Septic Tank Replacement Under Driveway: Free Upgrade Scheme Success Story
As you might imagine the whole thing was very daunting for me! Right from the start the whole episode has gone incredibly smoothly – from Karen, who gave me all the information I needed to reassure me when I felt anxious – to Mark, who was able to show me how smoothly it would all go, to Luke, who reassured me when all the heavy vehicles arrived and began to dig up my drive, and has been here almost every day giving me the confidence to leave everything in his hands!
Jake and Curly, who have done all the heavy work, have been a pleasure to have here – nothing is too much trouble – from digging very large holes to transplanting my holly bush – not really in their remit!
Everyone has been incredibly friendly, polite, efficient and helpful.
5-Bedroom Home Gets GRAF Sewage Treatment Plant with Zero Long-Term Disruption
WCI successfully completed a challenging septic tank upgrade for a 5-bedroom detached property under our free phosphate mitigation scheme. This project required precise excavation beneath a tarmac driveway while navigating neighbouring utility lines, demonstrating our expertise in complex residential wastewater installations.
The Challenge: Septic Tank Replacement Under Driveway
The existing septic tank was located directly beneath the property’s tarmac driveway, presenting several technical challenges:
- Confined access requiring careful excavation planning
- Neighbouring utility lines running through the installation site
- Driveway reinstatement to match original condition
- Minimal disruption requirements for occupied family home
- Precise positioning for new sewage treatment plant
This project required meticulous planning to ensure safe excavation around existing services while maintaining property access throughout the installation.
Site Survey and System Specification
Following a comprehensive drainage survey, our project engineers recommended a GRAF 7PE one2clean sewage treatment plant for this 5-bedroom home. This advanced system was specified with:
Key Design Features:
- 7 population equivalent (PE) capacity – ideal for family homes
- Raised outlet configuration – allowing installation in exact location of old septic tank
- Superior phosphate removal – supporting River Tone catchment protection
- Compact footprint – suitable for restricted driveway location
- Minimal maintenance requirements – for long-term reliability
The GRAF one2clean range was selected specifically for its exceptional effluent quality and proven performance in nutrient-sensitive catchments.
Installation Phase: Driveway Excavation and Utility Protection
Our experienced Project Engineer and groundworks team carefully executed the septic tank replacement:
1. Driveway Excavation
2. Sewage Treatment Plant Installation
- GRAF 7PE one2clean plant positioned and leveled
- Secure backfilling using appropriate granular materials
- Installation of inlet and raised outlet pipework
- Concrete surround for structural stability and vehicle loading support
3. System Connection and Testing
- Connection to existing drainage network
- Electrical connection and control panel setup
- System commissioning by WCI British Water Accredited Engineer
- Full operational testing before site restoration
Site Restoration: Professional Reinstatement
WCI takes pride in leaving sites in pristine condition. Our restoration work included:
✓ Driveway re-tarmacking & Seamless integration with surrounding areas
✓ Landscaping restoration including replanting of holly bush
✓ Complete site cleanup and waste removal
Project Outcomes: Modern Wastewater Treatment Compliance
The homeowner now benefits from compliance with current Environmental Permitting Regulations & Phosphate reduction with a modern sewage treatment meeting today’s environmental standards.
Client Satisfaction
- Minimal disruption during occupied installation
- Professional site management throughout
- High-quality driveway reinstatement
- Seamless system integration
Free Septic Tank Upgrades: Phosphate Mitigation Scheme
This installation was completed under WCI’s free upgrade scheme for properties in nutrient-sensitive catchments. If your property is in the River Tone catchment or other phosphate-sensitive areas in Somerset, you may be eligible for a free septic tank replacement.
WCI Expertise: Complex Septic Tank Replacements
This project demonstrates WCI’s capability to handle challenging residential drainage installations, including:
- Septic tanks under driveways, patios, and hardstanding
- Installations near utility services
- Restricted access locations
- Full site restoration services
Need a septic tank upgrade or replacement? Whether you’re eligible for our free upgrade scheme or require a private septic tank installation, WCI provides complete solutions from survey through to commissioning and site reinstatement.
Contact WCI to discuss your septic tank replacement requirements or check eligibility for free upgrades in Somerset’s phosphate-sensitive catchments.
