed to make an informed decision.
Why Choose the 7-8 Bedroom Septic Tank Soakaway Kit?
Specifically, our 7-8 Bedroom Septic Tank Soakaway Kit is engineered for simplicity, affordability, and performance. For example, priced at £4999, it includes everything you need for a fully functional septic system:
- Heavy-duty, shallow dig, low-profile septic tank (4000-litre capacity)
- 5 lengths of 110mm underground pipe
- 110mm connectors
- 12 drainage field crates
- Free membrane
Moreover, this kit is designed to serve properties with 7-8 bedrooms, making it ideal for large households, businesses, or holiday accommodations like glamping sites and caravan parks. In addition, the kit’s compact footprint and shallow dig design mean it can be installed in just 3 hours, even in challenging soil conditions like heavy clay. As a result, no concrete or electricity is required, and the installation can be handled by a DIY enthusiast, local builder, or groundworker using a 1.5, 3, or 5-tonne digger.
Key Benefits of the 7-8 Bedroom Septic Kit
Here’s why our 7-8 Bedroom Septic Tank Soakaway Kit stands out in the UK market:
- Cost Savings: For example, save £10,000–£15,000 compared to professional installations, which typically cost £18,000.
- Easy Installation: Specifically, it takes just 3 hours with no specialist equipment or experience needed.
- Compact Design: Moreover, the 4000-litre tank has a smaller footprint than traditional septic tanks, perfect for small gardens or tight spaces.
- Regulatory Compliance: Additionally, it is approved by UK Building Control and Environment Agency, adhering to General Binding Rules for seamless planning permission.
- Versatile Application: For instance, it is suitable for domestic properties, workshops, campsites, and more, even in clay soil or high water table areas.
- Low Maintenance: Consequently, it requires minimal upkeep, with periodic desludging every 1-3 years.
Comparing Septic Tank Materials
Choosing the right septic tank material is crucial for durability, cost, and ease of installation. Therefore, at Builders Yard UK, our kits feature high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic tanks. However, let’s compare the three main types available on the UK market: plastic, fibreglass, and concrete.
1. Plastic Septic Tanks (HDPE)
For example, plastic septic tanks, like those in our 7-8 Bedroom Septic Tank Soakaway Kit, are made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), a lightweight, durable, and corrosion-resistant material. Additionally, they are increasingly popular in the UK due to their affordability and ease of installation.
- Pros:
- Lightweight, making transport and installation easier.
- Corrosion-resistant, ideal for wet or acidic soils.
- Cost-effective, typically priced lower than concrete tanks.
- Shallow dig designs reduce excavation time and costs.
- Certified to EN 12566-1 standards for durability.
- Cons:
- In contrast, they are less robust than concrete in high-traffic areas unless reinforced.
- Moreover, they may require anchoring in high water table areas to prevent floating.
2. Fibreglass Septic Tanks
Specifically, fibreglass tanks are made from glass-reinforced plastic, offering a balance between strength and weight. For instance, they are often used in areas with challenging ground conditions.
- Pros:
- Stronger than plastic, suitable for areas with heavy vehicle traffic.
- Corrosion-resistant and long-lasting (up to 50 years with proper maintenance).
- Lightweight compared to concrete, simplifying installation.
- Cons:
- However, they are more expensive than plastic tanks.
- Additionally, they can crack under extreme pressure if not installed correctly.
- Furthermore, they have limited availability compared to plastic or concrete options.
3. Concrete Septic Tanks
Concrete septic tanks, often referred to as “onion” tanks due to their spherical shape, are traditional and robust. However, they come with significant drawbacks.
- Pros:
- Extremely durable and stable, ideal for heavy-duty applications.
- Resistant to buoyancy in high water table areas.
- Long lifespan (50+ years with maintenance).
- Cons:
- In contrast, they are heavy, requiring heavy machinery for transport and installation.
- Moreover, they require a concrete surround, increasing costs and installation time.
- Additionally, deep excavation is needed, often 3 metres or more, leading to larger drainage fields.
- Furthermore, they are prone to cracking in unstable soils.
- Finally, they have a higher upfront cost than plastic or fibreglass.
Comparison Table: Plastic vs. Fibreglass vs. Concrete Septic Tanks
| Feature | Plastic (HDPE) | Fibreglass | Concrete |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | £2000–£5000 | £3000–£7000 | £5000–£10,000 |
| Weight | Lightweight | Moderate | Heavy |
| Installation Time | 3–6 hours | 6–12 hours | 1–2 days |
| Durability | 25–50 years | 30–50 years | 50+ years |
| Corrosion Resistance | High | High | Moderate |
| Excavation Depth | Shallow (1–1.5m) | Moderate (1.5–2m) | Deep (2–3m) |
| Best For | DIY, small gardens, clay soil | Heavy traffic areas | High water tables, large sites |
Consequently, our 7-8 Bedroom Septic Tank Soakaway Kit uses HDPE plastic tanks for their cost-effectiveness, ease of installation, and suitability for most UK properties. In contrast, concrete tanks require extensive excavation and concrete surrounds, which significantly increase disruption and costs.
