20 Person Septic Tank: Affordable, Easy-to-Install Kits

Why Choose Our 20 Person Septic Tank Kit?

Our 20 person septic tank kits are transforming wastewater management for larger properties with their affordability, ease of installation, and regulatory compliance. Here’s why they stand out:

• Cost-Effective: Priced at £6,499 for a 20-person system, our kits save £10,000–£15,000 compared to professional installations averaging £18,000.
• Easy Installation: Install in just 3 hours using a 1.5, 3, or 5-tonne digger. No experience needed—ideal for DIY or local builders.
• Compact Design: Our advanced tank design has a smaller footprint than traditional onion-style tanks, perfect for properties with limited space.
• Versatile Applications: Suitable for large homes, workshops, campsites, glamping, caravan parks, and commercial properties, even in clay-heavy or poor-draining soils.
• Regulatory Compliance: Approved by Environment Agency General Binding Rules and UK Building Control, ensuring hassle-free planning permission.

Each kit includes a heavy-duty, low-profile septic tank, 5 lengths of 110mm underground pipe, 110mm connectors, 12 drainage field crates, and free membrane. No concrete is required, reducing costs and installation time. We also offer a wide range of septic tank kits, including 4 person, 6 person, 10 person, 12 person, 18 person, 24 person, 30 person, 50 person, 75 person, and 100 person options, as well as 4 pop, 6 pop, 10 pop, 12 pop, 18 pop, 24 pop, 30 pop, 50 pop, 75 pop, and 100 pop kits to suit various needs.

The Science Behind a 20 Person Septic Tank

A 20 person septic tank is designed to handle the wastewater needs of a large property or commercial setup with up to 20 occupants, equivalent to a large residential or commercial facility. These systems treat sewage through natural biological processes for properties not connected to mains sewerage. Here’s how they work:

How Septic Tanks Function

Wastewater from toilets, sinks, showers, and appliances flows into the septic tank, undergoing a three-stage process:

1. Solid Separation: Heavy solids (sludge) settle at the bottom, while lighter materials (scum, like oils) float to the top.
2. Anaerobic Digestion: Bacteria inside the tank break down organic matter in an oxygen-free environment, reducing solid volume and partially treating the wastewater.
3. Effluent Dispersal: Treated liquid (effluent) flows to a drainage field, where it percolates through soil for further natural purification.

Our 20 person septic tank is sized according to British Water’s Flows and Loads guidance, ensuring it can handle the daily wastewater volume of 20 people (approximately 3000–4000 litres). The shallow drainage field (500mm below ground) is optimized for clay-heavy or poor-draining soils, ensuring efficient effluent dispersal.

Why Shallow Drainage Fields Work

In clay or rocky soils, water movement is slow, and deep drainage fields (1000mm+) often require larger areas, increasing costs. Our kits place the drainage field closer to the surface, where soil is less compact, improving effluent absorption. This design reduces installation time and complies with regulatory standards, making our kits ideal for a 20 person septic tank.

Environmental Benefits

Our kits adhere to the Environment Agency’s General Binding Rules, preventing groundwater pollution. The shallow drainage field minimizes the risk of effluent reaching watercourses, protecting local rivers, streams, and coastal ecosystems.

Case Study: 20 Person Septic Tank Installation

Background

In 2024, a rural retreat center in Cornwall needed a 20 person septic tank to support their facility accommodating guests and staff. With no mains sewer and clay-heavy soil, professional installation quotes averaged £20,500. They chose our £6,499 20-person septic tank kit to save costs and simplify installation.

Methodology

The installation process included:

1. Site Assessment: The owner confirmed the site was over 30m from a public sewer and 50m from water sources, complying with Environment Agency regulations.
2. Installation: Using a 5-tonne digger, a local builder dug a shallow pit for the tank and a 500mm-deep trench for the drainage field. The kit was installed in 3.2 hours.
3. Inspection: A Building Control officer verified compliance with Approved Document H.

Results

The system was installed for under £6,700 (including digger rental), saving £13,800 compared to professional quotes. The shallow drainage field performed exceptionally in clay soil, with no pooling or odours after ten months. The owner reported easy maintenance and full regulatory compliance.

Conclusion

This case study demonstrates the affordability, ease, and effectiveness of our 20 person septic tank kits in challenging soil conditions, making them a top choice for large properties and commercial setups.

Customer Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a 20 person septic tank?

A 20 person septic tank is designed to handle the wastewater needs of up to 20 people, typically for large homes or commercial setups, with a capacity to manage daily flows of 3000–4000 litres.

Do I need planning permission for a 20 person septic tank?

Yes, new installations require planning permission and Building Control approval. Our kits comply with Approved Document H, simplifying the process.

Can I install the kit myself?

Yes, no experience is needed. The kit includes clear instructions, and installation takes about 3 hours with a 1.5–5-tonne digger. Many customers DIY or hire a local builder.

Will the kit work in clay or poor-draining soil?

Absolutely. The shallow drainage field (500mm deep) is designed for clay-heavy or poor-draining soils, ensuring efficient effluent dispersal.

How often should I maintain a 20 person septic tank?

Desludge annually and inspect the drainage field for blockages. Follow the maintenance guide included with the kit.

What if my property is near a public sewer?

