Are sewage treatment plants noisy?

Sewage treatment plants are a necessity for many residential properties, prompting questions about their appearance and smell.

While they are important considerations for any concerned homeowner, one of the most overlooked concerns is how noisy they can be.

The noise emitted from a sewage treatment plant varies depending on how far from a property it is.  If you plan on installing one a distance away, sound isn’t something you’ll likely have to consider. However those looking to put one within 15 metres may encounter problems.

Sewage treatment plants use oxygenated water as part of their processes, and it is that which makes a noise. The gas is added with an air blower that uses a diaphragm or piston which moves quickly back and forth to push air into the water.

Those movements create a vibration or buzzing sound.

It is therefore important to consider an air blower’s quality, and where it is house within your treatment plant, because that is what has the largest impact on the noise emitted.

Choosing the right Air Blower and Air Blower Housing

A sewage treatment plant is an investment, which is why installing a high-end one is important.

They use a higher quality blower, manufactured by a reputable brand such as Hiblow, which works more efficiently and creates significantly less noise.

Many plants will often use unbranded air blowers designed in China, which is why it is important to always be aware which component your system uses before it is installed.

While these air blowers will do a job, you will find them to be particularly noisy as well as difficult to find replacement parts for.

Another important factor to consider will be the air blower housing – an element which can also create excess noise.

Most sewage treatment plants house air blowers in a small casing called a Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) box.

It can be found either on top of the plant or mounted on one side but regardless of placement they tend to amplify noise from the air blower.

However, as described above, unless you are planning to install a plant at least 15 metres away from a property, then noise is going to be an issue.

Researching a manufacturer’s components can help.

Many of them install an air blower underneath the lid of the tank to quell the noise, but it is worth finding out how it is designed.

Despite being overlooked, noise is just as big a factor as appearance for homeowners and therefore should be considered when looking to install a sewage treatment plant.

It is important to have all the information available to you, which is why you should always ask your supplier about the air blowers they use and where they are housed.

Armed with this knowledge, you can assess if it is the right treatment plant for your property as well as if you are comfortable using a supplier based on the information they provide.

Talk to us

To find out more about installing a sewage treatment plant, contact us for a free quote with no obligation.

Call us on 01977 800 418 or complete the form on our website.