Cost Savings with the 7-8 Bedroom Septic Tank Soakaway Kit
Traditional septic tank systems, particularly concrete “onion” tanks, are expensive and time-consuming to install. However, our shallow dig, low-profile septic tanks and drainage field crates save you thousands in several ways:
- Reduced Excavation Costs: For example, our tanks require only 1–1.5 metres of excavation depth, compared to 3 metres for concrete tanks, reducing digger hire costs and labour time.
- No Concrete Required: Moreover, unlike concrete tanks, which need a 150mm concrete base and surround, our HDPE tanks are backfilled with soil or gravel, saving £1000–£2000 in materials and labour.
- Compact Drainage Field: Specifically, our 12 drainage field crates create a high-void-ratio soakaway with a smaller footprint than traditional herringbone soakaways, reducing the land area needed and excavation costs.
- DIY-Friendly Installation: Additionally, professional installations cost £12,000–£18,000, but our kits, priced at £4999, can be installed by a DIYer or local builder, saving £10,000–£15,000.
- Faster Installation: Furthermore, the 3-hour installation time minimizes labour costs and disruption to your property.
- Works in Clay Soil: As a result, the drainage field, positioned only 500mm below the grass, allows effluent to drain effectively even in heavy clay soils, unlike deeper systems that encounter more clay.
Cost Saving Example: For instance, a professional installation for a 7-8 bedroom property might cost £18,000, including a concrete tank, deep excavation, and labour. However, our kit, at £4999, plus £500 for digger hire and £500 for a local builder, totals £5999—a saving of £12,001!
Drainage Field Crates: A Modern Alternative to Soakaways
Specifically, our 7-8 Bedroom Septic Tank Soakaway Kit includes 12 drainage field crates, which outperform traditional herringbone soakaways in efficiency and space requirements. Here’s why they are superior:
- High Void Ratio: For example, crates provide 95% void space for effluent dispersal, compared to 30–40% for gravel-based soakaways, ensuring faster drainage.
- Compact Footprint: Moreover, they are ideal for small gardens or postage stamp-sized plots, as crates require less land than traditional soakaways.
- Clay Soil Compatibility: Additionally, positioned just 500mm below the surface, crates avoid dense clay layers, improving drainage in poor soil conditions.
- Durability: Furthermore, made from robust plastic, crates are driveway-safe and resistant to soil pressure.
- Easy Installation: As a result, their modular design simplifies placement and connection, reducing installation time.
According to British Water guidelines, drainage field crates are an approved solution for septic tank systems. Consequently, they ensure compliance with UK regulations.
Septic Tank Sizes and Attenuation Crates
For instance, at Builders Yard UK, we offer septic tank kits for various property sizes, from 1-2 bedrooms to 7-8 bedrooms, with tank capacities of 3000–4000 litres. Additionally, for larger applications, we provide attenuation crates for managing stormwater, available in configurations for 4 to 100 persons:
- 4 pop, 6 pop, 10 pop, 12 pop, 18 pop, 24 pop, 30 pop, 50 pop, 75 pop, 100 pop
What Are Attenuation Crates? Specifically, attenuation crates are modular plastic units used to store and slowly release stormwater, preventing flooding in areas with poor drainage. Moreover, they are often used alongside septic systems in rural properties to manage surface water effectively. As a result, our attenuation crates are compatible with our 7-8 Bedroom Septic Tank Soakaway Kit, offering a comprehensive wastewater and stormwater solution.
Septic Tank Size Guide
| Kit Size | Tank Capacity | Price | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2 Bedroom | 3000 litres | £3499 | Small homes, workshops |
| 3-4 Bedroom | 3000 litres | £3999 | Medium homes, small businesses |
| 5-6 Bedroom | 4000 litres | £4499 | Large homes, campsites |
| 7-8 Bedroom | 4000 litres | £4999 | Large homes, glamping sites |
Furthermore, our tanks are sized according to British Water Flows and Loads guidelines, ensuring they meet the wastewater needs of your property.
Regulatory Compliance and Approvals
Installing a septic tank in the UK requires compliance with strict regulations to protect the environment and public health. Therefore, our 7-8 Bedroom Septic Tank Soakaway Kit is fully approved by:
- UK Building Control: For instance, it meets Part H of Building Regulations for drainage and waste disposal.
- Environment Agency: Moreover, it complies with General Binding Rules for small sewage discharges to the ground.
- British Standards: Additionally, it is certified to BS 6297:2007+A1:2008 and EN 12566-1 for septic tank design and performance.