If within 30m of a public sewer, you may need to connect to it. If connection is impractical, our kits meet regulations for private systems. Contact your local water authority for guidance.

Why Our 20 Person Septic Tank Outperforms Traditional Systems

Traditional onion-style septic tanks require deep excavations, concrete surrounds, and large drainage fields, driving up costs and installation time. Our 20 person septic tank kits offer:

• Shallow Dig: 50% less depth reduces digging time and cost.
• No Concrete: Eliminates costly concrete blankets.
• Small Footprint: Compact design fits properties with limited space.
• Fast Installation: 3 hours vs. days for traditional systems.

These advantages make our kits the best choice for a 20 person septic tank, especially for large properties and commercial setups in rural areas.

Regulatory Compliance for a 20 Person Septic Tank

Our 20 person septic tank kits are fully compliant with:

• Environment Agency General Binding Rules: No discharge to watercourses, daily discharge under 2m³, and compliance with BS EN 12566.
• Building Regulations Approved Document H: Proper sizing, installation, and drainage field design.
• British Water Flows and Loads: Correct tank sizing for 20 persons.

We provide all necessary documentation for planning permission and Building Control approval, ensuring a smooth process.

Applications for a 20 Person Septic Tank

Our 20 person septic tank kits are versatile, catering to a wide range of property types across the UK:

Large Domestic Properties

Ideal for large homes with multiple occupants, our kits handle high wastewater volumes, fitting into properties with limited space.

Campsites and Glamping

Tourism-driven businesses, such as campsites and glamping sites, benefit from our affordable, compliant kits. The quick installation minimizes disruption, and the system supports high seasonal usage.

Commercial Properties

Businesses like hotels, farm shops, or rural offices rely on our kits for cost-effective wastewater management. The system handles significant wastewater volumes for commercial use.

Caravan Parks and Mobile Homes

For caravan parks or mobile home sites, our kits provide a compact, efficient solution that meets regulatory requirements without high costs.

Cost Comparison: Our Kits vs. Professional Installations

Professional installations for a 20 person septic tank typically cost £18,000–£20,000, including labor, materials, and compliance checks. Our kits offer significant savings:

• Kit Cost: £6,499 for a 20-person system.
• Digger Rental: £100–£200 for a day’s hire.
• Additional Costs: Minimal, as no concrete or specialized labor is required.
• Total Savings: Up to £15,000 compared to professional installations.

By choosing our kits, you get a high-quality, compliant 20 person septic tank at a fraction of the cost.

Tips for Installing a 20 Person Septic Tank

To ensure a successful 20 person septic tank installation, follow these expert tips:

1. Conduct a Site Survey: Verify distances from water sources, sewers, and property boundaries to comply with Environment Agency regulations.
2. Test Soil Conditions: Perform a percolation test to confirm the drainage field’s suitability, especially in clay-heavy areas.
3. Hire a Digger: A 1.5–5-tonne digger is ideal for the shallow excavation required by our kits.
4. Follow Instructions: Our kits include detailed guides to ensure proper assembly and compliance.
5. Schedule Inspections: Arrange for Building Control to inspect the installation before backfilling to secure approval.

These steps, combined with our user-friendly kits, make installation straightforward and cost-effective.

Maintenance for a 20 Person Septic Tank

Proper maintenance ensures your 20 person septic tank operates efficiently for decades. Key tasks include:

• Annual Desludging: Remove accumulated sludge to prevent blockages, costing £150–£300 per year.
• Drainage Field Checks: Inspect for pooling or slow drainage, which may indicate a blockage requiring minor repairs.
• Septic-Safe Products: Use cleaning products that protect the tank’s bacterial ecosystem, avoiding system failures.
• Regular Inspections: Check pipes and connectors for leaks, especially after heavy rainfall.

By maintaining your system, you avoid costly repairs and ensure compliance with environmental regulations.

Why Choose Septic Tank UK for Your 20 Person Septic Tank?

At Septic Tank UK, we’re dedicated to providing the best 20 person septic tank solutions. Our kits are designed for ease, affordability, and compliance, offering:

• Significant Savings: Save thousands compared to traditional installations.
• Expert Support: Our team provides guidance on installation, compliance, and maintenance.
• Durable Materials: High-quality tanks and components withstand diverse soil and weather conditions.
• Customer Trust: Hundreds of satisfied customers across the UK rely on our kits.

We also offer a wide range of septic tank kits, including 4 pop, 6 pop, 10 pop, 12 pop, 18 pop, 24 pop, 30 pop, 50 pop, 75 pop, and 100 pop options, ensuring we have a solution for every need.

Get Your 20 Person Septic Tank Kit Today

Ready to install a cost-effective 20 person septic tank? Visit Septic Tank UK to order your £6,499 20-person kit or explore our range of solutions, from 4 person to 100 person septic tank kits. Contact us for expert advice or to place your order.

With our kits, you’ll enjoy a compliant, affordable, and easy-to-install septic system tailored to your needs. Don’t pay £18,000 for a traditional installation—choose Septic Tank UK and save big!

Additional Resources

For more information on septic tank regulations and installation, explore these high-authority resources:

• Environment Agency: Permits for Septic Tanks
• British Water: Flows and Loads Guidance
• UK Government: Approved Document H