How To Size A Septic Tank - A Guide To Septic Tank Sizing
How To Calculate UK Septic Tank Size by Owls Hall
If you want to know how to calculate septic tank size, look no further. It can be tough to work out exactly what size
septic tank you need for either a commercial business property or your home. As such, we have put together this
septic tank sizing guide which specifies which septic tank size a property would need, determined by the amount of
people it needs to serve. With over 50 years’ experience in septic services, you can fully rely on the information
provided by Owls Hall in this guide.
For context, a septic tank is generally used where no mains sewage connection is available, and the water can be
discharged through the ground via a soakaway or drainage field.
Important septic tank information
Learning how to size a septic is essential for ensuring it conforms with building regulations and provides long term
performance. The last thing you want is to realise down the line that you have chosen a septic tank too small for
the amount of people in your property and have to install a bigger one.
Remember, septic tanks are not allowed to discharge to a ditch. Upgrading from a septic tank to a sewage
treatment plant will allow discharging to a ditch and provide cleaner water, increasing the life of a soakaway should
one be used.
4 steps to size a septic tank
The below is a guide to sizing a septic tank, with worked examples for single and multiple properties.
Step 1 – Find out how many people the property can accommodate.
British water flows and loads 4 document states that:
A single property of up to 3 bedrooms must be sized at 5 people.
A single property of 4 bedrooms must be sized at 6 people.
A single property of 5 bedrooms must be sized at 7 people
A single property of 6 bedrooms must be sized at 8 people
Multiple properties are sized individually and then added together.
Example A:
4 bedrooms = 6 people
A reduction factor is used where populations exceed 12 people This is to account for the fact that it is highly
unlikely each property will be full. From 13-25 population, you can reduce the figure by multiplying the population
by 0.9. From 26-50 population, you can reduce the figure by multiplying by 0.8.
Example B:
4 bedroom + 5 bedroom property = 6 people + 7 people = 13 people.
Then multiply by 0.9 and round up: 13 x 0.9 = 11.7 (12 rounded up)
Step 2: Calculate the number of litres produced from the property or properties
British water flows and loads 4 document states each person creates 150L a day. Therefore, take the number of
people in step one and multiply by 150.
Example A:
4 bedrooms = 6 people. 6 x 150 = 900L per day
Example B:
4 bedroom + 5 Bedroom properties = 12 population: 12 x 150 = 1800L Per day
Step 3: Add 2000L to the answer in step 2. This will be the minimum size you must have to comply with building
regulations and the environment agency general binding rules.
Example A:
4 bedrooms = 6 people. 6 x 150 = 900L + 2000L = 2900L
Example B:
4 Bedroom + 5 Bedroom = 12 people: 12 x 150 = 1800L = 2000L = 3800L
Step 4: Round the number up to the nearest available septic tank size. Under-sizing your septic tank will result in
the water produced being high in suspended solids and risks blocking your soakaway.
For ease, we have created a simple table.
Septic tank size guide
Bedrooms Minimum size of septic tank Recommended product
1-3 bedrooms 2750L 3000L Septic Tank
4 bedrooms 2900L 3000L Septic Tank
5 bedrooms 3050L 4000L septic tank
2 x 1-3 bed properties 3500L 4000L septic tank
2 x 4 bedrooms 3800L 4000L septic tank
2 x 5 bedrooms 3950L 4000L septic tank
3 x 2 bedrooms 3800L 4000L septic tank
3 x 3 bedrooms 4250L 5000L septic tank
For sizing of a septic tank for a commercial building, more detailed calculations must be made to ensure the daily
flow is accurate. This is done using the British water flows and loads 4 Document. For assistance with this, our
technical team can help on 01844 202121