Specifically, the General Binding Rules, introduced in 2015 and updated in 2020, prohibit septic tanks from discharging directly to watercourses (e.g., rivers, streams, or ditches). Instead, effluent must be discharged to a drainage field, as provided in our kits. As a result, our systems are designed to treat wastewater through anaerobic digestion and disperse it safely into the ground via drainage field crates, preventing pollution.
However, if your property is within 30 metres of a public sewer, you may need to connect to it unless granted an exemption by the Environment Agency. For discharges exceeding 2 cubic metres per day, a permit is required. Fortunately, our kits are designed for discharges below this threshold, simplifying the approval process. Therefore, always consult your local planning authority and the Environment Agency for site-specific guidance.
Installation Guide for Large Properties
Installing our 7-8 Bedroom Septic Tank Soakaway Kit is straightforward and can be completed in 3 hours. Specifically, here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Dig the Hole: For example, excavate a hole 1–1.5 metres deep for the tank, inspection chamber, and drainage field crates, using a 1.5, 3, or 5-tonne digger.
- Place Components: Moreover, position the septic tank, inspection chamber, and 12 drainage field crates in the excavated area.
- Connect Pipework: Additionally, use the 5 lengths of 110mm pipe and connectors to link the tank to the house drain and drainage field.
- Backfill: Furthermore, fill the hole with soil or gravel—no concrete or electricity is needed.
- Test the System: Finally, ensure proper flow and check for leaks before covering completely.
As a result, no prior installation experience is required, and our kits come with detailed instructions. For additional support, contact our team at Builders Yard UK.
Cost Comparison: DIY vs. Professional Installation
| Cost Component | Builders Yard Kit | Professional Installation |
|---|---|---|
| Septic Tank Kit | £4999 | £8000–£10,000 |
| Excavation | £500 (digger hire) | £2000–£3000 |
| Labour | £0–£500 (DIY or local builder) | £5000–£7000 |
| Concrete Surround | £0 (not required) | £1000–£2000 |
| Total Cost | £5499–£5999 | £16,000–£18,000 |
| Savings | £10,001–£12,501 | |
Consequently, by choosing our kit, you avoid the high costs of professional installation while achieving the same reliable, compliant results.
Applications for the 7-8 Bedroom Septic Tank Soakaway Kit
Our 7-8 Bedroom Septic Tank Soakaway Kit is versatile and suitable for a wide range of properties and applications:
- Domestic Homes: For example, it is perfect for rural homes without mains sewer access, especially large 7-8 bedroom properties.
- Businesses: Moreover, it is ideal for workshops, small offices, or rural businesses.
- Holiday Accommodations: Additionally, it is suited for campsites, glamping sites, caravan parks, and mobile homes.
- Small Gardens: Furthermore, the compact design fits postage stamp-sized plots.
- Challenging Soils: As a result, it performs well in clay soil or high water table areas.
Maintenance Tips for Your Septic System
To ensure your 7-8 Bedroom Septic Tank Soakaway Kit lasts 25–50 years, follow these maintenance tips:
- For instance, desludge the tank every 1–3 years using a registered waste carrier.
- Moreover, avoid flushing non-biodegradable items like wipes, sanitary products, or chemicals.
- Additionally, conserve water to prevent overloading the system.
- Furthermore, inspect the drainage field annually for signs of pooling or odours.
- Finally, use the inspection chamber for regular checks and maintenance.
As a result, regular maintenance prevents costly repairs and ensures compliance with Environment Agency regulations.
Why Choose Builders Yard UK?
At Builders Yard UK, we’re committed to providing high-quality, affordable septic tank solutions. Specifically, here’s why customers trust us:
- Expert Guidance: For example, our team offers free consultations to help you choose the right kit.
- Fast Delivery: Moreover, we provide free UK delivery within 7 working days.
- Regulatory Expertise: Additionally, we ensure all products meet UK Building Control and Environment Agency standards.
- Customer Satisfaction: Consequently, thousands of happy customers have saved money with our DIY kits.
Therefore, explore our full range of septic tank kits at Builders Yard UK Septic Tanks and start your project today!
Conclusion: The Best 7-8 Bedroom Septic Tank Soakaway Kit
The 7-8 Bedroom Septic Tank Soakaway Kit from Builders Yard UK is the ultimate solution for anyone seeking a cost-effective, easy-to-install, and environmentally friendly septic system. For instance, with savings of £10,000–£15,000, a 3-hour installation time, and full compliance with UK regulations, this kit is unmatched in the UK market. Moreover, whether you’re a homeowner, business owner, or developer, our kit delivers reliable performance in any ground condition, from clay soil to high water tables.
Therefore, contact us today to discuss your needs, or visit our product page to order your kit. As a result, you’ll take control of your wastewater management and save thousands with Builders Yard UK!