Marsh Ensign PE06 Sewage Treatment Plant Repair and IPS Conversion in CW1, Cheshire
Envirocare Off Mains were contacted by a Marsh representative regarding a Marsh Ensign PE06 sewage treatment plant installed by a local building company in the Cheshire area. The system was reported as faulty and we were asked to inspect the site and propose a solution.
Initial Inspection Findings
During our site visit, several issues were identified:
The drainage field was installed at an incorrect depth, causing groundwater to surcharge the unit.
The internal blower had flooded and burned out, leaving the sewage treatment system inoperative.
No porosity test results were available, and the project architect was unavailable for consultation.
The installation site was predominantly clay soil, which is known to affect drainage efficiency.
These findings indicated that the original installation did not meet operational standards and required immediate remedial action.
Agreed Solution
After discussing options with the Marsh representative and the builder, we agreed on the following corrective plan:
Convert the Marsh PE06 gravity-fed sewage treatment plant to an IPS (Intermittent Pumping System) unit.
Install an external blower to prevent flooding of internal components.
Reroute discharge to a nearby watercourse, making the original drainage field redundant.
All parts required for the conversion were supplied by the builder, as these were not covered under warranty.
Completion and Compliance
The conversion was completed on 16th January 2026, including rerouting 32mm discharge pipework. After the work was finished, the plant was fully operational.
Following the upgrade, Cheshire East Building Control inspected the system and confirmed that it met all regulatory standards, approving the installation.
Key Insights and Best Practices
This project highlights several important considerations for sewage treatment plant installations:
Ensure drainage fields are installed at the correct depth, particularly in areas with high groundwater or clay soils.
Protect internal blowers and other components from potential flooding.
Conduct thorough soil porosity tests before installation to prevent long-term drainage issues.
Collaborate closely with builders, manufacturers, and professional service providers to implement effective solutions efficiently.
By addressing these issues, we ensured that the Marsh Ensign PE06 system operates safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with building regulations.
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