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Understanding Costs: Compact Filter Vs. Micro-station For Invidual Sanitation

Understanding Costs: Compact Filter Vs. Micro-station For Invidual Sanitation

Posted on 13 Apr 2022 by Lise Helluy

What is the price of an individual sewage system? This is a question that many homeowners are asking themselves as they weigh their wastewater treatment options. Various factors come into play when determining the final cost of an individual wastewater treatment system. These include the cost of installing the system, as well as administrative and maintenance costs

In this blog post, we'll look at one of the first factors: the cost differences between micro-stations and compact filters.

Micro-stations vs compact filters: what are the differences?

Micro-stations and compact filters are two of the most popular individual sewage system options on the market. But what are the differences in price between these two options? Both options have their own advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to weigh all of the factors before making a decision. The final cost of an individual sewage system will depend on the specific circumstances of each homeowner.

Compact filters are typically more expensive than micro plants, but the running costs are usually lower. This is because compact filters have lower maintenance costs since they have fewer moving parts. Also, they don't require any electric power to treat wastewater: unless the installation requires the installation of a lifting system.

If you're looking for an individual sewage system option that is more effective, then a compact filter might be the better choice. Compact filters are able to remove more impurities from wastewater than micro plants. So, if you're interested in ensuring that the environment is protected, then a compact filter might be the right individual sewage system option for you.

Several factors come into play and make the price of these two types of individual sanitation systems vary, such as the choice of materials and the technology adopted, but also the treatment capacity of the system chosen. To help you make your choice, here is a table summarizing the advantages and disadvantages of the two types of systems: micro plants and compact filters.

Advantages of micro-stations:

  • Complete and not very voluminous device (ground surface is about 5m² for a dwelling of 6 population equivalents),
  • Excavation work is limited,
  • Very easy to install (1 to 2 days maximum),
  • Can be installed above ground,
  • Odorless,
  • Easy to maintain.

Disadvantages of micro-stations:

  • Being a very compact device: likely to produce sludge more quickly, resulting in more frequent emptying,
  • The purifying bacteria must be supplied with oxygen at all times: more sensitive to prolonged shutdowns so not suitable for second homes,
  • Additional cost for electricity (about 50 euros per year).

Advantages of compact filters:

  • No need for electricity to operate because it works by gravity flow (no additional cost to add),
  • Small footprint,
  • Simple and limited maintenance (no moving or mechanical parts),
  • Frequency of emptying more extended in time (tolerates intermittent use very well),
  • Reduced noise pollution.

Disadvantages of compact filters:

  • In some cases, it requires the installation of a lift pump,
  • Not recommended to install it above ground,
  • Less compact than a micro plant,
  • The media must be changed every 10 years approximatively.

BIOROCK treatment plant Installation

BIOROCK treatment plant Installation

Now discover the characteristics of BIOROCK solution, combining the advantages of the two previous systems:

  • Non-electric,
  • Low operational costs,
  • Minimum annual maintenance,
  • Ultra-compact & discreet,
  • Long septic tank pump-out intervals,
  • Odorless & Silent,
  • Long absence period,
  • Can be installed above or underground,
  • Easy to install.

The compact filter is therefore a little more expensive to buy. In the long term, this cost could be justified by the fact that it does not consume energy, which is equivalent to about 50 euros per year for the micro plant. Moreover, this system is sometimes eligible for the eco-loan at a zero rate. In the end, even if the price is sometimes higher, the maintenance costs will be lower in the long term, so it's up to you to see what your priorities are, depending on your project.

Of course, there are other factors to consider when choosing an individual sewage system. The purchase cost of the device should not be considered a determining factor in the choice between a compact filter and a micro plant. Let's talk about the other costs that need to be taken into account.

What are the administrative costs, maintenance costs or subsidies available for the installation of an individual sanitation system? Find out soon in a new article.

If you want more information about BIOROCK treatment plants, discover our all range of solutions here!

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